On September 10, 2018, Alan Edwards, Deputy Director and Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Division Administrator for the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), received the Stan Barnard Award from the National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Programs (NAAMLP).
The Stan Barnard Award was established by the NAAMLP in 2001. Each year the award is given to an individual who exhibits qualities of outstanding dedication, commitment, and hard work toward the enhancement of the Association.
Stan Barnard was the former Wyoming AML Administrator who led efforts to form the NAAMLP to effectively address concerns and needs of the state and tribe AML programs. Barnard passed away in 1998. To honor him and his legacy, the award was created to recognize an individual each year who exhibits these qualities.
“Alan has not only worked on abandoned mine land issues in Wyoming but also in national AML issues by actively serving as Wyoming’s delegate to the NAAMLP,” said Eric Cavazza, Director of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation. “He has spearheaded efforts to develop an educational and messaging plan to get the word out about the good work that AML Programs across the country are accomplishing.”
According to the nomination, Edwards was recognized for his perspective, insight, and recommendations to the NAAMLP during business meetings and his significant involvement in a number of association initiatives over the years.
“I fully recognize that, even though the award was to me, it rightfully is for all of my staff and those who contribute to the success of the Wyoming AML program,” said Edwards. “Our state program is nationally recognized as being top notch and effective.”
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