Oklahoma's Department of Environmental Quality has managed to weave two distinct problems into a win-win solution that has saved communities more than two million dollars since its inception two years ago.

The innovative Land Reclamation Program diverts the debris from cleared abandoned buildings and then uses it to reclaim lands that have been eroded or scarred by mining, drilling and other activities. Instead of the expense of disposing of blighted structures in a modern landfill, sites are being restored with new potential for productivity.

Our judges applaud the foresight of DEQ's partnerships with communities and conservation districts. We salute it as good news for recycling eyesores into assets all across Oklahoma.