Komatsu crews returned to the forest for Earth Day, planting more than 1,200 seedlings on April 29 in the Mower Tract in West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest as part of the company’s multi-year reforestation partnership with the nonprofit Green Forests Work (GFW).
“Reforestation is important to Komatsu because it represents responsible stewardship of our natural resources,” said Rod Paul, CEO of Komatsu North America. “Partnering with an organization like Green Forests Work to reforest lands that were once mined gives us the opportunity to be part of the circular economy in a way that reflects our long-standing commitment to responsible land use and supporting a more sustainable future.”
April planting focused on drained retention ponds and ponds that were trapping sediment from mining. Without canopy cover, warm runoff from those features raised stream temperatures and pressured trout populations downstream. Reforesting the sites will provide shade, cool runoff and help restore habitat for trout and other species, Komatsu said.
Komatsu has been supporting restoration work at the Mawr Track area since 2019. With funding and equipment from the company, as well as work by GFW and the U.S. Forest Service, crews have restored nearly 1,500 acres at the site, created more than 1,000 wetlands and planted nearly 1 million trees. Through its seven-year partnership with GFW, Komatsu says it has helped plant more than 700,000 trees on previously mined land.
“This year’s event was special because it exemplifies how much progress we have made on the Mower Tract because of the help provided by Komatsu,” said Dr. Christopher Barton, founder of Green Forests Work. “With funding and assistance from Komatsu, as well as support from the Forest Service, we have gone from doing 70 to 80 acres a year to close to 200 acres in many of these years.”
Komatsu crews and contractors also helped prepare compacted post-mining soil for planting, using techniques such as soil ripping to improve water infiltration and root growth. The company has loaned tractors, excavators and wheel loaders – and contractors use Komatsu equipment – to support this essential work.
Komatsu described the effort as part of the company’s broader priorities to apply technology and collaborate on environmental stewardship, sustainable land use and long-term recovery of lands affected by historic mining. GFW says it has planted more than eight million trees on more than 15,000 acres in Appalachia so far.
To learn more, visit www.komatsu.com and www.Greenforestswork.org
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