What type of ecosystem existed in the copper basin area before mining began?

Before the start of copper mining in the Copper Basin region of southeastern Tennessee, the area was a similar ecosystem to the rest of the surrounding mountain region: thick, native deciduous forests. However, the decades of mining completely decimated this region, and only recent conservation efforts are beginning to restore the land to its prior state.

A deciduous forest ecosystem is the type of ecosystem that existed in the copper basin area before mining began. This type of ecosystem is characterized with trees that lose their leaves each year. They are found in areas with warm moist summers and cool winters. With the mining the trees were lost.