Mr. Korb presents the case for an organization dedicated to marketing, preserving, and interpreting the anthracite region’s industrial heritage, cultural diversity, the labor traditions and capitalist innovations, creation of landscapes and ecosystems, and its people and their stories.

1. An Anthracite Heritage Area?
Michael C. “Mike” Korb MIKEKORB,LLC
2016 PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference
“Economics and the Environment”
Indiana University of Pennsylvania June 23, 2016

2. The National Trust for Historic Preservation
defines heritage tourism as:
“traveling to experience the places, artifacts,
and activities that authentically represent the
stories and people of the past”
HERITAGE TOURISM

3. 54% of U.S. residents participate in heritage
activities while traveling, 129.6 million adults/year
(23% increase in five years)
heritage travelers spend an average of $1,319 per trip
(33% increase in five years)
contribute >$171 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
Tourism is a big, growing industry in the U.S. and
worldwide, and heritage tourism is one of the fastest
growing segments of that industry.
HERITAGE TOURISM

4. Heritage Tourists
• Spend 36% more
• Use a hotel, motel or B&B 13% more
• Are 58% more likely to spend $1,000 ea
• Travel on 53% longer trips
than other travelers
PA is the fourth leading state in
attracting heritage visitors.
HERITAGE TOURISM

5. OK, let me Google©
“Coal Heritage”

7. The National Coal Heritage Area encompasses 13 counties and is situated in the heart of the formidable Appalachian
Mountains. As you journey through the coalfields of Southern West Virginia you will pass through deep valleys, follow rushing
streams and rivers, and find yourself surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The glorious mountains, charming towns, and deep
rooted traditions are just a few of the appeals that draw visitors to the National Coal Heritage Area and make Southern West
Virginia such an enchanting place to visit.
The Coal Heritage Trail is located within the National Coal Heritage Area and winds through more than 187 rugged miles of
scenic industrial heritage, where thousands of hard-working miners labored to produce the coal which created modern America.
The story of the southern West Virginia “smokeless” coalfields is a remarkable legacy of working-class culture, industrial might,
racial and ethnic diversity, and the creation of a unique and distinctive culture of national significance.
The coal mines along the Coal Heritage Trail produced the abundant and economical fuel which transformed rural America into
an industrial power, provided jobs and homes for thousands of people fleeing persecution and oppression, made immense
fortunes for those who invested in the industry, and produced a storied society with a peculiar and fascinating legacy.
Between 1950 and 2000, Southern West Virginia’s population decreased by one-third. Unemployed miners and their families left
the state in droves, leaving behind remnants of a once-thriving region. In many places, these structures still exist, displaying
coalfield history captured in time. In 1996, Congress passed the National Coal Heritage Area Act, thanks largely to Representative
Nick J. Rahall of West Virginia. The National Coal Heritage Area recognizes Southern West Virginia as a unique cultural region
where coal mining has made a significant contribution to the national story of industrialization.
As you journey through the National Coal Heritage Area you will pass through National Historic Districts and see many of the
physical remnants of the coal boom such as coal miners' homes, company stores, company offices, railroad yards and other
structures that defined life in the "smokeless coal fields”.
We invite you to come and explore Southern West Virginia and enjoy the many adventures waiting for you here in coal
country. While you are here, you will have plenty of opportunities to take in the beautiful scenery; learn about the industry that
has fueled America for more than a century; and enjoy some outdoor recreation “wild and wonderful” style.
http://coalheritage.org/

8. The National Coal Heritage Area encompasses 13 counties and is situated in the heart of the formidable Appalachian
Mountains. As you journey through the coalfields of Southern West Virginia you will pass through deep valleys, follow rushing
streams and rivers, and find yourself surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The glorious mountains, charming towns, and deep
rooted traditions are just a few of the appeals that draw visitors to the National Coal Heritage Area and make Southern West
Virginia such an enchanting place to visit.
The Coal Heritage Trail is located within the National Coal Heritage Area and winds through more than 187 rugged miles of
scenic industrial heritage, where thousands of hard-working miners labored to produce the coal which created modern
America. The story of the southern West Virginia “smokeless” coalfields is a remarkable legacy of working-class culture,
industrial might, racial and ethnic diversity, and the creation of a unique and distinctive culture of national significance.
The coal mines along the Coal Heritage Trail produced the abundant and economical fuel which transformed rural America
into an industrial power, provided jobs and homes for thousands of people fleeing persecution and oppression, made immense
fortunes for those who invested in the industry, and produced a storied society with a peculiar and fascinating legacy.
Between 1950 and 2000, Southern West Virginia’s population decreased by one-third. Unemployed miners and their families
left the state in droves, leaving behind remnants of a once-thriving region. In many places, these structures still exist,
displaying coalfield history captured in time. In 1996, Congress passed the National Coal Heritage Area Act, thanks largely to
Representative Nick J. Rahall of West Virginia. The National Coal Heritage Area recognizes Southern West Virginia as a unique
cultural region where coal mining has made a significant contribution to the national story of industrialization.
As you journey through the National Coal Heritage Area you will pass through National Historic Districts and see many of the
physical remnants of the coal boom such as coal miners' homes, company stores, company offices, railroad yards and other
structures that defined life in the "smokeless coal fields”.
We invite you to come and explore Southern West Virginia and enjoy the many adventures waiting for you here in coal
country. While you are here, you will have plenty of opportunities to take in the beautiful scenery; learn about the industry
that has fueled America for more than a century; and enjoy some outdoor recreation “wild and wonderful” style.

9. The Anthracite Coal Heritage Area encompasses 9 counties and is situated in the heart of the formidable Appalachian
Mountains. As you journey through the coalfields of Northeastern Pennsylvania you will pass through deep valleys, follow
rushing streams and rivers, and find yourself surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The glorious mountains, charming towns,
and deep rooted traditions are just a few of the appeals that draw visitors to the Anthracite Coal Heritage Area and make
Northeastern Pennsylvania such an enchanting place to visit.
The Anthracite Heritage Trail is located within the Anthracite Coal Heritage Area and winds through more than 187 rugged
miles of scenic industrial heritage, where thousands of hard-working miners labored to produce the coal which created modern
America. The story of the Northeastern Pennsylvania “anthracite” coalfields is a remarkable legacy of working-class culture,
industrial might, racial and ethnic diversity, and the creation of a unique and distinctive culture of national significance.
The coal mines along the Anthracite Coal Heritage Trail produced the abundant and economical fuel which transformed rural
America into an industrial power, provided jobs and homes for thousands of people fleeing persecution and oppression, made
immense fortunes for those who invested in the industry, and produced a storied society with a peculiar and fascinating legacy.
Between 1950 and 2000, Northeastern Pennsylvania’s population decreased by one-fifth. Unemployed miners and their
families left the state in droves, leaving behind remnants of a once-thriving region. In many places, these structures still exist,
displaying coalfield history captured in time. In 1996, Congress passed the Anthracite Coal Heritage Area Act, thanks largely to
Representative Paul Kanjorski of Nanticoke Pennsylvania. The Anthracite Coal Heritage Area recognizes Northeastern
Pennsylvania as a unique cultural region where coal mining has made a significant contribution to the national story of
industrialization.
As you journey through the Anthracite Coal Heritage Area you will pass through Historic Districts and see many of the physical
remnants of the coal boom such as coal miners' homes, company stores, company offices, railroad yards and other structures
that defined life in the "anthracite coal fields”.
We invite you to come and explore Northeastern Pennsylvania and enjoy the many adventures waiting for you here in coal
country. While you are here, you will have plenty of opportunities to take in the beautiful scenery; learn about the industry
that has fueled America for more than a century; and enjoy some outdoor recreation “coal cracker” style.

13. • Natural Resource Conservation
• AHA-VISTAs
• With Watershed Partners
• Cultural Resource Preservation, Interpretation and
Enhancement
• Anthracite Industrial Heritage Coalition
• With historical societies, colleges & universities,
historic property managers, community leaders
• Marketing Anthracite Heritage
• With county/regional/state tourist promoters
Anthracite Heritage Alliance Goals

15. Why Not an Anthracite Heritage Alliance

16. Why Not an Anthracite Heritage Alliance
9

17. Why Not an Anthracite Heritage Alliance

22. WHY NOT? an Anthracite Heritage Alliance
share a picture/pictures of #MyCoalRegionon Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr
https://anthracitecoalregion.com/

24. ://pawilds.com om/
http://pawilds.com /
WHY NOT? an Anthracite Heritage Alliance

25. Four Steps Five Principles
Assess the Potential Collaborate
Plan and Organize Find the Fit
Prepare, Protect and Manage Make Sites and Programs
Market for Success Come Alive
Focus on Quality and
Authenticity
Preserve and Protect
http://www.preservationnation.org/information-center/economics-of-revitalization/heritage-tourism/
WHY NOT? an Anthracite Heritage Alliance

27. Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization
o Power + The President’s 2015 and 2016 Budget Proposals - $1 billion from the
abandoned mine land fund over five years for AML projects that could improve
the economy of distressed coal communities.
o The 2016 Omnibus Bill - AML Pilot Program - $30 million to Pennsylvania to
accelerate the remediation of AML sites with economic and community
development end uses
o The 2016 Omnibus Bill – ARC/EDA grants to address the challenges facing coal-
impacted communities in the Appalachian Region.
o H.R. 4456: 2016 RECLAIM Act - Revitalizing the Economy of Coal Communities by
Leveraging Local Activities and Investing More, to amend the Surface Mining
Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to promote economic revitalization,
diversification, and development in economically distressed communities
through AML reclamation and restoration of land and water resources
WHY NOT? an Anthracite Heritage Alliance

28. Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization
 These moneys have to be used for projects that
pose an economic development potential.
 AML sites have the potential for heritage and
recreational tourism, but people’s imaginations
have to be challenged to see these.
 We should have a group of heritage supporters
lobbying for these bills, making sure the agencies
see how our mining heritage sites are an important
part of AML
WHY NOT? an Anthracite Heritage Alliance

29. What the Heck is Mike Korb Recommending?
“NOT A NEW HERITAGE AREA”
No, let’s just start a new organization, perhaps
reusing the ANTHRACITE HERITAGE ALLIANCE name,
be organized to promote and facilitate tourism of the
heritage, history, culture and natural beauty of the
entire anthracite region and to educate and apprise
about those features and events, starting by reviving
and facilitating the efforts of the original AHA

30. What the Heck is Mike Korb Recommending?
1. A strong new partnership network focusing on shared anthracite heritage
issues– across the entire anthracite coal region, and revitalizing AHA(1)’s efforts of
addressing legacy mining issues
• The partnership network will attempt to include all of the partners in AHA(1) –
OSMRE, ACCWT, VISTA, D&L, LHVA, SRHA, DCNR, DEP, BAMR, PPL, the county conservation
districts, EMARR, EPCAMR, FoN, GHRT, LRCA, SHA, SCRA. SGP. Wildlands, Kings, LCHS, Eckley,
AHM;
• the agencies and groups that were to be targets of the AIHC - the county, regional
and state tourist promotion agencies including all the members of the Black Diamond Tourism
Coalition; other historical societies, other colleges & universities, historic property managers,
community leaders and others interested in preserving the stories of the anthracite region;
• some obvious oversights by AHA(1) – Pioneer Tunnel, No. 9 Mine and Museum,
Lackawanna Mine Tour; the Pennsylvania Anthracite Council and coal operators; chambers of
commerce and economic development agencies; ethnic and cultural heritage, environmental,
community, professional organizations; private tour and tourism agencies like the rafting and
river guides, ski areas, the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area
• The Anthracite Heritage Foundation and the Society for Mining Engineers.

31. What the Heck is Mike Korb Recommending?
2. The new AHA will work to become a sustainable organization, by:
• Exploration of the availability of startup funds from governments,
foundations, industry. Target AML and ARC economic revitalization
efforts, economic development agencies
• Establishing nonprofit status for the organization, with a paid
director
• Subscription fee from “partners”
• Engaging the citizens of the region through general membership,
public meetings, and opportunities to actively participate in
advisory committees.
• Offering public and continuing education seminars, programs, and
forums.

32. What the Heck is Mike Korb Recommending?
2. The new AHA will work to become a sustainable organization, by:
• Exploration of the availability of startup funds from governments,
foundations, industry. Target AML and ARC economic revitalization
efforts, economic development agencies
• Establishing nonprofit status for the organization, with a paid
director
• Subscription fee from “partners”
• Engaging the citizens of the region through general membership,
public meetings, and opportunities to actively participate in
advisory committees.
• Offering public and continuing education seminars, programs, and
forums.

33. What the Heck is Mike Korb Recommending?
3. The new AHA will work with Eckley, Anthracite Heritage Museum, Pioneer
Tunnel, EPCAMR, AHFdn, SME, others to organize this summer. Some goals?
• reestablish the AHA-VISTA program to continue the work on legacy pollution,
• get the rights to Black Diamonds, pacoalhistory.com, and try to reactivate the
Black Diamond Tourist Coalition,
• try to get the PA AMR Conference to revive the “Coal Heritage” annually
• start and support efforts to save the Eckley breaker and Concrete City,
• reach out to coal heritage Facebook pages, websites and coal-related business
• learn from the PA Wilds and look for a champion,
• support the AHFdn, start other Coal History Weeks across the region,
• look at AML sites as heritage – save a culm pile, save an orange pond, help
make sure we save as much as we can from what gets torn down,
• lobby for AML funding Heritage Tourism = Economic Development.
• work to have an organization functioning by this fall’s (Anthracite) Johnny
Mitchell Day, October 29.

38. An Anthracite Heritage Area?
Michael C. “Mike” Korb, P.E.
MIKEKORB,LLC
mikekorb@epix.net
mikekorbllc@gmail.com
570.233.2191

39. Michael C. “Mike” Korb, P.E.
MIKEKORB,LLC
mikekorb@epix.net
mikekorbllc@gmail.com
570.233.2191