The Times-West Virginian newspaper will be publishing a special mining outlook section this week. The section is scheduled to feature stories about the economic impact of coal, a look at the impact of the EPA’s continuing delays in issuing mining permits, as well as looks at post-mine land use and a column submission by WVCA President Bill Raney. Look for the issue this week.

The Charleston Newspapers printed its annual mining and energy outlook section this past weekend. It featured stories on mine land restoration, post-mine land use (including a list of sites), the results of the recent WVU/MUeconomic impact of coal study and a column about the current state of coal by WVCA President Bill Raney. If you missed it, you can order reprints or additional copies by going to the Charleston Newspapers’ website at http://reprints.cnpapers.com.

The Friends of Coal are working with administrators at the South Charleston museum to produce a standing exhibit on coal mining past and present. Planning is underway and the museum welcomes submission of artifacts to help make the exhibit a success and truly represent the important role the coal industry has played in the history of our state and region.

The Friends of Coal are working with the representatives of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System to tell the story of the role the coal industry played in the creation of the hugely popular trail system and the role it continues to play as the system expands across southern West Virginia. Jeff Lusk, director of the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, says without the coal industry much of the trail would not be possible and that many of the existing trails incorporate former mine land and access roads used by the industry while mining was occurring. We will keep you updated as the planning continues.