CASPER HOSTS ANNUAL COAL MINE RECLAMATION PROJECT SEMINAR

The University of Wyoming issued the following news release:

The Abandoned Coal Mine Land (AML) Research Program administered by the University of Wyoming will hold its 17th annual project review seminar Tuesday, April 18, from 1:30-5 p.m. in Room CE207 of the Strausner Student Union at Casper College.

The AML research program supports projects that can aid in the development of practical

All six presentations are free and open to the public. They include topics such as the influence of reclamation management on carbon accumulation and soil fertility; effects of seed mix species composition and seedling rates on efforts to attain species diversity; development and identification of Rhizobiaceae (bacterial) and Fabaceae (plant) symbioses for enhancing biological inputs of nitrogen; mechanisms for stabilization and accumulation of organic carbon on reclaimed soils; exploring the use of native allelopathic plants for combating exotic weeds; and recovery of below-ground ecosystem components under different reclaimed coal mine land plant communities.

"Over the years this program has created knowledge regarding the reclamation of arid mine lands in Wyoming that is important for the industry and governmental partners," says Bill Gern, UW vice president for research and economic development. "As a result reclaimed mine lands are productive and attractive and most importantly they are part of the functioning ecosystem. This program's success is due to the efforts by all partners. UW is especially pleased to have served the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality/Abandoned Mine Lands Division."

For more information, call (307) 766-5353 or email afaxon@uwyo.edu.