Watershed Resources

Presenter:

Hanna Wheeler
Coordinator & OSM/VISTA
Eastern Coal Regional Rountable

Jenny Becksted
Team Leader & OSM/VISTA
Appalachian Coal Country Watershed Team

Abstract:

The Eastern Coal Regional Roundtable combats abandoned mine drainage (AMD) on a regional level by researching and compiling information for Coal Country watershed groups.  The Appalachian Coal Country Watershed Team connects OSM/VISTA workers with these groups to identify AMD problems and solutions. Learn how you can find new funding sources, connect with other watershed groups, and host members of the Appalachian Coal Country Watershed Team at your organization.

Biography:

Hanna was born in WV and grew up swimming in the streams and rivers around her home.  She studied English and Environmental Studies at Oberlin College worked with a variety of grassroots organizations, including: the Oberlin Sustainable Agriculture Project, Friends of Deckers Creek, and the Rural Appalachian Improvement League.  Currently, she is an OSM/VISTA serving as the coordinator for the Eastern Coal Regional Roundtable.  There, she provides information and inspiration to watershed organizations throughout Coal Country—including that of her home watershed.

Jenny grew up in the front range of Colorado where she received a B.S. in Natural Resources Management from Colorado State University in 2003. Before arriving in West Virginia last year, she spent a year working with community organizations along the Thai-Burma border in Southeast Asia. Now an OSM/VISTA, she works as the Program Manager and Team Leader for the Appalachian Coal Country Watershed Team which sponsors OSM/VISTA positions with over 35 community watershed organizations dealing with abandoned mine lands issues in eight Appalachian states.