The Ecosystem Restoration website has been launched through a partnership formed between Montana State University and the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Montana Department of Environmental Quality and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This partnership reflects the experience of Montana State University in disturbed land restoration and the shared priorities of all parties in promoting implementation of mineland restoration projects with the highest degree of ecological function thereby cultivating the highest level of watershed health.

The Reclamation Research Unit at Montana State University has a 30+ year history of developing technologies and partnerships for implementation of disturbed land restoration projects. These research activities have been performed in support of highway disturbances, coal mining operations, sand and gravel pit reclamation, operational metal mine permit compliance, Superfund actions at metal mine sites and others. Students trained in the B.S. and M.S. degree programs have gone on to work for government, industry, private consultants and other entities charged with implementation and monitoring disturbed land restoration projects. The Reclamation Research Unit works extensively with remedial project managers with State and Federal Agencies charged with mineland restoration projects. Through experience with technology development and Agency interaction it has become clear that a need exists to communicate standardized and emerging approaches to mineland restoration to a broad audience which includes consultants charged with design of restoration projects.

The Water Center at Montana State University has a 36-year history of promoting water research, information, education, and problem-solving partnering throughout the state and region. Its mission is four-fold: (1) to support and prioritize water research in Montana, (2) to provide training and education for water professionals, (3) to promote problem-solving partnerships among higher education, government, and the private sector to respond to water-related challenges and training needs, and (4) to serve as a clearinghouse for Montana water information. The Water Center recognizes the need to promote technological advances in the restoration efforts of other agencies. Restoration of impaired watersheds and native species habitats are top priorities for water research professionals. The Water Center provides information via MONTANA WATER, an Internet web site developed by staff and students.

The U.S. Forest Service, through the Minerals and Geology Management Program in support of a new emphasis to promote Watershed Health recognizes that abandoned mines often cause significant impairment in watershed health. Restoration of impaired watersheds has become a priority. In the spirit of providing State-of-the-Science resources for disturbed land restoration to Agency personnel and to the interested public, the Forest Service recognizes the value in disseminating information through the Internet, and has served as a leadership role in launching the Ecosystem Restoration website.

The Bureau of Land Management manages thousands of acres of public land where mineral development activities are presently or have previously occurred. Mandates requiring effective reclamation on disturbed lands are currently being revised to reflect an increased emphasis. Communication of mineland restoration techniques, issues and experience to the public and to BLM personnel is recognized as a key component in preventing disputes and fostering effective implementation of actions.

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality's Mine Waste Cleanup Bureau is responsible for remediation of thousands of abandoned mine, mill and smelting sites scattered across historic mine districts within the State of Montana. Inventory and hazard ranking work completed to date indicate a diversity of media specific issues related to water treatment, revegetation, soil quality, slope stabilization, riparian reconstruction and others. Technologies for effective restoration are sometimes lacking. With a dozen remedial projects completed within Montana and hundreds to be completed in the future, the Montana DEQ AML Program requires that low cost, highly effective treatment technologies are employed. Sharing successful and unsuccessful experiences within the region will aid in technology maturation and avoidance of ineffective treatments.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for remediation disturbances which result in unacceptable levels of human health and environmental risk. Hardrock mining has resulted in a number of disturbances which have required the participation of EPA. Environmental impacts of concern to EPA include acid mine drainage, erosion and sedimentation, chemical releases, dust emission and habitat modification. Furthermore, common by-products of mining activity such as mine waste, spent ore, mill tailings and mine water are often difficult to reclaim. Technology development for treatment of mine waste and control of environmental impacts is a key concern for EPA.

Future collaborators are welcome. Many industries, agencies, organizations and companies share the philosophical and financial interest in developing efficient disturbed land restoration technologies. Recognizing the gigantic scope of the task of compiling a comprehensive website for ecosystem restoration it is clear that our priorities necessarily follow our funding and our awareness of issues, examples and useful content. If you or your organization would like to participate in this effort by providing financial support, case histories, photos, links to relevant information or other comments, please contact us.