Project Profile: Develop Collaborative Landscape Design for Appalachia

New River Gorge National Park's Meadow Creek Pollinator Restoration.

NPS / Casey Reese

Inflation Reduction Act
Restoration & Resilience | FY24 $3,000,000

The National Park Service (NPS) is spearheading a collaborative effort to create a comprehensive landscape conservation design for the Appalachia Keystone Initiative geography. This initiative aims to preserve and restore the rich biodiversity and ecological significance of the Appalachian Mountains. The project funds will be used to hire contractors and staff to develop a detailed conservation plan in coordination with a diverse group of stakeholders, with the remainder dedicated to executing priority restoration and abandoned mine reclamation projects on NPS lands identified in the plan.

Why? The Appalachian Mountains are home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, contributing significantly to the region's ecological richness and natural beauty. This region is crucial for the headwaters of many major East Coast rivers, making it vital for water quality and ecosystem health downstream. The Appalachians also serve as a critical "superhighway" for species migration, with expansive forests providing resilience against climate change, while vulnerable pinch points pose significant threats to species moving northward. Addressing these challenges is essential to maintaining the ecological integrity of the region and improving both human and environmental health.

What Else? This initiative is part of the Department of the Interior’s Restoration and Resilience Framework and the newly launched Appalachia Keystone Initiative. By integrating resources, expertise, and innovative ideas, the project aims to tackle the critical intersection of ecological, social, and economic needs in the region. The conservation design will not only guide restoration efforts but also focus on reclaiming abandoned mine lands, enhancing habitat connectivity, and promoting sustainable land use practices.

About the Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act provides the National Park Service with an historic opportunity to address critical ecosystem resilience, restoration, and environmental planning needs. Projects funded in national parks represent broad-scale and impactful resource investments across every corner of out nation—from Alaska to Florida to Maine.