Athens Conservancy has received a donation of mineral rights for coal reserves on approximately 10,000 acres mostly in northern Athens County. The intentions of the Conservancy are to leave the vast majority of the coal untouched and in the ground to help protect the community and benefit the environment for future generations.
There is an existing lease agreement that allows approximately 1,100 acres (11%) of the donated reserves to be mined. Under the existing lease, the coal company is allowed to continue mining until the lease expires in 2033. Royalties generated from the previously-leased portion of the reserves will be reinvested back into the local community, funding conservation-related activities, and supporting the growing outdoor recreation economy.
“Our objective is to keep this coal just where it is, in the ground,” explains Donna Goodman, president of the Athens Conservancy Board of Directors. “We will keep the coal untouched for all reserves not covered by the legally-binding lease that predates the donation. We will not approve any future leases for additional coal mining.”
By keeping the remaining 89% (8,900 acres) of the unleased coal in the ground, surface landowners will be protected from future mining that could impact their farms, streams, and forests. It also will prevent carbon from being released into the atmosphere, which is a major contributor to climate change. By our estimation, leaving the coal in the ground may prevent the emission of about 30 million tons of carbon dioxide.
“It is my belief the best thing for the unleased coal is for it to be held by the Athens Conservancy in a manner consistent with the furtherance of its mission,” says donor representative Attorney Christian S. Gerig. “When the company made the decision to donate these mineral rights, it was clear to me that Athens Conservancy was the appropriate organization to ensure that these intentions are met effectively and conscientiously. As a longtime member of the Athens County community, I know and trust Athens Conservancy to protect our lands, and make a positive impact on Athens County. This donation fits perfectly with their mission.”
Goodman praised the innovative initiative, and agrees it fits seamlessly with the Conservancy’s goals to preserve land, protect air and water quality, and maintain healthy ecosystems. She says it’s a concept that is gaining traction worldwide. More environmental organizations are seeing the benefits of keeping coal in the ground, thus keeping fossil fuels from being burned and impacting the environment.
The donated mineral rights of coal reserves exist on approximately 10,000 acres of land in northern Athens County, primarily in Trimble and Dover Townships, with some acreage near Carbondale in western Athens County. The current and legally binding lease applies to 11% or 1,100 acres. A permit was issued by ODNR for mining that began in 2022 on approximately 300 acres of the 1,100 acres. That lease expires in 2033, and will not be extended. Any mining will stop in 2033.
Athens Conservancy recognizes and respects that coal mining was the backbone of the region’s economy for many decades, and salutes the miners who work to support their families and this community. The Conservancy also understands that many of the profits from past mining left the local communities, and did not directly support or benefit the areas where mining took place. In contrast, Athens Conservancy will reinvest back into the community financial royalties from the currently leased portion of the reserves. According to Goodman, the Conservancy’s goal is to preserve natural spaces, and increase outdoor recreation opportunities, supporting the growing outdoor recreation economy of southeastern Ohio.
“Being accountable for protecting these coal resources aligns with Athens Conservancy’s mission to preserve the quality of land, air, and water in Athens County,” she explains. “This move clearly benefits the community and land owners, and more broadly, the health of our natural world, today and for future generations. It ultimately reduces the damaging effects of carbon release to our local, regional, and global environment.”
Founded in 2002, Athens Conservancy is a nonprofit land trust that preserves wild and scenic places for people to explore and enjoy, protects water quality, and maintains healthy, resilient ecosystems that support native biodiversity and help counteract the cause of climate change. The Conservancy’s lands in Athens County and surrounding areas are mostly forested and include ridge tops, stream bottoms, dramatic rock formations, and beautiful vistas.
Today, the Conservancy oversees 14 nature preserves, 11 conservation easements, and a section of the Athens-Belpre Rail Trail. These lands encompass nearly 3,000 acres, with over 1,800 acres open to the public to explore. The Conservancy’s lands are valued by the community and connect people with nature for recreation, education, research, and inspiration, and support the growing outdoor recreation economy.
See frequently asked questions HERE.
Media inquiries: Contact Victoria Ellwood, victoria@athensconservancy.org
Press coverage:
WTAP TV, Parkersburg, WV
Athens Indy
Inside Climate News