Envisioning Possibilities

New development in previously mined bituminous coal fields through Project RidgeRIDER™ lends to green infrastructure, which conserves natural resources and provides a better quality of life for area residents. Through Project RidgeRIDER™, ARCorp coupled a segment of the recreating public -enthusiasts who are willing to pay for the opportunity to recreate legally- with the conservation community and developed a practical solution to two very serious threats to the Commonwealth's natural resources. Bituminous coalfields within western Pennsylvania in need of reclamation that are strategically located to make ideal multi-use recreational trails have been identified. A pilot site has been selected to become model abandoned mine land reclamation with environmentally-responsible OHV trail design that will bring about a net environmental gain in a particular watershed. Rock Run Recreation Area, the pilot site, implements RidgeRIDER™'s reclamation strategy that includes a monitoring and maintenance component, completed trail layout and design schematic, a business management plan, and an archetypical marketing component. Rock Run will serve as a model site for other communities to use in their efforts to reclaim abandoned mine lands and expand recreational opportunities, while jumpstarting a weakening economy and restoring and protecting natural resources.

Measurable Environmental Results/Benefits

The environmental impact is expected to be tremendous. Allegheny Ridge Corporation understands the benefits as:

improving wildlife habitat through the re-vegetation of abandoned mine lands with native flora mitigating existing abandoned mine drainage problems through passive and active treatment systems addressing current sedimentation and other non-point pollution sources due to the misuse of AML today mitigating the impacts of OHV trail use through environmentally responsible trail design promoting environmental stewardship through the development of a challenging yet safe trail system that will encourage enthusiasts to stay on the designated trail and out of sensitive areas educating OHV riders about the environmental impacts of riding in environmentally sensitive areas

The 12-county project area includes over 10 large watersheds and a large portion of the over 250,000 acres of abandoned mine lands in Pennsylvania. The project goals of reclaiming abandoned mine lands and developing system of multi-use, motorized recreation areas will not only remove destructive waste-pile runoff that pollutes local waterways, but will also provide an OHV alternative to damaging sensitive area on our state lands and recreation areas.

PA OHVA

Project RidgeRIDER™ has been working hand-in-hand with the OHV and conservation communities to provide a positive, greener future for Pennsylvania. Thus far, the project has facilitated the creation of the Pennsylvania Off-Highway Vehicle Association (PaOHV), a statewide alliance of motorized trail user groups. With RidgeRIDER™'s assistance, PaOHV is positioning itself to offer an educational outreach program for OHV enthusiasts throughout the state. Now officially incorporated, PaOHV will advocate OHV interests throughout Pennsylvania in a positive, responsible manner which will, in the long run, serve to overcome the negative connotations frequently associated with motorized recreation.

RidgeRIDER™ 2000 Conference

Project RidgeRIDER™ brought together conservationists, recreation specialists, AML experts, wildlife biologists, and OHV enthusiasts together under the same roof for the first time ever in Pennsylvania via RidgeRIDER™ 2000 Conference. Organizations participating in this public forum included: the PA Wild Turkey Federation, the PA Game Commission, DCNR Bureaus of Forestry and State Parks, the Three Rivers Competition Riders, the Midstate RC & D, and the Keystone Off-Road Riders. This dialogue set the agenda for the project's future.

Education

RidgeRIDER™ is strategizing to develop an after-school education program that will empower young OHV users to make smart decisions about OHV use and environmental sensitivity. RidgeRIDER™ has plans to be involved in a variety of educational outreach campaigns designed to educate the public about responsible OHV recreation, develop a strong advocacy group to grow into a more proactive role, and to educate young adults while they are still developing their ideal and moral stances.