The American Society of Reclamation Sciences (ASRS) was originally founded in 1973 as a small West Virginia advisory council concerned with reclamation of lands that had been disturbed by coal extraction. ASRS has evolved into a professional society of international prominence, including members from 20 countries. Initially, ASRS focused on lands disturbed by coal mining. ASRS's professional interests now include all aspects of land reclamation and the protection and enhancement of soil and water resources regardless of the source of the disturbance.