SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 85
(By Senators McCabe, Hunter and Foster)
Recognizing the West Virginia Land and Mineral Owners Council for
its interest in the reforestation of mined lands.
Whereas, The West Virginia Land and Mineral Owners Council,
along with Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College,
West Virginia State University, West Virginia University Center for
Mine Reclamation, West Virginia Coal Association, West Virginia
Forestry Association and Canaan Valley Institute, is addressing the
economic loss of forest land and how to regenerate productive
forests. These entities are interested in the establishment of a
center to research projects relating to reforestation; and
Whereas, Due to past surface mining reclamation practices,
there are many acres of mined land that are now grassland and
pastureland with little natural regeneration; and
Whereas, The reforestation of mined lands could lead to many
economic benefits, including wood production, recreation and
tourism. Other economic issues include timber value, landowner tax
rates, enhanced recreational opportunities and jobs for local
economies and local tax revenue; and
Whereas, Environmental benefits of reforestation could lead to
enhanced wildlife habitats, soil and water conservation and water quality improvement; and
Whereas, Kentucky and Virginia have large research projects
that are addressing post-mine use, with part of the funding for
these projects coming from the coal mining industry; and
Whereas, The establishment of a center could qualify the
research projects for grants from the United States Office of
Surface Mining and Reclamation; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Legislature hereby recognizes the West Virginia Land
and Mineral Owners Council for its interest in the reforestation of
mined lands; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby
directed to forward a copy of the this resolution to the West
Virginia Land and Mineral Owners Council.