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resistant, cold-hardy shrub which is particularly suited for <br />• calcareous soils. It is also reputed to be a nitrogen-fixer. It has <br />few natural diseases or pests and the fruits are good food for song- <br />birds. Continued limited plantings of this shrub are proposed; <br />however, it will not be allowed to predominate in any stand. In <br />contrast, Gambel oak is native and indigenous to the area, but planted <br />seedlings have not shown much success. In general, this shrub is <br />expensive, hard, to establish, slow-growing, and otherwise not par- <br />ticularly desirable. Although its acorns are relished by some ani- <br />mals, in early spring the young leaves and twigs are poisonous to <br />livestock and deer. Nevertheless, limited plantings of this species <br />will also continue. <br />J <br />• <br />Seedings during the interim reclamation program will be broadcast, <br />raked, mulched, and fertilized by hand. Final reclamation involving <br />larger areas will probably be done either by hand or by a hydroseeder. <br />Rates of seed and mulch application will be adjusted according to the <br />technique used. <br />The final reclamation will utilize either a hay mulch at 1-1/2 tons <br />per acre or a pelletized organic or wood cellulose mulch, either at 1 <br />ton per acre. In the case of a hay mulch, hay will be evenly blown <br />onto the previously seeded surface, and crimped into the soil, tacked, <br />or anchored by jute or plastic netting. In the case of pelletized or <br />cellulose mulches, these will be applied in a water slurry by a hydro- <br />seeder at the indicated rates. All of these mulching materials and <br />techniques are widely used and accepted. The best season for seeding <br />is in the fall. <br />For reclaiming the mine area, fertilizer recommendations can he made <br />which probably would not be altered by the results of any subsequent <br />soil test. Experience indicates that an initial application of a <br />4-57 <br />