William T. Plass Award
This award is the highest honor the Society has and recognizes those in research, teaching, outreach, and administration. The award is given to a person who has distinguished themselves in the field of disturbed ecosystem reclamation at the local, regional, national, and international levels.
Michele Coleman
Michele Coleman (P.Eng, P.Geo.) possessed a unique educational background for her career which included degrees in geology (B.Sc. 1983; M.A. 1986) and chemical engineering (B.Sc. 1985) from the University at Buffalo (State University of New York). She is a registered professional engineer and a registered professional geoscientist in New Brunswick. Her love of nature and curiosity about a sustainable natural world sparked her devotion/drive to creating sustainable ecosystems on mined lands. Her career focused on collaborative research, knowledge transfer and mentoring in the reclamation field in Canada and the US.
Michele Coleman retired in 2020 from her position of Environmental Engineer/Coordinator at the New Brunswick Power Corporation (NBPC). Her responsibilities included adherence to environmental standards for active mines and reclaiming 42 coal mines. Her work improved reclamation outcomes through research, innovation and collaboration with government, industry, academics, community representatives, landowners, and the general public to foster transparency and ensure that reclamation goals were aligned with local interests. She pioneered the concept of sustainable ecosystems on reclaimed mines in NB, including reestablishing two extirpated tree species, native forest cover and habitat, improving and increasing fish habitat and creation of hundreds of acres of fully functioning wetlands. Through scores of international to local presentations, she played a lead role in reclamation education and policy throughout the Atlantic Provinces. The research collaboration with the University of New Brunswick focused on tracking acid mine drainage and the impact of reintroducing treatment sludge back into the waste rock. This provided decades of university students with real-world experience and helped advance the management of acid rock drainage related issues.
Her contributions for outreach extended to ASRS through holding multiple positions, including President, among many other positions. She was passionate about the Atlantic Chapter of the Canadian Land Reclamation Association and the National Canadian Land Reclamation Association, where she was either chair or on the organizing committee of nine regional and three national conferences and recipient of both National CLRA Awards.
2013
- Dr. Neil Humphries, Blakemere Consultants Ltd
2011
2009
2006
2005
2004
- Dr. Robert Kleinmann, U.S. Dept. of Energy, NETL, PA
2003
- Dr. John C. Sencindiver, University of West Virginia
2002
- Dr. Ronald E. Ries, U.S.D.A.—ARS (Retired)
2001
- Mr. Richard L. White, Texas Utilities, Dallas, TX
2000
- Dr. James A. Burger, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
1999
- Mr. Joe D. Friedlander, Coteau Properties, ND
1998
- Dr. Gerald L. Lowry, Stephen F. Austin College (Retired)
1997
- Dr. James De Ment, Consultant
1996
- Mr. Alten Grandt, Peabody Coal Co. (Retired)
1993
- Dr. Frank T. Caruccio, University of South Carolina
1992
- Dr. William E. Sopper, Pennsylvania State University
1991
- Dr. William C. Ashby, Southern Illinois University
1990
- Mr. Benjamin C. Greene, West Virginia Mining & Reclamation Assoc.
Richard I. & Lela M. Barnhisel Reclamation Researcher of the Year Award
The Richard I. and Lela M. Barnhisel Reclamation Researcher of the Year award recognizes substantial contributions to the advancement of reclamation science and technology through scientific research.
Michael Curran
Dr. Michael Curran owns and operates Abnova Ecological Solutions, where he serves as CEO and Principal Ecologist. Abnova is a small ecological consulting and research firm focused primarily on land reclamation and restoration, wildlife and insect research, and environmental data management. Mike has a PhD in Ecology and Graduate Minor in Statistics from University of Wyoming. During his time at UW, he won the MS and PhD Scholarships from ASRS and pioneered the use of spatially-explicit dashboards to improve understanding of reclamation performance across Wyoming’s oil and gas fields. He also developed techniques to improve vegetation monitoring efficacy with handheld imagery and drones. Between graduating from UW and starting Abnova, Curran held a post- doctoral research position at Mississippi State University studying wildlife populations with remote sensing technologies and then worked at a large plant nursery in New Jersey where he worked as both a grower and manager. More recently, he won the ASRS Early Career Award. He serves as the Editor of Reclamation.Matters and is an Associate Editor of both Reclamation.Sciences and Natural.Areas.Journal¡
2012
2009
2005
2003
- Dr. Michael Collins, University of Kentucky
2002
- Dr. Terrence J. Toy, University of Denver
2001
- Dr. Lloyd R. Hossner, Texas A. & M. University
2000
- Mr. Martin Y.P. Fung, Syncrude Canada Ltd., AB, Canada
1999
- Dr. Jeffrey G. Skousen, West Virginia University
1998
- Dr. George Vance, University of Wyoming
1997
- Dr. Stephan A. Schroeder, No. Dakota Public Service Commission
1996
- Mr. Jack Nawrot, Southern Illinois University
1995
- Dr. Gary Halvorson, North Dakota State University
1994
- Mr. Terry M. Macyk, Alberta Research Council
1993
- Dr. W. Lee Daniels, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
1992
- Dr. Frank F. Munshower, Montana State University
1991
- Dr. Gerald E. Schuman, Agricultural Research Service
1990
- Ms. Patricia M. Erickson, U.S. Bureau of Mines
1989
- Dr. Richard I. Barnhisel, University of Kentucky
1988
- Dr. Edward J. DePuit, University of Wyoming
1987
- Mr. Thomas G. Zarger, Tennessee Valley Authority (Deceased)
1986
- Mr. Willis G. Vogel, U.S. Forest Service (Retired)
1985
- Dr. Richard M. Smith, West Virginia University (Retired)
1984
- Dr. Ronald E. Ries, Agriculture Research Service
Reclamationist of the Year Award
The Reclamationist of the Year award recognizes individuals demonstrating outstanding accomplishments in the practical application or evaluation of reclamation technology. It also rewards individuals responsible for implementing innovative practices or designs for new reclamation strategies.
Monty Parke
Monty Parke holds the position of Sr. Manager of Conservancy and Reclamation. He has 46 years of experience in mining, farming, and land reclamation. Including more than 2 decades of developing innovative solutions in coal mine reclamation in Indiana and Illinois. Contributions include safe and efficient methods for capping and reclaiming coal refuse slurry impoundments, backfilling underground slopes, exhaust, and intake shafts.
Developed and implemented passive systems for water treatment that require little active management, grass waterways, buffer strips, cover crops and fertility management for water quality. He is the current manager of reclamation at the Peabody Midwest Closed mine sites still under reclamation status and advises sites still in operation with reclamation issues. He is responsible for erosion control, maintenance and tree planting of tens of thousands of acres of reclaimed mined land. To date, he has had a hand in over 52,000 acres reaching or exceeding the requirements and obtaining final bond release, resulting in $355 million dollars of bond released and over 20 mine permits released.
2015
2012
2011
2008
2007
2005
- Mr. William R. Kirk, Coteau Properties Co., ND
2004
- Mr. Scott E. Belden, Powder River Coal Co., Gillette, WY
2003
- Mr. Clint Skilbred, Glenrock Coal Co. Glenrock, WY
2002
- Ms. Margaret H. Dunn, Stream Restoration, Inc., Cranberry Twp., PA
- Ms. Laurel E. Vicklund,, Belle Ayr Mine, Gillette, WY
2001
- Mr. Tim Ramsey, BHP World Minerals, La Plata Mine, La Plata, NM
2000
- Mr. Reginald Hoff, Big Sky Coal, Peabody, Colstrip, MT
1998
- Mr. Wayne R. Erickson, Habitat Management, Inc.
1997
- Mr. Stuart A. Bengson, ASARCO Inc., Copper Operations, AZ
1996
- Mr. Darryl Maunder, Kerr-McGee Coal Company
1995
- Mr. Brent Gray, Peabody Coal Company
1994
- Mr. Dave Nilson, Basin Electric Power Cooperative
1993
- Mr. Robert Moore, Thunder Basin Coal Company
1992
- Dr. David S. Ralston, Amax Coal Company
1990
- Mr. David C. Porterfield, Carbon Coal Company
1989
- Mr. Dwight Hicks, Drumond Coal Company
1988
- Mr. Jack A. Muncy, Tennessee Valley Authority
1987
- Dr. Thomas H. Peters, International Metals (Retired)
1986
- Mr. Kenneth Spurlock, Kentucky Reclamation Association (Retired)
1985
- Mr. Alten F. Grandt, Peabody Coal Company (Retired)
1984
- Mr. James White, Pioneer Fuel Company (Retired)
Early Career Award
This award is intended to recognize an early career member of ASRS that is involved in reclamation research, teaching, and/or on-the-ground reclamation practices within academics, regulatory oversite or in an industry position.
The nominee must have been employed in their field for a minimum of three years but not more than ten years
Kelsea Green
Kelsea Green is an Environmental Engineer working in mine water reclamation for BioMost Inc. of Mars, Pennsylvania. Kelsea obtained her bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering from Saint Francis University with a concentration in ecological engineering and minor in mathematics. During her Sophomore and Junior years, she completed international research in Bolivia, presented at the 2012 Tupelo Meeting and interned at BioMost. Kelsea began her professional career in consulting where she worked on projects like Corridor H and environmental inspections with a sprinkle of passive system operation and maintenance until making the switch to academia and returning to Saint Francis University. As the SFU environmental engineering lab manager and instructor she took students to AMD sites, taught field and lab measurement methods and developed student networking including bringing them to two ASRS annual meetings. Kelsea has volunteered with the Center for Watershed Research and Service, the Stoneycreek- Conemaugh River Improvement Project, and the Clearfield
Creek Watershed Association. Following a few years off to raise her kids, Nora and Emmett, Kelsea returned to consulting with BioMost in 2022. Kelsea’s projects include passive and active mine water treatment design in Pennsylvania and West Virginia as well as operation and maintenance of treatment trust sites. Through BioMost, she has obtained her E.I.T. certification and became more involved with ASRS as an NEC Delegate. Kelsea is excited to continue working toward her professional engineering license and continue her involvement in ASRS as she and her colleagues plan the 2027 Annual Meeting in Pittsburgh, PA.
Pioneer of Reclamation Award
This award is presented to an individual that has had significant impact and influence in the field of environmental science and reclamation relating to disturbed ecosystems over their entire career.
Laurel Vicklund
Laurel Vicklund is a respected leader and environmental scientist whose distinguished career spans over three decades in mining, environmental stewardship, and organizational leadership.
A Colorado State University graduate with a concentration in soils, Laurel is widely recognized for her work in land reclamation and sustainable resource development. Laurel’s extensive experience in environmental engineering and reclamation began with technical roles at Kennecott’s Cordero Mine and progressed through senior environmental leadership positions at Alpha Coal West and Peabody Energy. Currently serving as President of Peregrine Global Services, she has held several key roles within the company since co-founding it in 2003 including Vice President of International Operations, and President of Peregrine Global Foundation.
Her professional accomplishments have been widely recognized. She directed several projects which won awards including Office of Surface Mining Reclamation Director’s Awards, Wyoming Game and Fish Wildlife Reclamation Award. In 2011 she earned the title of Sportswoman of the Year from the NW Wyoming Chapter of Sportsmen for Wildlife and Wyoming Business Report’s Woman of Influence in Energy. She has served in leadership roles with the American Society of Reclamation Scientists and received the Society’s award of Reclamationist of the Year in 2002. Her contributions include numerous publications on sagebrush establishment and mined land reclamation, including her editorial role in producing the “Western Handbook of Reclamation Techniques”.
Beyond her professional achievements, Laurel is deeply involved in community service. She serves on numerous boards and advisory groups, including the Edible Prairie Project, Energy Capital Economic Development, the Gillette College Foundation, the Thunder Basin Grasslands Prairie Ecosystem Association, and the is the Chair of the Northeast Wyoming sage-grouse Working Group. She is also President of the Peregrine Global Foundation and is active in her local faith community at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.
2005
- Terry Macyk
- Martin Fung
2004
- Sy Brayley
- Ben Green
- Jarvis Harper
- Sam Lyle
- Jack Muncy
- Jim Sandusky
2003
- Stuart A. Bengson
- James A. Brown
- Larry F. Brown
- Ray W. Brown
- C. Wayne Cook
- Alton D. Day
- Eugene E. Farmer
- Thomas Gwynn
- Rodney R. Krause
- Gerald Lowry
- Kenneth L. Ludeke
- Frank F. Munshower
- Ed Pommerenning
- Paul Rokich
- Ed Temple
- John Thames
2002
- Richard I. Barnhisel
- William A. Berg
- James F. Boyer, Jr.
- Kenes Bowling
- Frank T. Carruccio
- Willy Curtis
- Jimmy Dean
- Samuel Dickinson
- David Funk
- Alten F. Grandt
- Willard D. Klimstra
- Thomas H. Peters
- Joe Ruffner
- Stephen G. Shetron
- Richard Meriwether Smith
- Shawn T. Sorrell
- Willis Vogel
- Tom Zarger
2001
- Earl Alden
- Robert G. Beverly
- Stephen G. Boyce
- W.C. Bramble
- A. G. Chapman
- Bryan F. Clark
- John Crowl
- W. C. Croxton
- Karl C. Dean
- Dan DenUyl
- Glenn Deitschmann
- Dean Eisinphar
- Louis E. Engstrom
- Raymond Finn
- Frank Glover
- Richard C. Havens
- Tom Higgins
- Ron Hill
- Richard Hodder
- Bob Hughes
- Lyle Knutson
- John F. Knudsen
- Gus Limstrom
- Harith Loqua
- James H. Lundy
- A. L. McComb
- Robert W. Merz
- Rex F. Neilson
- H. B. Peterson
- Bland Z. Richardson
- Charles V. Riley
- Nelson Rogers
- Don Russell
- L. E. Sawyer
- Paul N. Seastrom
- Monte B. Shirts
- C. A. "Tony" Sjogren
- Paul Sutton
- E. H. Tyner
- John P. Vimmerstedt
- Louis Weber
1999
- Paul Borden
- Mike Coats
- Jesse Mitchell
1998
- William T. Plass
1997
- Clark Ashby
Distinction in Reclamation Award
This award recognizes a specific project in which a company has demonstrated excellence in reclamation design, implementation, and overall success, resulting in the conservation of natural resources and the ecosystem.
Raccoon Creek Restoration and Recovery
Unregulated coal mining through the 1970s resulted in acid mine drainage (AMD) and sedimentation throughout the Raccoon Creek watershed. For many years, Raccoon Creek was considered “unrecoverable”…too far gone to ever rebound from the impacts of pre-law coal mining. Fortunately, concerned citizens in the 1980s cared deeply about the watershed and succeeded in getting the support of agency partners. The grassroots Raccoon Creek Improvement Committee, becoming the Raccoon Creek Partnership (RCP) in 2007, has been an integral part of the recovery of Raccoon Creek.
RCP has worked with countless partners over the years, but those responsible for most of the funding, project construction, and monitoring are Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Mineral Resources Management (ODNR DMRM), Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA), Office of Surface Mining (OSM), and Ohio University Voinovich School. These partners have secured ~17 million dollars in funding for the completion of 22 restoration projects in the watershed. Projects include active and passive treatment, standard reclamation, and the removal of one low-head dam. These projects have greatly improved water quality in Raccoon Creek and restored this once “unrecoverable” watershed, devoid of aquatic life and choked with sediment and metals, back to a thriving, healthy biological community. In 2022, Ohio EPA officially approved upgraded Aquatic Life Uses for much of Raccoon Creek. The headwaters, previously designated Limited Resource Water (the lowest degree of biological integrity) are now meeting Warmwater Habitat and over 30 miles are now meeting Exceptional Warmwater Habitat (EWH)..On November 12, 2024, Ohio Governor DeWine and ODNR Director Mertz officially designated Raccoon Creek the first Scenic River in Southeast Ohio. After many decades being one of the most impaired watersheds in the state, it is very exciting to share this story of recovery.
Designation showcases the partnerships that have resulted in recovery of Raccoon Creek over the past several decades; from “dead as a bag of hammers” to meeting Warmwater and Exceptional Warmwater Habitat.
