2018 – 2019

Research

• Assessing Long-term and Downstream Impacts of Surface Coal Mining in Central Appalachian Headwater Streams. T.R. Cianciolo, S.H. Schoenholtz, D.L. McLaughlin, Virginia Water Resources Research Center and Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation.
• Long-Term Effects of Rock Type, Amendments and Weathering on Mine Soil Properties and TDS Potentials. W. Lee Daniels, School of Plant & Environmental Sciences.
• Effects of Glyphosate Herbicide on Phytophthora cinnamomi and Mine Soil Microbial Communities. Jason Holliday, Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation; Sara Klopf and Brian Badgley, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences.
• Chronic Toxicity of Trace-Metal Mixtures to Juvenile Freshwater Mussels. Anthony J. Timpano and Jess W. Jones, Fish and Wildlife Conservation.

Education / Extension / Outreach

• Extension Education Programs at Powell River Project Research and Education Center. Phil Meeks, Virginia Cooperative Extension.

2017 – 2018

Research

• Long-Term Effects of Rock Type, Amendments and Weathering on Mine Soil Properties and TDS Potentials. W. Lee Daniels; Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Zooming in on Adverse Birth Outcomes in Coalfield Regions of Central Appalachia. Julia M. Gohlke, Population Health Sciences; Korine N Kolivras, Geography; and Leigh-Anne Krometis, Biological Systems Engineering , Virginia Tech.
• Toward Deregulation of Genetically Modified American Chestnut for Surface Mine Reclamation: Genomic Mechanisms of Transgene-Mediated Blight Resistance. Jason Holliday, Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation; and Sara Klopf, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech .
• Assessing Long-term Trends in Specific Conductance, Dissolved Ion Matrix, and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Communities in Central Appalachian Coalfield Streams. Stephen H. Schoenholtz and Anthony J. Timpano, Virginia Water Resources Research Center; Daniel L. McLaughlin and Thomas R. Cianciolo, Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, Virginia Tech.

Education / Extension / Outreach

• Extension Education Programs at Powell River Project Research and Education Center. Phil Meeks, Virginia Cooperative Extension.

2016 – 2017

Research

• Choosing Plant Species for Reclamation to Better Resist Invasion from Exotic Invasive Plants. J.N. Barney and M.E. Franke; Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science , Virginia Tech.
• The Role of Plant Diversity in Promoting Microbial Function during Ecosystem Restoration on Reclaimed Mine Lands. B.D. Badgley, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences; and B.D. Strahm, Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, Virginia Tech.
• Long-Term Effects of Rock Type, Amendments and Weathering on Mine Soil Properties and TDS Potentials. W. L. Daniels and B.D. Badgley, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences; and B.D. Strahm, Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation , Virginia Tech.
• Growth of Pure and Hybrid American Chestnuts After Eight Growing Seasons on a FRA-Reclaimed Coal Mine. Jason Holliday, Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation; and Sara Klopf, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech .
• Quantitative Sampling of Benthic Macroinvertebrate Communities and Response to Total Dissolved Solids in Central Appalachian Coalfield Streams. S.H. Schoenholtz, Virginia Water Resources Research Center; and D.L. McLaughlin and R.A. Pence, Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation , Virginia Tech.

Education / Extension / Outreach

• Extension Education Programs at Powell River Project Research and Education Center. Phil Meeks, Virginia Cooperative Extension.

2015 – 2016

Research

• Reforestation and Water Quality: Optimizing Plant Systems to Minimize Total Dissolved Solid Delivery to Surface Waters. Brian Strahm, Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, Virginia Tech.
• Predicting TDS Release from SW Virginia Soil-Overburden Sequences. W. Lee Daniels, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Techs.
• Grading and Seeding Effects on Reforestation Success: Seven Year Assessment. Carl E. Zipper, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences; and James A. Burger. Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, Virginia Tech.
• How Do Reclamation Conditions Affect the Invasion Success of the Exotic Autumn Olive? Jacob N. Barney, Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science, Virginia Tech.

Education / Extension / Outreach

• Beef Cattle Production on Reclaimed Surface Mined Land. W. D. Whittier and John Currin, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech
• Extension Education Programs at Powell River Project Research and Education Center. Phil Meeks, Virginia Cooperative Extension.
• Project Coal to Electricity: Teaching Environmental Issues. Barbara Altizer, Eastern Coal Council and Phil Meeks, Powell River Project / Virginia Cooperative Extension.
• A Study to Determine Whether Natural Camouflage Will Increase Usage of Artificial Nesting Boxes by Sialia sialis (Eastern Bluebird), Tachycineta bicolor (Tree Swallow) and Poecile artricapillus (Black-capped Chickadees). Carol A. Burkart, Anthony Russo, and Students. Mountain Empire Community College.

2014 – 2015

Research

• Reforestation and Water Quality: Optimizing Plant Systems to Minimize Total Dissolved Solid Delivery to Surface Waters. Brian Strahm, Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, Virginia Tech.
• Predicting TDS Release from SW Virginia Soil-Overburden Sequences. W. Lee Daniels, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Economic Viability of Woody Bioenergy Crops as a Potential Mine Reclamation Procedure. J. Sullivan. Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, Virginia Tech.
• Grading and Seeding Effects on Reforestation Success: Seven Year Assessment. Carl E. Zipper, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences; and James A. Burger. Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, Virginia Tech.
• How Do Reclamation Conditions Affect the Invasion Success of the Exotic Autumn Olive? Jacob N. Barney, Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science, Virginia Tech.

Education / Extension / Outreach

• Beef Cattle Production on Reclaimed Surface Mined Land. W. D. Whittier and John Currin, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech.
• Project Coal to Electricity: Teaching Environmental Issues. Barbara Altizer, Eastern Coal Council and Phil Meeks, Powell River Project / Virginia Cooperative Extension.
• A Study to Determine Whether Natural Camouflage Will Increase Usage of Artificial Nesting Boxes by Sialia sialis (Eastern Bluebird), Tachycineta bicolor (Tree Swallow) and Poecile artricapillus (Black-capped Chickadees). Carol A. Burkart, Anthony Russo, and Students. Mountain Empire Community College.

2013 – 2014

Research

• Reforestation and Ecosystem Services: If you build it, will they come? Brian Strahm, Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, Virginia Tech.
• Predicting TDS Release from SW Virginia Soil-Overburden Sequences. W. Lee Daniels, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Select Carbon Dynamics as Functional Indicators of Reconstructed Stream Condition: Controls and Relationships with Structural Measures. Stephen Schoenholtz and Robert J. Krenz III. Virginia Water Resources Research Center, Virginia Tech.
• Economic Viability of Woody Bioenergy Crops as a Potential Mine Reclamation Procedure. M. Leveroos, J. Sullivan. Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, Virginia Tech.
• Characterizing microbial community development in reclaimed mine soils. Brian D. Badgley, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Grading and Seeding Effects on Reforestation Success: Seven Year Assessment. Carl E. Zipper, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, and James A. Burger. Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, Virginia Tech.
• How do reclamation conditions affect the invasion success of the exotic autumn olive? Jacob N. Barney, Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science, Virginia Tech.

Education / Extension / Outreach

• Beef Cattle Production on Reclaimed Surface Mined Land.  W. D. Whittier and John Currin, College of Veterinary Medicine.
• Project Coal to Electricity: Teaching Environmental Issues. Barbara Altizer, Eastern Coal Council and Phil Meeks, Powell River Project / Virginia Cooperative Extension.
• A Study to Determine the Preference of Nesting Box Entrance Hole Size of Sialia sialis (Eastern Bluebird).  Carol A. Burkart, Anthony Russo, and Students. Mountain Empire Community College.
• Control of Autumn Olive. P. Lloyd Hipkins, Plant Pathology, Physiology, & Weed Science; Amy Gail Fannon, Virginia Cooperative Extension.

2012 – 2013

Research

• Reforestation and Ecosystem Services: If you build it, will they come? Brian Strahm, Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, Virginia Tech.
• Characterizing Temporal Variability of Benthic Macroinvertebrate Communities and Their Response to Elevated TDS in Appalachian Coalfield Streams. Stephen Schoenholtz and Beth Boehme, Virginia Water Resources Research Center, Virginia Tech; David Soucek, Illinois Natural History Survey.
• Predicting TDS Release from SW Virginia Soil-Overburden Sequences. W. Lee Daniels, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences., Virginia Tech
• Select Carbon Dynamics as Functional Indicators of Reconstructed Stream Condition: Controls and Relationships with Structural Measures. Stephen Schoenholtz and Robert J. Krenz III. Virginia Water Resources Research Center, Virginia Tech.
• Creating a Georeferenced Archive of Reclamation and Research History at Powell River Project Research and Education Center. A. Fannon, Virginia Cooperative Extension; P. Donovan and C. Zipper, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Economic Viability of Woody Bioenergy Crops as a Potential Mine Reclamation Procedure. M. Leveroos, J. Sullivan. Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, Virginia Tech.

Education / Extension / Outreach

• Beef Cattle Production on Reclaimed Surface Mined Land.  W. D. Whittier and John Currin, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech.
• Project Coal to Electricity: Teaching Environmental Issues. Barbara Altizer, Eastern Coal Council and Amy Gail Fannon, Powell River Project / Virginia Cooperative Extension.
• A Study to Determine the Preference of Nesting Box Entrance Hole Size of Sialia sialis (Eastern Bluebird).  Carol A. Burkart, Anthony Russo, and Students. Mountain Empire Community College.
• Control of Autumn Olive. P. Lloyd Hipkins, Plant Pathology, Physiology, & Weed Science, Virginia Tech; Amy Gail Fannon, Virginia Cooperative Extension.

2011 – 2012

Research

• Restoring Ecological Function to Reforested Mined Lands: Connecting Soils with Forest Productivity and Ecosystem Services. Brian Strahm, Forestry, Virginia Tech.
• Biological Response to Elevated TDS in Appalachian Coalfield Streams. Stephen Schoenholtz, Virginia Water Resources Research Center, Virginia Tech; David Soucek, Illinois Natural History Survey; Carl Zipper, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech. Additional support provided by Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and by Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy.
• Evaluating Avian Breeding Success and Wildlife Use of Mine Lands Reclaimed with the Forestry Reclamation Approach. Dean F. Stauffer, Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Predicting TDS Release from Central Appalachian Coal Mine Spoils. W. Lee Daniels, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Select Carbon Dynamics as Functional Indicators of Reconstructed Stream Condition: Controls and Relationships with Structural Measures. Stephen Schoenholtz and Robert J. Krenz III. Virginia Water Resources Research Center, Virginia Tech.
• Reforestation and Biomass Production on Coal-Mined Lands: Research Application, Technology Transfer, Improving the Process. C.E. Zipper, J.A. Burger, B. Strahm, Virginia Tech.
• Root Mass and Soil C, N, and Organic Matter Dynamics Under Switchgrass and Tall Fescue. A. Ozzie Abaye and Carl Zipper, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, and Amy Gail Fannon, Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Education / Extension / Outreach

• Beef Cattle Production on Reclaimed Surface Mined Land.  W. D. Whittier and John Currin, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech.
• Project Coal to Electricity: Teaching Environmental Issues. Barbara Altizer, Eastern Coal Council and Amy Gail Fannon, Powell River Project / Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech.
• A Study to Determine the Preference of Nesting Box Entrance Hole Size of Sialia sialis (Eastern Bluebird).  Carol A. Burkart, Anthony Russo, and Students. Mountain Empire Community College, Virginia Tech.
• Vegetable Variety and Production Evaluations on Reclaimed Surface Mine Soils. R. Allen Straw, Amy Gail Fannon, and Pam Shell, Virginia Cooperative Extension.
• Co-grazing Appalachian Pastures with Goats and Sheep: Effects on Pasture Quality, Browse Species Control, and Animal Performance. A. Ozzie Abaye, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech. 

2010 – 2011

Research

• Restoring Ecological Function to Reforested Mined Lands: Connecting Soils with Forest Productivity and Ecosystem Services. Brian Strahm, Forestry, Virginia Tech.
• Effects of Total Dissolved Solids in Streams of Southwestern Virginia. Stephen Schoenholtz, Virginia Water Resources Research Center, Virginia Tech; David Soucek, Illinois Natural History Survey; Carl Zipper, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech. Additional support provided by Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and by Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy.
• Evaluating Avian Breeding Success and Wildlife Use of Mine Lands Reclaimed with the Forestry Reclamation Approach. Dean F. Stauffer, Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Predicting TDS Release from Central Appalachian Coal Mine Spoils. W. Lee Daniels, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Functional assessment of restored coalfield streams: relationships between carbon dynamics and biotic structure. Stephen Schoenholtz and Robert J. Krenz III. Virginia Water Resources Research Center, Virginia Tech.
• Use of Reclaimed Coal-Mined Land for Woody Biomass Production. C. Zipper, J. Burger, D. Evans, Virginia Tech. Supported by Alpha Natural Resources.
• Coal-Mined Land Reforestation: Research Application, Technology Transfer, Improving the Process. C.E. Zipper, J.A. Burger, B. Strahm, Virginia Tech.
• Co-grazing Appalachian Pastures with Goats and Sheep: Effects on Pasture Quality, Animal Performance, and Farm Profitability. A. Ozzie Abaye, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, and Amy Gail Fannon, Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Education / Extension / Outreach

• Enhancing Sustainable Beef Cattle Production on Reclaimed Surface Mined Land.  W. D. Whittier and John Currin, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech.
• Teaching Environmental Issues, from Coal to Electricity. Barbara Altizer, Eastern Coal Council and Amy Gail Fannon, Powell River Project / Virginia Cooperative Extension.
• Habitat Assessment and the Establishment of a Nesting Box Trail for Sialia sialis (Eastern Bluebird) In the Powell River Project Education Center.  Carol A. Burkart and Anthony Russo, Mountain Empire Community College.
• Vegetable Variety and Production Evaluations on Reclaimed Surface Mine Soils. R. Allen Straw, Amy Gail Fannon, and Pam Shell, Virginia Cooperative Extension.

2009 – 2010

Research

• Best Practices for Reclaiming Mined Land for Forests and Forestry. Brian Strahm and James A. Burger, Forestry, Virginia Tech.
• Effects of Total Dissolved Solids in Streams of Southwestern Virginia. Stephen Schoenholtz, Virginia Water Resources Research Center, Virginia Tech; David Soucek, Illinois Natural History Survey; Carl Zipper, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech. Additional support provided by Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and by Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy.
• Evaluating Avian Breeding Success and Wildlife Use of Mine Lands Reclaimed with the Forestry Reclamation Approach. Dean F. Stauffer, Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Herbaceous Crops for a Biofuels/Bioproducts Industry on Reclaimed Mine Lands. John Fike, John Galbraith, Chris Teutsch, David Parrish, Carl Zipper. Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Long-Term Mine Soil Weathering and Treatment Effects on Total Dissolved Solids in Drainage Waters and on Soil Properties, Or Do Topsoil Substitutes Really Mimic Natural Soils? W. Lee Daniels, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Restoration of Streams and Hydrology on Mined Landscapes. Stephen Schoenholtz, Jack Webster, Kevin J. McGuire, and Fred Benfield. Virginia Water Resources Research Center and Biological Sciences.
• Use of Reclaimed Coal-Mined Land for Woody Biomass Production. J. Burger, C. Zipper, Virginia Tech. Supported by Alpha Natural Resources.

Education / Extension / Outreach

• Enhancing Sustainable Beef Cattle Production on Reclaimed Surface Mined Land.  W. D. Whittier, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech.
• Teaching Environmental Issues, from Coal to Electricity. Barbara Altizer, Eastern Coal Council and Jon Rockett, Powell River Project / Virginia Cooperative Extension.
• Habitat Assessment and the Establishment of a Nesting Box Trail for Sialia sialis (Eastern Bluebird) In the Powell River Project Education Center.  Carol A. Burkart and Anthony Russo, Mountain Empire Community College.

External Funding and Related Activities

• Establishing Hardwood Forests with American Chestnut using Forestry Reclamation Approach: Effects of Grading Practices and Ground Cover. J. Burger, C. Zipper, Virginia Tech. Supported by US Office of Surface Mining.
• Evaluation of Coal Mining Discharges for Toxicity in Clinch/Powell River Watersheds of Virginia to Replicate U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Activities. D.S. Cherry, Biology, C.E. Zipper, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech. Supported by Virginia Coal Association.
• Outdoor Sustainable Forest Management Classrooms. J. Munsell, Forestry, Virginia Tech. Supported by Sustainable Forestry Initiative.
• Structural and Functional Assessment of Restored Headwater Streams in the Central Appalachian Coalfields. S. Schoenholtz, J. Webster, F. Benfield, C. Zipper, Virginia Tech. Supported by Institute for Critical Technologies and Applied Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Using Remotely Sensed Imagery to Assess Post-Mining Vegetation and Vegetation Change.  Randolph Wynne, Forestry, and Carl Zipper, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech. Supported by Geospatial Environmental Analysis Program, Virginia Tech.
• Hybrid poplar for bioenergy production in southside and southwest Virginia. Amy Brunner, John Munsell, and Harold Burkart, Forestry; and Carl Zipper, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech. Supported by Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission.

2008 – 2009

Research

• Best Practices for Reclaiming Mined Land for Forests and Forestry. James A. Burger, Forestry, Virginia Tech
• Long-Term Mine Soil Weathering and Treatment Effects on Total Dissolved Solids in Drainage Waters and on Soil Properties, Or Do Topsoil Substitutes Really Mimic Natural Soils? W. Lee Daniels, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Evaluating Wildlife Response to Reclaimed Mine Lands in Southwestern Virginia. Dean F. Stauffer and Carola Haas, Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Herbaceous Crops for a Biofuels/Bioproducts Industry on Reclaimed Mine Lands. John Fike, John Galbraith, Chris Teutsch, David Parrish, Carl Zipper. Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Effects of Total Dissolved Solids in Streams of Southwestern Virginia. Stephen Schoenholtz, Virginia Water Resources Research Center, Virginia Tech; David Soucek, Ecotoxicologist, Illinois Natural History Survey; Carl Zipper, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech. (Additional support provided by Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and by Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy.)
• Managing Shrub-Infested Post-mining Pasturelands with Goats and Cattle: Effects on Pasture Quality, Animal Performance, and Farm Profitability. A.O. Abaye, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech. Additional support provided by Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station.
• Powell River Project Forest Management Demonstration and Research.  John Munsell, Forestry, Virginia Tech. Additional support provided by Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station.
• Use of Reclaimed Coal-Mined Land for Woody Biomass Production. J. Burger, C. Zipper, Virginia Tech. Supported by Alpha Natural Resources.

Education / Extension / Outreach

• Enhancing Sustainable Beef Cattle Production on Reclaimed Surface Mined Land.  W. D. Whittier, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech.
• Teaching Environmental Issues, from Coal to Electricity. Barbara Altizer, Eastern Coal Council and Jon Rockett, Powell River Project / Virginia Cooperative Extension.
• Habitat Assessment and the Establishment of a Nesting Box Trail for Sialia sialis (Eastern Bluebird) In the Powell River Project Education Center.  Carol A. Burkart and Anthony Russo, Mountain Empire Community College.

External Funding and Related Activities

• Carbon Sequestration Project on Surface Mined Sites in the Clinch and Powell Valleys of Virginia. J.A. Burger, B. Amichev, and C. Zipper, Virginia Tech. Supported by The Nature Conservancy Clinch Valley Program.
• Co-grazing Appalachian Pastures with Goats and Cattle: Effects on Pasture Quality, Animal Performance, and Farm Profitability. A.O. Abaye,  J.M. Luginbuhl, C. Zipper, J. Rockett, D. Whittier, Virginia Tech. 
• Establishing Hardwood Forests with American Chestnut using Forestry Reclamation Approach: Effects of Grading Practices and Ground Cover. J. Burger, C. Zipper, Virginia Tech. Supported by US Office of Surface Mining.
• Evaluation of Coal Mining Discharges for Toxicity in Clinch/Powell River Watersheds of Virginia to Replicate U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Activities. D.S. Cherry, Biology, and C.E. Zipper, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech. Supported by Virginia Coal Association.
• Outdoor Sustainable Forest Management Classrooms. J. Munsell, Forestry, Virginia Tech. Supported by Sustainable Forestry Initiative.
• Reclamation of Mined Land Utilizing Native Warm Season Grasses. Samir Doshi and Saleem H. Ali, University of Vermont.
• Restoring Productivity of Coal Surface Mined Land. J. Burger, C. Zipper, T. Fox, Virginia Tech. Supported by Appalachian Regional Commission.
• Structural and Functional Assessment of Restored Headwater Streams in the Central Appalachian Coalfields. S. Schoenholtz, J. Webster, F. Benfield, C. Zipper, Virginia Tech. Supported by Institute for Critical Technologies and Applied Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Using Remotely Sensed Imagery to Assess Post-Mining Vegetation and Vegetation Change.  Randolph Wynne, Forestry, and Carl Zipper, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences. Supported by Geospatial Environmental Analysis Program, Virginia Tech.

2007 – 2008

Research

• Grading and Ground Cover for Reclaiming Mined Land for Forestry. James A. Burger, Forestry, Virginia Tech
• Long-Term Mine Soil Weathering and Treatment Effects on Total Dissolved Solids in Drainage Waters and on Soil Properties, Or Do Topsoil Substitutes Really Mimic Natural Soils? W. Lee Daniels, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Evaluating Wildlife Response to Reclaimed Mine Lands in Southwestern Virginia. Dean F. Stauffer and Carola Haas, Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Herbaceous Crops for a Biofuels/Bioproducts Industry on Reclaimed Mine Lands. John Fike, John Galbraith, Chris Teutsch, David Parrish, Carl Zipper. Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.

Education / Extension / Outreach

• Area Extension Agent – Mined Land Development and Natural Resource Management. Jon Rockett, Wise County.
• Enhancing Sustainable Beef Cattle Production on Reclaimed Surface Mined Land.  John Hall, Animal and Poultry Sciences, and W. D. Whittier, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech.
• Teaching Environmental Issues, from Coal to Electricity. Barbara Altizer, Eastern Coal Council and Jon Rockett, Powell River Project / Virginia Cooperative Extension.
• Habitat Assessment and the Establishment of a Nesting Box Trail for Sialia sialis (Eastern Bluebird) In the Powell River Project Education Center.  Carol A. Burkart and Anthony Russo, Mountain Empire Community College.

External Funding and Related Activities

• Carbon Sequestration Project on Surface Mined Sites in the Clinch and Powell Valleys of Virginia. J.A. Burger, B. Amichev, and C. Zipper, Virginia Tech. Supported by the Nature Conservancy Clinch Valley Program.
• Co-grazing Appalachian Pastures with Goats and Cattle: Effects on Pasture Quality, Animal Performance, and Farm Profitability. A.O. Abaye, J.M. Luginbuhl, C. Zipper, J. Rockett, D. Whittier, Virginia Tech. 
• Nutrient Sorption Potentials of High-Carbon Ash Materials. W. Lee Daniels, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences. Supported by Full Circle Solutions, Inc.
• Determining the Ecotoxicological Recovery of Black Creek (Wise County) and Ely Creek (Lee County) after Watershed Restoration of Abandoned Mine Lands and Acid Mine Drainage. D. Cherry, R. Currie, Biology, and C. Zipper, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences. Virginia Tech. Supported by Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy / U.S. Office of Surface Mining Applied Science Initiative.
• Evaluation of Coal Mining Discharges for Toxicity in Clinch/Powell River Watersheds of Virginia to Replicate U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Activities. D.S. Cherry, Biology, and C.E. Zipper, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech. Supported by Virginia Coal Association.
• Mined Land Reforestation Conference. C. Zipper, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences; and J.A. Burger, Forestry, Virginia Tech. Supported by U.S. Office of Surface Mining.
• Reclamation of Mined Land Utilizing Native Warm Season Grasses. Samir Doshi and Saleem H. Ali, University of Vermont.

2006 – 2007

Research

• Mined Land Reforestation. James A. Burger, Forestry, Virginia Tech.
• Properties and Potential Water Quality Effects of  Post-2000 Coal Combustion Products. W. Lee Daniels, Mike Beck, and Matthew Eick, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Evaluating Wildlife Response to Reclaimed Mine Lands in Southwestern Virginia. Dean F. Stauffer and Carola Haas, Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, Virginia Tech.

Education / Extension / Outreach

• Area Extension Agent – Mined Land Development and Natural Resource Management. Jon Rockett, Wise County.
• Enhancing Sustainable Beef Cattle Production on Reclaimed Surface Mined Land.  John Hall, Animal and Poultry Sciences, and W. D. Whittier, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech.
• Teaching Environmental Issues, from Coal to Electricity. Barbara Altizer, Eastern Coal Council and Jon Rockett, Powell River Project / Virginia Cooperative Extension.
• Habitat Assessment and the Establishment of a Nesting Box Trail for Sialia sialis (Eastern Bluebird) In the Powell River Project Education Center.  Carol A. Burkart and Anthony Russo, Mountain Empire Community College.
• Heavy metal sequestration in settling ponds:  A mechanism for the removal of metals associated with mined lands. Aaron W. Johnson, University of Virginia’s College at Wise.

External Funding and Related Activities

• Carbon Sequestration Project on Surface Mined Sites in the Clinch and Powell Valleys of Virginia. J.A. Burger, B. Amichev, and C. Zipper. Supported by The Nature Conservancy Clinch Valley Program.
• Co-grazing Appalachian Pastures with Goats and Cattle: Effects on Pasture Quality, Animal Performance, and Farm Profitability. A.O. Abaye, J.M. Luginbuhl, C. Zipper, J. Rockett, D. Whittier, Virginia Tech.  Supported by Virginia Agricultural Council.
• Nutrient Sorption Potentials of High-Carbon Ash Materials. W. Lee Daniels, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech. Supported by Full Circle Solutions, Inc.
• Determining the Ecotoxicological Recovery of Black Creek (Wise County) and Ely Creek (Lee County) after Watershed Restoration of Abandoned Mine Lands and Acid Mine Drainage. D. Cherry, R. Currie, C. Zipper, Virginia Tech. Supported by Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy / U.S. Office of Surface Mining Applied Science Initiative.
• Development of Rapid Assessment Protocols for Beneficial Use of Post-2000 Coal Combustion Byproducts in Virginia Coal Mines. W.L. Daniels, Virginia Tech. Supported by Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy / U.S. Office of Surface Mining Applied Science Initiative.
• Mined Land Reforestation Conference. C. Zipper, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, and J.A. Burger, Forestry, Virginia Tech. Supported by U.S. Office of Surface Mining.

2005 – 2006

Research

• Reforestation of Mined Land for Timber Production and Environmental Quality. James A. Burger, Forestry, Virginia Tech.
• Program Options for Improving Compensatory Mitigation under NWP 21. Kurt Stephenson, Agricultural and Applied Economics, Virginia Tech.
• Properties and Potential Water Quality Effects of Post-2000 Coal Combustion Products. W. Lee Daniels, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.

Education / Extension / Outreach

• Area Extension Agent – Mined Land Development and Natural Resource Management. Jon Rockett, Wise County.
• Beef Cattle Production on Reclaimed Surface Mined Land.  John Hall, Animal and Poultry Sciences, and W. D. Whittier, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech.
• Teaching Environmental Issues, from Coal to Electricity. John Burton and Mary Quillen, Teaching and Learning, Virginia Tech.
• Joint Undergraduate/Graduate Studio – LAR 4084 and 5005 Advanced Planning and Design. Margaret Bryant, Landscape Architecture, Virginia Tech.
• On-Site Wastewater Treatment on a Reclaimed Mine Site in Wise County, Virginia. Carl Zipper, Ray Reneau, and Mike Saluta. Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• The Effects of Two Cultural Treatments on Four Christmas Tree Species Grown on Reclaimed Mined Land. Chuks Ogbannaya and Jay Blevins, Mountain Empire Community College.
• Soil Attributes at the Powell River Education Center. Peggy Barber, Southwest Virginia Community College.
• Funding for Student Research at PRP Education Center. Kevin Jansen. Biology, University of Virginia’s College at Wise.

External Funding and Related Activities

• Carbon Sequestration Project on Surface Mined Sites in the Clinch and Powell Valleys of Virginia. J.A. Burger, B. Amichev, and C. Zipper, Virginia Tech. Supported by The Nature Conservancy Clinch Valley Program.
• Co-grazing Appalachian Pastures with Goats and Cattle: Effects on Pasture Quality, Animal Performance, and Farm Profitability. A.O. Abaye, J.M. Luginbuhl, C. Zipper, J. Rockett, D. Whittier, Virginia Tech.  Supported by Virginia Agricultural Council.
• Demonstrate the Potential for Large-Scale Carbon Sequestration by Reforestation of Mined Lands Using Managed Forests. J.A. Burger, Virginia Tech. Supported by Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy / U.S. Office of Surface Mining Applied Science Initiative.
• Determining the Ecotoxicological Recovery of Black Creek (Wise County) and Ely Creek (Lee County) after Watershed Restoration of Abandoned Mine Lands and Acid Mine Drainage. D. Cherry, R. Currie, C. Zipper, Virginia Tech. Supported by Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy / U.S. Office of Surface Mining Applied Science Initiative.
• Development of Rapid Assessment Protocols for Beneficial Use of Post-2000 Coal Combustion Byproducts in Virginia Coal Mines. W.L. Daniels, Virginia Tech. Supported by Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy / U.S. Office of Surface Mining Applied Science Initiative.
• Restoring Sustainable Forests on Appalachian Mined Lands for Wood Products, Renewable Energy, Carbon Sequestration, and Other Ecosystem Services. J. Burger, T. Fox, G. Amacher, J. Sullivan C. Zipper, J. Galbraith, Virginia Tech. Supported by U.S. Department of Energy.
• Remote Sensing for Forest Productivity, Carbon Management and Monitoring. R. Wynne, J. Campbell, C. Zipper, Virginia Tech. Supported by National Aeronautics and Space Administration / George Mason University.

2004 – 2005

Research

• Reforestation of Mined Land for Timber Production and Environmental Quality. James A. Burger, Forestry, Virginia Tech.
• Program Options for Improving Compensatory Mitigation under NWP 21. Kurt Stephenson, Agricultural and Applied Economics, Virginia Tech.
• Properties and Potential Water Quality Effects of Post-2000 Coal Combustion Products. W. Lee Daniels, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• The Protective Role of Settling Pond Ecology in Headwater Streams Influenced by Hollow Fill Drainages in Virginia/West Virginia. Donald S. Cherry, and Rebecca J. Currie, Biology, Virginia Tech.

Education / Extension / Outreach

• Area Extension Agent – Mined Land Development and Natural Resource Management. Jon Rockett, Wise County.
• Beef Cattle Production on Reclaimed Surface Mined Land.  John Hall, Animal and Poultry Sciences, and W. D. Whittier, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech.
• Teaching Environmental Issues, from Coal to Electricity. John Burton and Mary Quillen, Teaching and Learning, Virginia Tech.
• Joint Undergraduate/Graduate Studio – LAR 4084 and 5005 Advanced Planning and Design. Margaret Bryant, Landscape Architecture, Virginia Tech.
• On-Site Wastewater Treatment on a Reclaimed Mine Site in Wise County, Virginia. Carl Zipper, Ray Reneau, and Mike Saluta. Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• The Effects of Two Cultural Treatments on Four Christmas Tree Species Grown on Reclaimed Mined Land. Chuks Ogbannaya and Jay Blevins, Mountain Empire Community College.
• Soil Attributes at the Powell River Education Center. Peggy Barber, Southwest Virginia Community College.
• Funding for Student Research at PRP Education Center. Kevin Jansen. Biology, University of Virginia’s College at Wise.

External Funding and Related Activities

• Carbon Sequestration Project on Surface Mined Sites in the Clinch and Powell Valleys of Virginia. J.A. Burger, B. Amichev, and C. Zipper, Virginia Tech. Supported by The Nature Conservancy Clinch Valley Program.
• Co-grazing Appalachian Pastures with Goats and Cattle: Effects on Pasture Quality, Animal Performance, and Farm Profitability. A.O. Abaye, J.M. Luginbuhl, C. Zipper, J. Rockett, D. Whittier, Virginia Tech.  Supported by Virginia Agricultural Council.
• Demonstrate the Potential for Large-Scale Carbon Sequestration by Reforestation of Mined Lands Using Managed Forests. J.A. Burger, Virginia Tech. Supported by Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy / U.S. Office of Surface Mining Applied Science Initiative.
• Development of Rapid Assessment Protocols for Beneficial Use of Post-2000 Coal Combustion Byproducts in Virginia Coal Mines. W.L. Daniels, Virginia Tech. Supported by Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy / U.S. Office of Surface Mining Applied Science Initiative.
• Restoring Sustainable Forests on Appalachian Mined Lands for Wood Products, Renewable Energy, Carbon Sequestration, and Other Ecosystem Services. J. Burger, T. Fox, G. Amacher, J. Sullivan C. Zipper, J. Galbraith, Virginia Tech. Supported by U.S. Department of Energy.
• Remote Sensing for Forest Productivity, Carbon Management and Monitoring. R. Wynne, J. Campbell, C. Zipper, Virginia Tech. Supported by National Aeronautics and Space Administration / George Mason University.
• Water Quality Effects of Moss 3 Coal Refuse and Clinch River Coal Combustion Byproduct Mixtures. W.L. Daniels, M. Eick, D. Cherry, Virginia Tech. Supported by Alpha Natural Resources.  

2003 – 2004

Research

• Reforestation of Mined Land for Timber Production and Environmental Quality. J. A. Burger, Forestry, Virginia Tech.
• Mine Reforestation Field Trials. J.A. Burger, Forestry, and C. Zipper, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• The Protective Role of Settling Pond Ecology in Headwater Streams Influenced by Hollow Fill Drainages in Virginia/West Virginia. Donald S. Cherry, and Rebecca J. Currie, Biology; and Carl Zipper, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• In Lieu Fee Systems under Nationwide Permit 21: Analysis of Restoration Costs and Alternatives. Kurt Stephenson, Agricultural and Applied Economics; and Carl Zipper, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Properties and Potential Water Quality Effects of Post-2000 Coal Combustion Products. W. Lee Daniels, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.

Education / Extension / Outreach

• Soil Attributes at the Powell River Education Center. Peggy Barber, Southwest Virginia Community College.
• Beef Cattle Production on Reclaimed Surface Mined Land.
  W. D. Whittier, College of Veterinary Medicine, and John Hall, Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• The Effects of Two Cultural Treatments on Four Christmas Tree Species Grown on Reclaimed Mined Land. Chuks Ogbannaya and Jay Blevins, Mountain Empire Community College.
• Plant Materials for Mined Land Reclamation.
  A. O. Abaye, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech
• Teaching Environmental Issues, from Coal to Electricity.
  John Burton and Mary Quillen, Teaching and Learning, Virginia Tech.

2002 – 2003

Research

• Properties and Land Use Potentials of Surface Mined Landscapes in the Virginia Coal Fields. W. L. Daniels, Kathryn Haering, John Galbraith, and James Baker, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Reforestation of Mined Land for Timber Production and Environmental Quality. James A. Burger, Forestry, Virginia Tech.
• Mine Reforestation Field Trials. J.A. Burger, Forestry, and C. Zipper, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Effect of Excess Spoil Fills on Macroinvertebrate Assemblages in Intermittent and Permanent Streams. Donald S. Cherry, Chad Merricks, and Rebecca J. Currie, Biology, and Carl Zipper, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.

Education / Extension / Outreach

• An Ongoing Study of Christmas Tree Production on Soils Disturbed by Mining Activities. Vaughn K. Lester, Southwest Virginia Community College.
• Beef Cattle Production on Reclaimed Surface Mined Land.
  W. D. Whittier, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, and Jon Rockett, Virginia Cooperative Extension.
• The Effects of Two Cultural Treatments on Four Christmas Tree Species Grown on Reclaimed Mined Land. Chuks Ogbannaya and Jay Blevins, Mountain Empire Community College.
  Plant Materials for Mined Land Reclamation.
  A. O. Abaye, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Teaching Environmental Issues, from Coal to Electricity.
  John Burton and Mary Quillen, Teaching and Learning, Virginia Tech.

2001 – 2002

Research

• Properties and Land Use Potentials of Surface Mined Landscapes in the Virginia Coal Fields. W. L. Daniels and James Baker, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Reforestation of Mined Land for Timber Production and Environmental Quality. James A. Burger, Forestry, Virginia Tech.
• Mine Reforestation Field Trials. C. Zipper, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, and J.A. Burger, Forestry, Virginia Tech.
• Effect of Excess Spoil Fills on Macroinvertebrate Assemblages in Intermittent and Permanent Streams Donald S. Cherry and Rebecca J. Currie, Biology, and Carl E. Zipper, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.

Education / Extension / Outreach

• An Ongoing Study of Christmas Tree Production on Soils Disturbed by Mining Activities. Vaughn K. Lester, Southwest Virginia Community College.
• Beef Cattle Production on Reclaimed Surface Mined Land.
  W. D. Whittier, College of Veterinary Medicine, B. R. McKinnon, Animal and Poultry Sciences, Paul Peterson, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• The Effects of Two Cultural Treatments on Four Christmas Tree Species Grown on Reclaimed Mined Land. Chuks Ogbannaya and Jay Blevins, Mountain Empire Community College.
  Plant Materials for Mined Land Reclamation. A. O. Abaye, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Teaching Environmental Issues, from Coal to Electricity. Tom Sherman and Mary Quillen, Teaching and Learning, Virginia Tech.

2000 – 2001

Research

• Properties and Land Use Potentials of Surface Mined Landscapes in the Virginia Coal Fields. W. L. Daniels and James Baker, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.  
• Reforestation of Mined Land for Timber Production and Environmental Quality. James A. Burger, Forestry, Virginia Tech.
• Influence of Acid Mine Drainage from Abandoned Mineson Mussels in the Powell River. Don Cherry and David Soucek, Biology, Virginia Tech.

Education / Extension / Outreach

• An Ongoing Study of Christmas Tree Production on Soils Disturbed by Mining Activities. Vaughn K. Lester, Southwest Virginia Community College.
• Beef Cattle Production on Reclaimed Surface Mined Land.
  W. D. Whittier, College of Veterinary Medicine, B. R. McKinnon, Animal and Poultry Sciences, Paul Peterson, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• The Effects of Two Cultural Treatments on Four Christmas Tree Species Grown on Reclaimed Mined Land. Chuks Ogbannaya and Jay Blevins, Mountain Empire Community College.
• Plant Materials for Mined Land Reclamation.
  A. O. Abaye, Crop and Soil Environmental Science, Virginia Tech.
• Teaching Environmental Issues, from Coal to Electricity.
  Tom Sherman and Mary Quillen, Teaching and Learning, Virginia Tech.

1999 – 2000

Research

• Properties and Land Use Potentials of Surface Mined Landscapes in the Virginia Coal Fields. W. L. Daniels and James Baker, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Reforestation of Mined Land for Timber Production and Environmental Quality. James A. Burger, Forestry, Virginia Tech.
• Estimating Mineable Coal Reserves in Southwestern Virginia: Internet Site Development. E. Westman, Mining and Minerals Engineering, Virginia Tech
• Use of Subsurface-Flow, Passive Technology to Renovate Acid Mine Drainage. C. Zipper, A.C. Zipper, A. C. Hendricks, and C. Jage, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences and Biology, Virginia Tech.
• Influence of Acid Mine Drainage from Abandoned Mines on Mussels in the Powell River. Don Cherry and David Soucek, Biology, Virginia Tech.
• Feasibility Study of On-Site Wastewater Disposal Technologies in Virginia.
  R. B. Reneau and C. Hagedorn, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• The Effect of Coal Surface Mine Revegetation Practices on Long-Term Vegetation Recovery. Karen Holl, University of California, Santa Cruz.

Education / Extension / Outreach

• An Ongoing Study of Christmas Tree Production on Soils Disturbed by Mining Activities. Vaughn K. Lester, Southwest Virginia Community College.
• Beef Cattle Production on Reclaimed Surface Mined Land.
  W. D. Whittier, College of Veterinary Medicine, B. R. McKinnon, Animal and Poultry Sciences,
• The Effects of Two Cultural Treatments on Four Christmas Tree Species Grown on Reclaimed Mined Land. Chuks Ogbannaya and Jay Blevins, Mountain Empire Community College.
• Plant Materials for Mined Land Reclamation.
  A. O. Abaye and G. K. Evanylo, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Teaching Environmental Issues, from Coal to Electricity.
  Tom Sherman, Teaching and Learning, Virginia Tech, and Mary Quillen, Wise County Public Schools.

1998 – 1999

Research

• Properties and Land Use Potentials of Surface Mined Landscapes in the Virginia Coal Fields. W.L. Daniels and James Baker, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Reforestation of Mined Land for Timber Production and Environmental Quality. James A. Burger, Forestry, Virginia Tech. Co-sponsored by Georgia Pacific Corporation and Pocahontas Land Corporation.
• Estimating Mineable Coal Reserves in Southwestern Virginia. C. Haycocks, M. Karmis, E. Topuz, and E. Westman, Mining and Minerals Engineering, Virginia Tech
• Use of Subsurface-Flow “Passive” Technology to Renovate Acid Mine Drainage.C. Zipper, A. C. Hendricks, and C. Jage, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences and Biology, Virginia Tech
• Feasibility Study of On-Site Wastewater Disposal Technologies in Virginia. R.B. Reneau and C. Hagedorn, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech. Co-sponsored by Virginia Department of Health.  
• Alternative Small-Scale Water Supplies for Coal Field Communities: Mine Cavity Water for Drinking Water Supplies. Tamim Younos, Virginia Water Resources Research Center, Thomas Burbey, Geological Sciences, John Novak, Civil Engineering, Dixie Watts Reaves, Agricultural and Applied Economics, Virginia Tech.

Education / Extension / Outreach 

• An Ongoing Study of Christmas Tree Production on Soils Disturbed by Mining Activities. Vaughn K. Lester, Southwest Virginia Community College.
• Beef Cattle Production on Reclaimed Surface Mined Land. W. D. Whittier, College of Veterinary Medicine, B. R. McKinnon, Animal and Poultry Sciences, Paul Peterson, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Hardwood Trees and Christmas Trees on Reclaimed Surface Mined Land. Chuks Ogbannaya and Jay Blevins, Mountain Empire Community College.
• Plant Materials for Mined Land Reclamation. A. O. Abaye and G. K. Evanylo, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech.
• Teaching Environmental Issues, from Coal to Electricity. Tom Sherman, Teaching and Learning, Virginia Tech, and Mary Quillen, Wise County Public Schools. Co-sponsored by American Electric Power, Center for Energy and Economic Development, CSX Corporation, Norfolk Southern, Pittston Coal, and Virginia Power.