Coal mining is a tradition in the mountains of deep Southwestern Virginia. Yet forestry and natural resources management are also a critical part of the region’s character and economy. Over the past 25 years, scientists have been working with the mining community to develop effective methods for re-establishing forests on formerly mined lands. The Powell River Project has played a key role in hosting research to support this effort. Now, LEAF Program partners are working to take the “next step” in forest management on coalfields by researching and demonstrating sustainable forest management in the Powell River Project’s natural and planted forests.

The LEAF classroom at the Powell River Project Research and Education Center offers research and education programs related to managing forested ecosystems on mining lands. Learning opportunities include rehabilitating degraded natural forests, exploring forest management in stands planted after mining operations, and techniques to develop a systematic approach for managing both natural and planted forests.

During the summer of 2008, 250 acres of Powell River Project forestland was measured. A field technician established a permanent inventory system consisting of comprehensive timber, tree regeneration, and herbaceous plots. The technician also documented downed woody debris and researched the impacts of low-intensity burning on regeneration and herbaceous cover.

The entire inventory system was mapped with a Global Positioning System, entered into a Geographic Information System, and delineated into compartments using natural boundaries. We will use the data to chose future management prescriptions and inform follow-on research. In the near future, we plan to inventory additional acreage, periodically re-inventory established plots, carry-out photographic documentation, host annual educational conferences, and further our partnerships to support additional research and demonstration.