GCWA was nominated for its valuable contributions to the Mill Run Pulse Limestone Bed Project in Allegheny Mountain coal region in Maryland. The nomination was submitted by a USGS researcher for the project, Mr. Barnaby Watten, Chief of the Restoration Technologies Branch.

Established in 1951, the Conservation Service Award is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a private group by the Department of Interior.

The award acknowledges the hard-working men and women who have contributed to the success of the GCWA and the Mill Run Pulse Limestone Bed Project.

GCWA Vice President Bob Miller has been recognized for his leadership throughout the Mill Run Pulse Limestone Bed Project and was one of the founding members of the watershed organization. In recognition of his contributions he will be accepting the award on behalf of the association. Recognized for special distinction for her critical role in initiating key projects for the GCWA is Melissa O'Neal. O'Neal volunteers her time to work with the Office of Surface Mining to improve the environment and better the community.

Using the pulsed limestone bed AMD treatment technology developed by the USGS Leetown Science Center, the Association, working with local partners and public agencies, has returned Mill Run to a healthy stream. Following treatment the state found more than 500 native brook trout per stream mile. The clean water has not only restored trout populations and benefited public health but it has also enhanced overall recreation opportunities in the watershed that will increase local revenue. The Association has also completed a comprehensive stream improvement that repaired the stream channels, assisting flood control, and restored the previous beauty of its natural course.