Dr. Michael Curran of Abnova Ecological Solutions was awarded the Richard I. and Lela M. Barnhisel Reclamation Researcher of the Year for his significant contributions to reclamation science and technology. At the 2025 American Society of Reclamation Sciences (ASRS) Conference in Butte, Montana (June 1–5), Abnova presented on topics including the use of digital technologies and GIS for reclamation monitoring, AI applications in land restoration, and lessons learned from over 400 years of combined practitioner experience in Wyoming. Dr. Curran also led a featured session on creating reclamation and restoration plans with an emphasis on establishing terrestrial food webs, offering science-based strategies to enhance biodiversity, support native plant and insect communities, and align ecosystem goals with regulatory targets.
