“Vindex’s efforts truly represent the best of the best in using the Forestry Reclamation Approach,” said Thomas Shope, regional director of the U.S. Department of Interior’s Office of Surface Mining.
General Manager Jeff Kelley and superintendents Rusty Bush and Rich Riggins accepted the award on behalf of the company. Vindex, which is an operating subsidiary of Arch Coal, has earned Maryland State Excellence in Reforestation Award in 2012, 2008 and 2007, as well as the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s 2013 Reclamation Award and the Maryland Land Reclamation Committee’s 2012, 2011 and 2009 Reclamation Awards for outstanding mine reclamation accomplishments.
“Congratulations to the team at Vindex for earning respect for best practices in Appalachia,” said Gary Bennett, president of Arch’s eastern operations. “This wide recognition shines light on the company’s enthusiasm for environmental care.”
The ARRI coalition was formed in 2004 and is supported by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Surface Mining. The Maryland Department of the Environment adopted the Forestry Reclamation Approach in 2005. The approach expedites the establishment of forest habitat and encourages planting of high-value hardwood trees.
