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.
Zhenqi Hu
Nominated by Brenda Schladweiler
Dr. Zhenqi Hu is a professor of China University of Mining and Technology and a life member of the American Society for Reclamation Sciences (ASRS), has dedicated 36 years to mine land reclamation in China. He received his Ph.D., Master’s, and Bachelor’s degrees from the China University of Mining and Technology in 1991, 1987 and 1984 respectively. Notably, he also participated in a joint Ph.D. program at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale from 1989 to 1991, focusing his doctorate research on land reclamation. Dr. Hu is well-known as the pioneer of mine land reclamation in China, and he made outstanding contributions to the innovation and internationalization of China’s mine ecological restoration. Since 1991, he has led numerous wide-ranging research projects. His work has shed light on the mechanism and consequences of surface ecological damage caused by underground mining, and creatively proposed concurrent mining and reclamation technology, and yellow river sediment filling technology for restoring subsidence land to prime farmland in coal mining areas. Additionally, Dr. Hu developed methods for the ecological restoration of coal waste piles prone to spontaneous combustion. He established a soil reconstruction theory and technical system with “soil layer niche” and “soil key layer” as the core. These remarkable achievements have been widely implemented in 276 coal mines across 14 provinces in China. His work has significantly advanced the field of mine land reclamation theory and technology. It has also made substantial contributions to protecting farmland, maintaining ecological security, and promoting the development of green mines, leading to significant economic, social, and environmental benefits. He has published more than 500 papers and 21 academic books. He has won 3 national second-class prizes for technological progress, and 9 first-class prizes at the provincial and ministerial level. He has also done great contributions to training students and technical transfer on land reclamation. Dr. Hu’s mentorship has nurtured a new generation of talent in land reclamation. Under his guidance, an impressive 9 post-doctoral fellows, 108 Ph.D. graduates, and 128 master’s graduates have entered the field.
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.
Jenise Bauman
Nominated by Richard Barnhisel
Dr. Jenise M. Bauman is a restoration ecologist with research career that has focused on the balance of energy demands and environmental initiatives. She has been involved with ASRS since 2010, currently on the Editorial Board for Reclamation Sciences, and is excited to begin her new role as a member of the National Executive Committee. Dr. Bauman earned her Ph.D. from Miami University of Ohio, M.S. from West Virginia University, and B.S. from Eastern Kentucky University. Her graduate work focused on the reforestation of landscapes impacted by mining for coal and natural gas. She completed a two-year post-graduate position as a Director of Conservation Science Research, which operated on 10,000 acres of reclaimed coal mines in southeastern Ohio. Dr. Bauman relocated to Washington State to join Western Washington University’s College of the Environment in 2014. During her tenure she continued forest restoration projects on previously coal mined landscapes in Appalachia. She initiated new projects in the Pacific Northwest that included reforestation post-dam removal, as well as estuary, nearshore, and riparian projects that evaluate plant community, fish counts, soil development, and fate of soil metals in urban estuaries. Other projects include assisted migration as a climate adaptation strategy to restore riparian zones adjacent to estuary restoration projects. Most recently in 2024, Dr. Bauman joined Tacoma Power’s Natural Resource Division of Tacoma Public Utilities as Research and Science Manager. She is now working with a team of scientists to initiate restoration and reclamation projects to improve anadromous fish passage and wildlife habitat in several rivers harboring hydroelectric dams in western Washington.
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.
Michael French
Nominated by Kenton Sena
Michael French received a B.S. in Biology and M.S. in Forestry from the University of Kentucky where he focused his undergraduate and graduate studies on linking American chestnut restoration with coal surface mine reforestation efforts while working as an intern for The American Chestnut Foundation. Since 2015, Michael has served as the Director of Operations of Green Forests Work, a non-profit whose mission is restoring native forests on former coal surface mines. Michael has also served as a co-chair for the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative’s Science Team since 2018, promoting research into reclamation and ecological restoration on formerly mined lands. Prior to joining Green Forests Work, Michael worked for The American Chestnut Foundation as a restoration ecologist and in the private sector for Williams Forestry and Associates, where he supervised the planting of millions of trees across the Appalachian region. During his leadership of Green Forests Work, the organization has planted millions more trees on active, legacy, and Abandoned Mine Lands throughout the Appalachia with a focus on restoring forest types that have undergone significant declines over the past several decades. Michael currently resides in Indiana with his wife and two boys, where he also promotes native ecosystem restoration.
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
Michael Curran
Nominated by Michele Coleman
Dr. Michael Curran owns and operates Abnova Ecological Solutions, a small ecological consulting and research firm which specializes in ecological restoration, land reclamation, environmental monitoring, environmental data management, and a variety of other ecology related matters. Mike is originally from Manasquan, NJ and has a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Geography, and Ancient Greek & Roman Studies from University of Delaware, where he worked as an undergraduate research assistant studying native vs. non-native plant impacts on terrestrial food webs. He has a Master of Science degree in Rangeland Ecology & Watershed Management as well as a PhD in Ecology and a Graduate Minor in Statistics from University of Wyoming. Curran received both the MS and PhD Student Awards from the American Society of Reclamation Sciences upon completion of each degree, both of which has a research component focused on land reclamation and ecosystem services associated with oil and gas development in Wyoming. In graduate school, Curran worked with 26 oil and gas operators along with numerous State and Federal Government agencies. Between graduating from University of Wyoming and starting Abnova, Curran held a post-doctoral research position studying how to monitor wildlife with drones at Mississippi State University and has become a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner and Certified Wildlife Biologist. He also managed a native plant section at a large retail nursery in New Jersey. Through Abnova, Curran works with numerous oil, gas, renewable energy and mining groups as well as with several government agencies to solve simple and complex ecological problems, mostly related to reclamation, threatened and endangered species, and decision management.
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.
Rick Williams
Nominated by Chris Barton
Rick Williams, founder and president of Williams Forestry and Associates, LLC has been an advocate for diverse, high quality native tree plantings on surface mined lands for over 30 years. Since it’s inception, Williams Forestry has planted over 500 million trees in the eastern U.S. of which at least 72 million have been planted on mined lands. Rick has always been a staunch advocate for diversity and productivity, having conducted his business in this area in a way that would result in the restoration of the native Appalachian Forest. Often this was done at cost to his business and occasionally at the risk of losing a customer as he pushed to have reclamation performed in a way that gave trees their best chance at thriving. Williams Forestry planted many of the experiments that led to the development of the Forestry Reclamation Approach and Rick instituted a study of his own to test survival and growth of numerous native shrub species to provide better results for his customers and to diversify his planting mixes. Over the years, Rick’s clients have won numerous reclamation awards and Rick has always been a great partner to his clients, going above and beyond to help them win these awards. This same quality-first mindset also pervades Rick’s personal life. He brings the same work ethic and appreciation of natural beauty to his home farm where he spends his free time with his family and maintaining the farm’s beauty and diversity.
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.
The Coteau Properties
Nominated by Rylan Sundsbak
The Freedom Mine of The Coteau Properties Company is in Mercer County in southwest North Dakota. The Coteau Properties Company is a surface mine that delivers approximately 13-14 million tons of lignite coal annually to three facilities owned by Basin Electric Power Cooperative. Coteau has approximately 49,300 acres in their mining permits authorized by the North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC), and the mine has reclaimed nearly 35% of their permitted acres. Coteau has three common post mine land uses for the reclaimed tracts; cropland, native grassland, and hay land, and a smaller portion of reclaimed acres are preserved as wildlife enhancement areas. The Section 6 Wildlife Enhancement Area is 177 acres which contains many wetland features, some undisturbed and some reclaimed; 52 acres of undisturbed native grassland with the remainder seeded to perennially vegetated hay land. The enhancement area will act as an island of diversity within an otherwise large tract of uninterrupted reclaimed cropland and will provide food and cover for waterfowl, grassland birds, shorebirds, and pollinator insects. The Coteau Properties Company partnered with North Dakota 4-H Pollinator Program to provide an educational opportunity for North Dakota youth to help develop and install pollinator plots on reclaimed surface coal mine land. North Dakota 4-H was selected as a candidate for the 4-H Pollinator Habitat program, and eight youth from around the state of North Dakota were selected to participate in the project. Coteau collaborated with the ND 4-H Pollinator Habitat group to provide reclaimed land in Section 6 to establish two pollinator plots. The Coteau Properties Company provided the group with post-mine land use maps, topographic maps, and post reclamation soils information as well as the native grassland seed mixture used in the surrounding reclaimed hay land. The youth group assisted in choosing the locations for the pollinator plots, helping create the seed mixture for the pollinator species, and aided in prepping and loading the seeding equipment. The Coteau Properties Company in conjunction with the 4-H group installed two large pollinator plots within the Section 6 Wildlife Enhancement Area. The pollinator plots are two acres in size and were seeded with pollinator species selected by the youth based on their research.
Nominated by Rylan Sundsbak
Jonah Energy LLC
Nominated by Mike Curran
Located in Sublete County, Wyoming, Jonah Energy operates nearly 2,400 natural gas wells within the sagebrush-steppe ecosystem, home to abundant antelope, Greater Sage Grouse, and many other wildlife species. At over 7,000 feet above sea level, with less than 39 frost free days per year and inconsistent precipitation the soils are poorly developed with low organic mater. In one of the harshest environments in the lower 48 states, Jonah Energy has been able to achieve remarkable reclamation results. They’ve done this by being dedicated stewards of the land on which they operate, through strategic partnerships with universities, consultants, and government researchers, and by adapting their operations to lessons learned through science and on the ground practices. Jonah Energy has shown, despite the harsh climatic and soil conditions, that they can truly leave the land in better shape following reclamation than prior to disturbance. With over 7,300 acres of disturbance, of which 80% has been reclaimed, herbaceous production on average has increased 40%, species richness has increased 77% and wildlife utilization of reclaimed lands from insects to ungulates has increased. In their quest to improve upon existing reclamation, Jonah Energy continues to fund scientific research and has co-authored 3 peer reviewed, published articles. In addition to pushing the envelope for reclamation associated with oil and gas development in the western US, Jonah Energy has implemented cutting edge air and water quality programs, showing a full commitment to environmental responsibility.
Peabody Energy/Kayenta Mine
Nominated by Jen Schlotthauer
The Kayenta Mine Complex (KMC), which includes mines separately designated as the Kayenta Mine and Black Mesa Mine, is located on Black Mesa in Navajo County, Arizona on lands leased from the Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe. The Black Mesa is a massive highland in Northeastern Arizona covering approximately 2.1 million acres. Along its northern boundary, the Mesa rises abruptly in a 1,200- to 2,000-foot-high uneven wall then descends gently southward in a plane of rolling hills to the Litle Colorado River. Near the northern rim and in some of the canyons there are dense stands of pinyon and juniper trees, forming a dark vegetative cover from which the Mesa derives its name. Most of the Mesa, however, is rolling country covered primarily by a sagebrush shrubland. The Peabody lease covers 64,858 acres on the northern part of the Mesa just south of Kayenta, Arizona. Within the Kayenta Mine, there are several pit areas, one of which is J19. The J19 pit was mined from 2003 to 2016 and final reclamation was completed in 2022. The spoil ridge created on the edge of the pit during mining had to be placed back into the final pit, which required Peabody to move the backfill several times. This could be achieved most cost effectively with a dragline, and the site committed to reclaiming the pit with the dragline prior to shutting the machine down. A support fleet including dozers, trucks, loaders, scrapers, and excavators also aided with completion of the reclamation from backfilling to drainage construction. The permitted post-mining land uses for KMC are rangeland grazing, wildlife habitat, and cultural plant habitat. To demonstrate that these land uses are being achieved, Peabody manages a sustainable community-based grazing program, conducts annual monitoring to document wildlife use across the mine permit area, and conducts annual vegetation monitoring. In 2019, this reclamation area of the mine received the: “Excellence in Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Director’s Award” from the “Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation Enforcement”. This award recognized the importance of the Cultural Plant Habitat and domestic grazing opportunities that the mine had returned to the local indigenous people’s life and culture.
