2022 Annual Meeting

39th ASRS Annual Meeting
June 12-16, 2022
Duluth Entertainment Convention Center
Duluth, Minnesota

The 39th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Reclamation Sciences (ASRS) is June 12-16, 2022, in Duluth, MN. This conference will focus on the research, technical, and regulatory issues associated with the land and water implications of anthropogenic land disturbances. It will provide a forum for the dissemination of information through presentation of research findings, field tours, and open discussion of public policy relating to the applied science of reclamation, rehabilitation, remediation, and restoration of areas disturbed by mining, oil and gas, conventional and alternative energy production, contaminated sites, agriculture, road construction, large-scale commercial development, and other disturbances to land and water resources.

ASRS 2022 Conference Program

CONFERENCE CENTER

(DECC) Harbor Side Convention Center, 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN:
Meticulously detailed and beautiful, the Harbor Side Ballroom overlooks Lake Superior, the Aerial Lift Bridge and the landmarks of Canal Park.

On-Site Registration:
Sunday through Wednesday, June 12-15, 2022, all day. The Registration Table will be open for the conference on all days. It is located at the Harbor Side Convention Center in the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC) in the Harbor Side Lobby. Information and help can be obtained from those situated at the table.

Pricing Chart

Stream Tour Add-On

*ONLY those who have already registered but want to add on this activity are to click on button above. Others who have not yet registered, click on the top gold Register button.

Call for Sponsors and Exhibitors!

Become a Sponsor/Exhibitor

Exhibitor Space

Sponsor/Exhibitor Information

Any questions, please contact Robert Darmody, ASRS Executive Director or Mehgan Blair, local Planning Committee Chair.

Harbor-Side-Convention-Center-Diagram-Skywalk

Harbor-Side-Convention-Center-Diagrams-Updated

ACCOMMODATIONS

Lodging accommodations are available under ASRS (ASMR) Room Blocks. Breakfast is included at all locations with the exception of Radisson Harborview. For more information about lodging in the Duluth area, see Visit Duluth.

The Suites at Waterfront Plaza
325 S. Lake Avenue, Duluth, MN
$99-135/night
Call 218-727-4663

Hampton Inn Canal Park
310 Canal Park Drive, Duluth, MN
$169-209/night
Call 218-720-3000

Radisson Harborview
505 W Superior Street, Duluth, MN
$179/night
Call 218-481-1185

Comfort Suites Canal Park
408 Canal Park Drive, Duluth, MN
$180-200/night
Call 218-727-1378
Use code ASMR/ASRS or KC79B6 to book

Travel/Transportation Information

By Air

Duluth International Airport is conveniently located just 10 minutes from downtown. Delta Airlines offers daily non-stop flights from Duluth to Minneapolis. United Express offers daily non-stop flights from Duluth to Chicago O’Hare.
Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) is the major regional International Airport, located about 2.5 hours from Duluth, and has several ground shuttle service options to Duluth.
Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) is located in Thunder Bay Ontario, approximately 3.5 hours drive to Duluth, MN (includes and international border crossing).

Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport Shuttle Service

Groome Transportation

Groome Transportation offers affordable daily shuttle vans between Duluth and Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. Call (218) 724-4676 to reserve your seat or visit Groome Transportation for online reservations. Direct drop off to the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) and surrounding hotels.

Landline

Nonstop daily scheduled service is offered between the Duluth airport and Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) airport. You can select the departure/arrival time, standard or fully refundable fare, and your seat location within the booking tool.

Jefferson Lines

Economical motorcoach with wifi offering 3 trips daily.

Duluth Transit Authority (DTA)

The DTA bus service provides regular-route service to Duluth, Proctor, and Superior, Wisconsin, and operates 33 unique variations of 18 different routes. Para-transit service for people with disabilities is also offered through STRIDE in these same service areas.

Hotel Shuttle Services

Radisson Hotel Duluth-Harborview – (218) 727-8981

Around Town

Once you get here, the DECC and hotels are within walking distance, along the waterfront. You’ll also find convenient taxi service and you can take a leisurely ride on the Port Town Trolley around downtown and Canal Park.

Transportation Map

EVENTS

Welcome Reception: Sunday, June 12, 6-8 pm (Included in registration, but please register for planning purposes.)

The Welcome Reception will be held in the Harbor Side Ballroom Foyer, upstairs from the Registration Table for all conference attendees. Reacquaint yourself (in person!) with old friends and meet new ones as you talk with the others at the reception. Appetizers and beverages available.

Haulin’ ASRS: Monday through Thursday, 6:30-7:30 am (Included in registration)

Haulin’ ASRS is an informal running activity during each morning of the conference. It is a low-key running group that meets at 6:30 am. We usually run for 30-50 minutes depending on the conference schedule. The pace is approximately 5-6 mph but is generally based on the ability of the participants. Some people stay with the group for part of the run and then branch off to either go faster, farther or slow down. Running is a wonderful way to meet new people, get some exercise in the morning, and to explore the Lakewalk along Lake Superior! Remember to bring your running shoes to Duluth in June! For those who are feeling competitive, you can look into capping off your conference week by running the renowned Grandma’s Marathon! The Lakewalk is located on the waterfront heading northeast from the Canal Park District, where the DECC is located. People with a desire to join the group for a short run should meet at 6:30 am in the Hampton Inn lobby. From there the group can get onto the Lakewalk and out toward the Gichi-Ode Akiing (Lake Place Park) at the corner of the Lake or toward the lighthouse at the Aerial Lift Bridge. Contact: Dan Guy

Breakfast in the Ballroom: Monday, June 13, 7-8:30 am (Included in registration)

A breakfast buffet will be provided before the Plenary Session begins. The breakfast will be in the Harbor Side Ballroom.

Plenary Session: Monday, June 13, 9-Noon (Included in registration)

The Plenary Session will be held in the Harbor Side Ballroom and will be composed of presentations that are intended to introduce ASRS and the Midwest-Great Lakes Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration. In addition, a history of reclamation on Minnesota’s Iron Range, and estuary restoration taking place as part of the EPA St. Louis River Area of Concern program will be featured.

ASRS Awards Luncheon/Business Meeting: Monday June 13, 12-2 pm (Included in registration)

The ASRS Awards Luncheon, located in the Harbor Side Ballroom, is one of the highlights of the annual meeting. Awards are given for the William T. Plass Award, the Barnhisel Reclamation Researcher of the Year Award, the Reclamationist of the Year Award, Pioneers in Reclamation Award, the Early Career Award, as well as Student Scholarship Awards.

Silent Auction: All week

The organizers will be collecting items to contribute to ASRS’s Silent Auction. Items will be on display during the conference, where bidding can go on throughout the week. It will close 11:00am on Wednesday, June 15. The auction raises funds for the student scholarships, presentation awards, and travel grants to our meetings. Please reach out to Robert Darmody if you have items to contribute to the Silent Auction.

Social Event & Dinner: Monday, June 13, 6- 9 pm ($60 registration)

Join us for a catered dinner and drinks on the lakefront grounds of the Pier B Resort. We’ll enjoy appetizers and cocktails on the rooftop deck while the lakers come through the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge on their way to load with taconite pellets. The beautiful waterfront views await you.

Wild Women of Reclamation: Tuesday, June 14, 7-8:15 am (Included in registration)

Started in 2013, the Wild Women of Reclamation was organized to provide mentorship and professional development for women in the society as well as those in the profession. Every woman is welcome. Presentations are sometimes given on choosing a career path, balancing a career and family or community activities, and mentoring. Each year, we pair up mentors and mentees to keep in touch with each other throughout the coming year. Wild Women will convene on Tuesday at 7 for breakfast. Michele Coleman, ASRS president-elect will lead the meeting. There is no membership, just show up for breakfast! For more information, please contact Michele Coleman.

Poster Session & Networking Event: Tuesday, June 14, 5:30-7:30 pm (Included in registration)

After the technical sessions on Tuesday, a reception and poster session will be held in the Harbor Side Ballroom Foyer, amongst the Exhibitors. Snacks and a cash bar will be provided. Posters will be displayed, and the authors will be available to discuss their work.

Reclamation Film Festival: Tuesday, June 14, 7:30-9 pm (Included in registration, but please register for planning purposes.)

Join us for the second annual Reclamation Film Festival, celebrating projects and reclamation efforts through short videos. The audience will vote for winners, and major awards will be given for the “professional” and “amateur” divisions.

Student Awards Lunch: Wednesday, June 15, 12 -1:30 pm (Included in registration)

All welcome for lunch in the Harbor Side Ballroom. Student presentation and poster awards and scholarships will be given.

Early Career Professionals’ Event: Wednesday, June 15, 6-9 pm ($40)

This event, being held at Hoops Brewing on Canal Park near the DECC, will bring together early career and experienced professionals for valuable mentorship. It will be a great opportunity for networking, learning, and gathering knowledge from others. Please register online or purchase a ticket at registration. Food and beverages provided. Please contact Hannah Patton for further information.

PROFESSIONAL FIELD TOURS

Taconite Tour: Sunday, June 12, full day ($65)

Take in Minnesota’s Iron Range mining district at the newly renovated Hibbing Mine View overlooking the Hull Rust Mahoning Mine complex, the “Grand Canyon of the North.” From the unique 360° vantage point, one can see the evolution of reclamation on the Iron Range. One of these sites is United Taconite’s tailings basin, which has been reclaimed to productive use as farmland, wetland, and a hybrid poplar stand. Another is Hibbing Taconite’s 5036 stockpile, an innovative, proactive reclamation site that will become the future pit lake’s littoral zone. In Hibbing, we’ll also stop at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources mine reclamation research facility, home to field- and pilot-scale reclamation demonstration projects and Minnesota’s exploration drillcore library. We will visit the Redhead Mountain Bike project to view the development of off- road trails on mined land and the Minnesota Museum of Mining.

Duluth Stream Restoration Tour: Wednesday afternoon, June 15, 2 hours ($15)

In 2012, Duluth experienced a two-day, 500-year rainfall event that flooded the creeks running through Duluth’s hillside and resulted in millions of dollars of infrastructure damage. Many of these creeks were subsequently restored and are some of the city’s most beautiful features and are accessible by hiking trails. Guided tour with transportation included.

Peat Mining and Reclamation: Thursday, June 16, full day ($55)

This tour heads south and west out of Duluth to visit active peat mining sites that undergo progressive wetland reclamation. We’ll see the novel harvesting equipment and bagging operations along with reclaimed wetland sites at the Premier Peat and American Peat Technology sites. We’ll also have lunch in Tamarack, where Talon Metals has been actively exploring a high-grade Cu/Ni + PGE deposit. Last, we’ll stop to look at some unique geology and beautiful views at Jay Cooke State Park, located just west of Duluth.

WORKSHOP

Mine Subsidence Workshop – Wednesday, June 15th
1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Harbor Side Rooms
The workshop will be broken down into a more in-depth study of land subsidence from the underground mining of coal. It will cover key aspects of mine subsidence, a subject that is not well understood, and embraces several engineering disciplines. The workshop focuses on the causes of mine subsidence and how mine stability relates to the resulting ground movements. Different mining and geologic conditions determine the mode of failure of the mine. The mode of mine failure in turn affects the resulting subsidence movement and consequently the resulting damage. Prediction of subsidence and damage potential and mitigation alternatives are also key aspects of subsidence engineering. Workshop outline consists of causation and risk of subsidence, subsidence movement, and the effect of these movements on structures and pipelines. Also, in the last portion of the workshop, subsidence mitigation alternatives will be discussed. After each section of the workshop, there will be a question-and-answer period. This workshop will be presented in a manner that will be understandable to anyone that would be interested in learning more about mine subsidence engineering. Handouts will be provided,

Instructor Bio: Dr. Gennaro G. Marino has a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois. His thesis involved mine subsidence and structural response over room and pillar mines. He presently is a licensed P.E. in 27 states. He has authored numerous articles on subsidence and has received multiple awards for his work, expertise, ethics, and professional development. His work spanning over 40 years includes all aspects of subsidence engineering with government agencies, engineering and architectural firms, surface owners, pipeline, insurance, and mining companies, including planning, mining, and abandonment stages of room and pillar to high extraction workings, and cause and origin investigations.

CULTURAL TOURS

Vista Waterfront Tour: Monday, June 13th, 10:00-12:00 noon ($35)

Enjoy Duluth’s Waterfront Tour by hopping on the Vista Star! This cruise will take you through the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge and out onto Lake Superior along Duluth’s shores.

Glensheen Mansion Tour: Tuesday, June 14th, 9:00-12:00 ($35)

See the gilded-age historic Congdon estate in detail. The home of Chester Congdon, general counsel of the Oliver Mining Company developed this 12-acre Lake Superior waterfront estate from 1905-1908. It is now a historical property maintained by the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Chartered transportation to Glensheen is included.

Zephyr Train Tour: Wednesday June 15th, 12:30-2:30 ($40)

Ride the Duluth Zephyr, which brings you through downtown Duluth, a little way up the North Shore, through Congdon Park, and to the neighborhood of Lakeside for spectacular lake viewing.

TECHNICAL SESSIONS

An array of Technical Sessions are available (Monday-Wednesday) in the following categories:

Treatment Wastes, Vegetation: Developing Techniques, Soils and Spoils, Reclamation Regulations, Watershed Characterization and Restoration, Partners in Reclamation, Vegetation: Diverse Perspectives, Reforestation, Reclamation Innovations, Teaching in Reclamation, Advancements in Reclamation Technologies, Passive Treatment: Past, Present, Future, Better Living Through Design and Construction, and Soil Health: Impact on Vegetation.

Sessions Agenda

POSTER SESSION

Our annual meeting will spotlight some amazing poster displays Tuesday from 5:30-7:30 pm. Appetizers and refreshments will be served.

Poster Presentations

FILM FESTIVAL

Join us for the Second Annual ASRS Film Festival, Tuesday 7:30-9pm. We will bring reclamation-related topics to you via short films highlighting exciting and intriguing reclamation projects. Awards will be presented to the best in show, and classic movie theater snacks will be provided. Now with two categories: Pro and Amateur!