In the last few decades, Appalachia’s forests have been the victims of large deforestation projects that are part of the coal mining process. These industrial processes have led to widespread destruction, which means there is now a need for restoration.
Mining Operations
The mining operations across Appalachia have impacted large regions of forests and ecosystems. This means that many animals have been displaced from their environment. Water quality has also been affected by the mining operations, as well as the ability of forests and soil to store carbon dioxide.
The Restoration Of Land
SMCRA or The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act has rules in place that mandate that mined lands must be restored. Unfortunately, most restoration efforts end in non-native glasslands being put in place, which mean the same biodiversity will never be achieved from the mining destruction.
Restoration Efforts
More recent restoration projects have started in Appalachia’s mining regions, which aim to restore the hardwood forests that were there before the deforestation. These native trees should bring back the native wildlife and ecosystem that was at play before.
Careful Planning
Restoration projects require a lot of planning in order to execute them successfully, else there may be more damage to the already damaged ecosystem. Project workers should be trained in how to properly plant trees, as well as how to properly spread them in order to recreate the ecosystem from before.
Soil Is Important
The soil used in restoration is nearly just as important as which species are reintroduced into the environment. Getting the soil right is crucial for long-term growth and sustainability for trees and other vegetation, as well as animals, as they come back into the ecosystem.
Volunteer Work
Volunteer work is crucial for re-establishing deforested areas from coal mining. Green Forest Works and the Appalachian Regional Restoration Initiative are organizations that aim to restore the forests of areas damaged by the mining industry and depend on volunteers to make up much of their workforce.
Reintroducing Species
Species reintroduced into the Appalachian forests proposed many challenges, including natural fungal diseases that the native American chestnut is susceptible to. Thankfully, chestnuts that have been modified to resist such diseases, meaning they could be planted into regions with less problems occuring.
Biodiversity Coming Back
The goal is that once the forests have been restored, then the ecosystems can return to how they once were. Micro-habitats can be re-established which support many native species. If vernal pools can be established, they can provide food and cover for animals like songbirds and be hunting grounds for bats.
Roles In Climate Change
Projects that aim to repair forests play an important role in climate change by storing large quantities of carbon dioxide. Deforestation only adds to climate change as less carbon gets stored in the earth.
Creating A Healthy Ecosystem
While these restoration efforts may not restore the ecosystems to their original conditions, restoring some of the ecosystems that were destroyed will aid both wildlife and the Earth.
Progress
Even though many projects have run into problems, there have been positive impacts overall. Previously mined lands shown significant improvement with biodiversity increases and nature coming back.
A Comeback
The comeback of Appalachian forests shows that restoration initiatives are working and volunteer involvement goes a long way to protecting and restoring these lands. These efforts ensure that ecological destruction is mitigated as much as possible.
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