By Marcus Schneck Penn Live
Efforts to reforest the previously mined site that has become the Flight 93 National Memorial in southwestern Pennsylvania have been recognized with a U.S. Department of the Interior Partner in Conservation Award for conservation partnerships and environmental achievement.
In the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative Flight 93 Reforestation Project, the National Park Service and the Office of Surface Mining have coordinated the planting of 34,000 tree saplings by 1,200 volunteers. It’s part of the effort to reforest the previously mined and reclaimed land, where United Flight 93 crashed on September 11, 2001. The site is preserved today as Flight 93 National Memorial.
“The National Park Service constantly seeks to improve conservation practices and partnerships in an effort to protect our natural resources and provide additional opportunities for all Americans to enjoy the great outdoors,” said service Director Jonathan Jarvis. “These award recipients really lead the way and serve as outstanding examples of all we can accomplish collaboratively to make our public lands accessible and sustainable.”
