Reforestation of strip mine to begin in April planned for strip mine
By MATTHEW WHITELISBON - The first step of a planned reforestation was set in motion recently when representatives from the Little Beaver Creek Land Foundation joined with local environmental experts to visit a 460-acre parcel of land set in Madison Township, about a mile from state Routes 7 and 30.
The land, which was recently acquired by the Columbiana County Park District, was strip mined from at least 1965 through 1994 and bears only sparse grass and shrubs that stand out amongst the surrounding forest, something both the park district and the foundation are hoping to change.
Dr. Patrick Angel of the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative said significant compaction of the soils from heavy mining equipment over many years prevented the natural growth process and said it could take hundreds of years before any trees could grow under the current conditions.
Mike West, vice-chairman of the Columbiana County Park District, said that is much too long and that by loosening the soil and planting the right species of trees the forest could be replaced.
In addition to reclaiming a forest, foundation Watershed Development Coordinator Ben Shaprio said there's another reason why the area should be replenished.
According to Shapiro, a portion of the land has been designated a "wild and scenic river home" by both the federal and state government due to the fact the hellbender, an endangered species similar to a large salamander, has a habitat nearby.
As part of the restoration process, Shaprio said the park district and the foundation will partner in organizing a planting day April 18 and an Arbor Day celebration on April 25, where volunteers will be sought to help plant a variety of hardwood tree species, similar to those that grow naturally in the area.
Shapiro said the planting days will be an educational opportunity and that volunteers will have the chance to work foresters who can teach them about the environment.
Matthew White may be contacted at mwhite@salemnews.net.
