Acme Site Reclamation Continuation – Sheridan Area Opportunities Fund

This story is from our Fall 2022 newsletter. See the full newsletter here!

Once upon a time, a string of communities existed along the Tongue River, just outside of Sheridan. In the heyday of coal mining, workers lived their day to day lives in communities like Acme and Kleenburn. These communities are now, for the most part, gone. However, a few very noticeable relics remain.

The old Acme Power Plant towers over the Tongue River. Once an important power source, it’s now abandoned. Yet it’s still an important part of the area’s history. “Folks in and around Sheridan have a strong connection to the site, because they know someone who used to work out there, or used to work there themselves,” notes Carrie Rogaczewski.

Carrie is the District Manager for the Sheridan County Conservation District (SCCD). The SCCD is carrying out a large, multi-year reclamation of the site. The building and its surrounding area contain asbestos and dangerous chemicals. Reclaiming the land to ensure it’s safe and healthy is important.

This land and the history surrounding it is special to the community. That’s why Carrie and her team have involved area citizens in the reclamation process. Community meetings have been held to listen and learn from area residents. Support from donors like you allowed the SCCD to host community forums and take the time to collect feedback in order to ensure a successful rollout of the project. The grant received from WYCF also supported the project’s general operating costs. This meant Carrie was able to focus on gaining funding and support in other areas in the community. The grant from WYCF was truly an investment in the community’s future.

And this investment is important to all involved. Carrie grew up on a ranch near Gillette, and cares about good stewardship of the land. And she isn’t the only one. “I’ve loved working with foundations, landowners, county commissioners, and city council members.”

Because of you, the Acme mine site reclamation is not just for the community: it’s being carried out by the community.