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HOW TO SEND A MINING AND RECLAMATION POSTCARD
Sending a card is easy, just follow the instructions at each step along the way. The cards are stored in a directory so only you and the recipient will know how to find the card. The e-mail address are deleted when the card expires at the end of the week and will not be used for any other purpose.

After you have completed the card, you will be shown a preview. If you do not like your card, you may edit it and then send it, or just cancel the request. The recipient will receive an e-mail message advising where to find the card.

STEP #1: SELECT A PICTURE
Please select a picture from the list below using the Radio Button selector. You may only pick one picture per card. If you want to see a full size image of a picture, just click on it.
Card Photo
Coal mining without reclamation
Prior to passage of the Surface Mining Law in 1977, coal mining often left a barren, unreclaimed landscape such as this view in eastern Tennessee. Although significant improvements in reclamation have occurred, many people incorrectly envision today's surface coal mining as looking this way.
Card photo
Current coal mine reclamation
Reclamation at this 200-acre steep-slope contour mine in Eastern Kentucky exemplifies the intent of the Surface Mining Law. Initially the land was regraded, topsoil spread on the slopes, and grass planted. Today, native trees and shrubs cover the slopes and reforestation is quickly progressing.
Card photo
Ponds created during reclamation
Permanent impoundments included in the reclamation provide farmers with water for livestock and greatly add to the wildlife habitat. During mining this pond prevented off site pollution by catching sediment-laden water flowing from the mine site. With reclamation complete it now provides an aquatic habitat where none existed before mining.
Card photo
Productive reclaimed mine site
In 1990 the trees used for the National Christmas Pageant of Peace tree-lighting ceremony, on The Ellipse in Washington, D.C., were grown at this tree farm located on reclaimed mine land in Maryland. Following the month-long pageant, the trees were transplanted to permanent locations in parks throughout the Washington, D.C. area.
Card photo
Western mine reclamation
Mine reclamation at this large Montana coal mine includes planting native grasses, shrubs, and trees to return the land to its pre-mine rangeland condition. Here young trees grow on the reclaimed land that blends into the unmined adjacent forest.
Card photo
Abandoned surface coal mine
Before the Surface Mining Law was passed, mile upon mile of bare highwalls scarred the Appalachian skyline, as shown at this Pennsylvania abandoned mine site. Under the Law coal mines must be reclaimed so the land surface is back to its approximate original contour.
Card photo
Wetlands at a reclaimed coal mine
This Illinois abandoned mine site was often referred to as the nation's worst example of pre-Law acid soil and water problems associated with surface coal mining. The reclamation eliminated the sources of acid runoff and constructed a wetland over much of the 8,000 acre site. Today this is one of the best examples of wildlife development on surface-mined land.
Card photo
Reclaimed abandoned coal mine
Reclamation at this West Virginia abandoned mine site eliminated 6,000 linear feet of highwall and sealed four mine openings. Today this landscape bears little resemblance to its appearance before the abandoned highwalls and spoil were reclaimed.

STEP #2: NAME AND E-MAIL INFORMATION
In the boxes below, please enter both your's and the recipient's name and e-mail addresses.

PLEASE BE CERTAIN OF RECIPIENT'S E-MAIL ADDRESS
Your Name:
Your E-Mail Address:
Recipient's Name:
Recipient's E-Mail Address:

STEP #3: SELECT YOUR TEXT AND BACKGROUND COLORS
Using the two selector pulldown menus below, please select your text and background colors. We will not check to see if you have both colors set the same, so if you want your recipient to be able to read the card, please select two different colors!
Text color Background

STEP #4: ENTER YOUR TITLE & MESSAGE
In the box below, please enter your message.
Card Title
Your Message

STEP #5: SIGN YOUR CARD
Please fill in below, how you would like to sign your card. Examples would be:
  • Best Wishes, Fred
  • Me!
  • or (just your name)

STEP #6: Pick a Song!
Please make a selection or skip this step for no music.
(Note: Music will take a few extra moments to load.)
STEP #7: PROCEED TO PREVIEW OR START OVER
You are now ready to preview your card! To do so, just click on the PREVIEW button below. If you want to clear the form and start all over, select START-OVER. Your card will not be sent until you press the SEND-CARD button on the preview screen.


(Home Page)

Office of Surface Mining
1951 Constitution Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20240
202-208-2719
getinfo@osmre.gov