Commercial Forest Land as a Postmining Land-Use: A Win-Win-Win Opportuni1y for Coal Operators, Landowners, and Sociey in Tihe Central Appalachians

Abstract

Commercial forest land is a post.mining land-use option that may represent the best collective interests of landowners, coal operators, and society in the central Appalachian coal fields. A distinguishing attribute of "co=ercial" forest land is the expressed intention of the landowner to use the reclaimed property for timber production. Consequently, land should be reclaimed in a fashion that not only protects the environment, but maximizes the growth potential of trees. Land reclaimed as commercial forest land may look different than land reclaimed as "hayland/pasture" or other land-uses. In many cases, for example, coal operators can improve tree growth by reducing the amount of grading; this will also reduce their costs. Landowners and the public will benefit from healthier and more productive forests.