An Indiana Department of Natural Resources reclamation project near Pleasantville has received a regional award from the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.

The project was completed on Greene-Sullivan State Forest in Sullivan County and earned the Interior States Region Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Award, the top regional honor given each year.

The work focused on a former coal mine site known as the South Lake Highwall Project. Crews reclaimed more than 80 acres, removed hazardous highwalls, stabilized steep slopes, and addressed water quality problems linked to acid drainage.

DNR officials say the project improved public safety, restored forest land, expanded wildlife habitat, and increased access for recreation.

The award was presented earlier this fall at a national conference on abandoned mine land reclamation.