With greater federal funding for restoration efforts, the “Restoring Mine-Impaired Watersheds: Experiences, Lessons, and Next Steps” workshop brought together perspectives and experiences regarding restoration of mine-impaired watersheds in Pennsylvania. It sought to strengthen the restoration community and foster an understanding of its work and effects.
Speakers
John Dawes – Executive Director, The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds
Eric Harder – Riverkeeper, Mountain Watershed Association
Eric Chapman – Senior Director of Aquatic Science, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Mike Cook – President, Ben’s Creek Canoe Club
Thomas Clark – Mine Drainage Program Coordinator, Susquehanna River Basin Commission
Brian Bradley – Director, PA DEP Department of Abandoned Mine Reclamation
Joseph Pizarchik – Former Director, Department of Interior Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and EnforcementThis event was held exclusively in person at William Pitt Union on the University of Pittsburgh campus.
Workshop Schedule
September 26, 2022, 9 AM – 5 PM ET
Lower Lounge at William Pitt Union
9 AM: Arrival, coffee and pastries
9:30: Introduction (Jeremy Weber)
9:45: Overview of watershed restoration efforts (John Dawes)
10:15: Restoration example – the Indian Creek Watershed (Eric Harder)
11:15: Break
11:30: Restoration example from the state’s perspective (Jon Smoyer)
12:30 PM: Lunch provided
1 PM: Environmental effects of restoration (Eric Chapman)
Kurtzman Room at William Pitt Union
1:45: Resident perspective (Mike Cooke)
2:30: Break
2:45 PM: Identifying high-impact restoration projects (Thomas Clark)
3:30 PM: Opportunities for further work and research (Joseph Pizarchik)
4:30 PM: Reflections and Conclusion