ASHLAND, Pa. — For Pioneer Tunnel board member Ed Wytovich, decades-old mining pits like this will look to become a thing of the past to educate those in the future.
"Well, this is the mammoth pit, and it's so-called because it's on the mammoth Vein, which is supposedly the largest vein of anthracite coal in the United States," said Wytovich.
In mid-January, Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine and Steam Train Museum in Ashland were awarded more than $600,000 dollars in funds to start the beginning phases of mine reclamation.
"We are quite happy about it. It's going to enable us to restore the mountain, part of it will be safety. Safety is always number one when you're working with mines and people," added Wytovich.
Wytovich says this grant would cover the surveying and engineering costs needed to be done before the literal moving of mountains can begin.
"Part of this pit will remain open and not be reclaimed. The high wall will be fenced off for safety purposes so that we can show people what it was like before reclamation, what reclamation can do, and why you should stay out and stay alive when you're around old mine workings."
Since 1962, Pioneer Tunnel has offered residents and visitors in Schuylkill County a look into the area's rich history.
One Wytovich shares with many in the region.
"This is what made us a lot of these towns may not have even existed. If it weren't for Coal, you know, I'm proud to be a coal cracker, and I hope everyone else is that grows up around here."
Wytovich expects the beginning stages of the reclamation process to begin soon.
Pioneer Tunnel opens for a new season of tours in early April.