BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

LOVELY — Appalachian Renewal Project owner Clifford Smith is committed to restoring approximately 150 acres of post-mine land in Lovely to its past grandeur, one sapling at a time. Site preparation work started earlier this month and will continue until thousands of 1-year-old saplings cover the location on Route 292 near the Pike County line.

“The Appalachian Mountains are one of the oldest mountain ranges anywhere on the planet and is considered one of the most biodiverse areas of the world,” said Smith, noting there was once dense forestland before surface mining became prevalent.

The project includes planting a mix of tree species – a variety of oak, poplar, hickory and hazelnut – representing the region’s standing forest. Smith expects several ecological benefits, including wildlife habitat development, better-controlled rain runoff and improved water quality.

Smith says ARP is working with the nonprofit Green Forests Work to reforest the surface mine land.

“Green Forests Work has developed an expertise in the reforestation of mine lands,” explained Smith. “Over the past two decades, they have been involved in a number of experimental and large-scale plantings. Evidence of this work can be found on test plots at Bent Mountain, near the Meta community in Pike County. A large-scale project can be found right here in Martin County, at the former Martiki mine site.”

Smith says it will be critical for tree survival to keep the people off the areas where the planting occurs.

“We ask for their cooperation,” he said.

“The Appalachian Renewal Project is looking to engage with the community on projects such as this, as well as those centered around forest farming, renewable energy and recreation for Appalachian surface mine land.”

Smith said additional security measures would be implemented while the project is underway.