Revegetation - OSM Technology Transfer - Office of Surface Mining

Mixed shrub – forb & shrub
Species
Fringed sagewort
Variety Origin PLS mix %
Prairie sagewort WY 2.0
Sulphur buckwheat NV 9.8
Big sagebrush WY 60.8
Silver sagebrush WY 7.5
Winterfat NM 13.1
Rubber rabbitbrush UT 5.1
Tubelings (1-0, 10 cu. in.) are also planted on the mixed shrub sites. Since the spring of
1998 there have been 300 Pinus ponderosa, 200 Juniperus scopulorum, 900
Chrysothamnus nauseosus, 300 Rhus trilobata , 200 Artemisia tridentata ,and 600
Artemisia cana hand planted on the Area D site. A survey of woody plant density
conducted by Steven Viert (1999) resulted in the data shown in Table D2. The total
density of 3753.5 live plants per acre is encouraging for the initial revegetation and
should increase with time.
Discussion
Numerous professionals have stated that present reclamation practices often
permanently reduce or eliminate premine topographic diversity (Wendtland et al 1992).
Specifically concerning strip mine reclamation, provisions of the law which limit steep
slopes and rimrock terrain dissected by draws, result in the almost complete elimination
of topographic diversity (Harju 1980). Reclamation for wildlife should stress diversity of
habitat, topography and vegetation. Reclamation of premining contours with creation of
irregularities of terrain is encouraged for wildlife (Harju 1980).
Some coal-mining reclamation rules seem to conflict with each other and with the
stated goals and intent of reclamation. Yde (1999) made the following statement
regarding some of the mining regulations: “It appeared that a straight forward approach
had been established that ensured reclamation to a condition that closely approximated
the premine situation. However, several rules were adopted that actually conflicted with
the AOC (Approximate Original Contour) requirements, each other and/or the intent of
the law. Examples of these include:
• The requirement that slopes could not exceed 5(h): 1(v) unless otherwise approved by
the Department.
• Soil must be redistributed in a manner that achieves approximate uniform thickness.
• The nine-inch rill and gully rule.
• Elimination of depressions unless they were approved by the Department or were less
than 1 yd³ in size.
MT
1.7