Project Profile: Mitigate Six Features at Edith Mine

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Revegetation of Hazard Mine Lands | FY24 $62,000

The view from East Fork Parking Overlook at Blue Ridge Parkway

NPS / A. Amrstrong

The National Park Service will close six abandoned mine sites along the Blue Ridge Parkway and restore the altered landscape. The Edith Mine is comprised of a network of tunnels and shafts that were unearthed at the end of the mine life, creating many artificial trenches for flowing water and hiking trails for visitors.

Why? The project will eliminate a significant public safety hazard and enhance the visitor experience. Amateur spelunkers share information on social media about exploring Edith Mine. However, the deteriorated condition of the shafts and adits create a hazardous environment for visitors. There are no means of restricting access to this site and is within walking distance of a popular overlook.

What else? The Orphaned Land Advisory Committee, which is made up of professionals from the regulatory community and experts on mine land reclamation and in the mining industry assigned the Edith Mine site a high reclamation priority due to its high potential for injury to the public.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes critical investments in the resilience and restoration of America’s lands, skies, and waters, and enhances conservation and recreation opportunities. Visitors will see tangible results such as repaired and upgraded trails and campgrounds, removal of invasive species, as well as healthy wetlands, grasslands, and forests.