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Conclusions <br />• Some basic logic should be stated to use as guidelines for the formulation <br />of criteria to evaluate revegetation success. First, we have to work within <br />the current state of our technology. Poorly defined and controversial techni- <br />cal concepts such as diversity or usable production cannot be resolved by regu- <br />lation. Secondly, we must accept certain physical restraints on our abilities <br />to obtain large quantities of data within short enough periods of time for it <br />to be comparable. Thirdly, the best solution is almost always a simple one. <br />Complex solutions become difficult or impossible to apply and generally spawn <br />more complexities. Fourthly, we should be seeking efficient and sound indica- <br />tors of revegetation success. There is no need to analyze multiple parameters <br />that result in redundant conclusions of success or failure. The tests to be <br />applied only need to compare certain key vegetation expressions to the chosen <br />standards. The concept of using indices of reclamation success is valid and <br />does not presume we can collect and interpret data beyond the state of the <br />art. <br />A great deal of "free thinking" is needed to conceptualize new ways of <br />evaluating revegetation success. It may be that for areas where a change from <br />premining conditions is desirable, a concept of best available technology could <br />be applied. The revegetation standard could be established for a particular <br />project over time, paying attention to use of the best available reclamation <br />technology for the region and the results obtained. <br />It should be emphasized that the existing proposed procedures for testing <br />success of revegetation are still theoretical and unproven. Given the fact <br />that most coal mine operators are unlikely to be testing for revegetation suc- <br />cess for several more years, it would be prudent to be more cautious about <br />defining the precise mechanics of testing. The various concepts for <br />-14- <br />i <br />