Big South Fork NRRA to receive funding for ecosystem restoration and climate resilience projects - WVLT
Big South Fork NRRA to receive funding for ecosystem restoration and climate resilience projects
The funding will support efforts to mitigate abandoned mine drainage, close open mine portals, implement invasive plant management and control feral swine in the area.
ONEIDA, Tenn. (WVLT) - Big South Fork NRRA announced Tuesday it will be receiving $3,052,000 in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act for ecosystem restoration and climate resilience projects.
According to the National Parks Service, the funding will support efforts to mitigate abandoned mine drainage, close open mine portals, implement invasive plant management and control feral swine in the area.
Abandoned mine projects will treat contaminated mine drainage to improve water quality and restore stream ecology. Open mine portals will be closed or have bat gates installed to protect park visitors and promote bat conservation. Controlling invasive swine will protect natural and cultural resources with the goal of promoting ecosystem restoration.
“The funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act is providing new opportunities beyond routine park funding for critical park needs to clean up and address safety issues at abandoned mines, improve water quality, protect resources, and promote ecosystem restoration,” said Superintendent Niki Stephanie Nicholas.
The NPS is working with the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement and the Tennessee Valley Authority to evaluate, design and mitigate contaminated mine drainage, restore streams and close open mine portals.
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