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KSU and ARP to continue collaborative research on the impacts of mining and restoration interventions

Frankfort On August 21 Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo, Kentucky State University President, and Clifford Smith, CEO of Appalachian Renewal Project (ARP) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) renewing their partnership to continue collaborative research and education on the effects of both mining and restoration interventions on the ecosystem.

KSU and ARP first entered into the MOU in 2021 to research Appalachia’s reclaimed mine lands and landscape restoration approaches. The agreement made way for KSU students, faculty, scientists, research, and outreach staff to visit properties owned or managed by ARP in Eastern Kentucky to collect data on vegetation, soil and water. This data is utilized for the long-term study of soil, water quality, and land management practices of abandoned mine land or reclaimed properties and helps to inform further research on environmental stewardship, biomass prediction, ecosystem, and climate change.

“Since beginning our partnership in 2021, we have already made great strides in our research and we look forward to continuing this important work,” said Dr. Akakpo. “We are sincere in our efforts to improve ecosystems impacted by surface mining through our collaborative research. In so doing, we hope to support the surrounding communities by improving economic opportunities and community health outcomes.”

“This MOU will further help our KSU graduate students to utilize data for thesis research and create educational opportunities for local high school students to understand interrelationships between people and the environment,” stated Dr. Buddhi Gyawali, Professor and Project Director of Long-term Agroecosystem Research in Appalachia. “ARP property will serve as a satellite research station and learning lab for KSU and local communities about changes in soil, vegetation, water quality, and microclimate.”

The extended MOU expands KSU and ARP’s partnership. Together, KSU and ARP intend to build a learning laboratory on the Martin County site where KSU students can continue monitoring evaluation research and measuring the impacts of regenerative agricultural approaches to restoration. This lab would include a real-time weather monitoring station and researching biochar and soil amendment applications, controlled burns and grassland management, bioremediation, and more. The expanded agreement also calls for an increase in recruitment and outreach opportunities in the Eastern Kentucky region to help educate communities about this research and increase awareness of this impactful field of study.

For more information about KSU and ARP’s collaborative efforts in Eastern Kentucky, visit Appalachia Project: Progress and plans.