Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> <br />I• <br />established during climatic periods cooler and wetter than present, which overlapped with periods of <br />lower herbivore abundance. <br />Dr. Sheppard expressed general concurrence with the mother plant concept, with several caveats. <br />First, he felt that supplemental irrigation might need to be carried out for two or possibly more growing <br />seasons. Second, he indicated that aspen does not root adventitiously as does cottonwood, and that <br />the deep planting described might kill the trees. Third, he stated that if appreciable survival of clonal <br />sprouts from the mother trees were to be expected, it would be necessary to protect the sprouts from <br />excessive browsing, probably by fencing areas of approximately an acre, with mother trees in the <br />approximate center. Finally, he recommended that the mother trees should be top-pruned for a more <br />balanced root/shoot ratio at the time of planting <br />Following the Division's discussion with Dr. Shepperd, SCC initiated further inquiry into potential aspen <br />reestablishment techniques. Dr. Shepperd responded by submitting a proposal to further investigate <br />aspen reestablishment through a series of sequential experiments to be conducted in a test plot on <br />reclaimed ground at Seneca II-W. The objectives of this experimental test plot are to determine the <br />feasibility of using irrigation to improve initial transplant survival, and if successful, subsequently <br />investigate the other questions of growth and ultimate clonal reestablishment of aspen. SCC has <br />agreed/committed to proceed with this test plot approach. <br />SCC placed live handfed topsoil (Oct. and Nov. 2003) in a recently reclaimed area of the "A° Pit. The <br />proposed study plot will be established within this area. The aspens to be transplanted will be obtained <br />from the following sources, listed according to preference: <br />• Saplings from aspen stands located on the mine site or lands owned by SCC. <br />• Nursery grown stock from seed collected in similar climatic conditions. <br />• Saplings from clear-cut areas in the National Forest (if a permit can be acquired from USFSI. <br />SCC and Rocky Mountain Research Station will share responsibilities for this study in order to take <br />advantage of our respective resources. SCC will assume responsibility for obtaining the saplings, <br />contracting equipment and manpower to transplant trees, constructing the drip irrigation system, and <br />fencing the study site. Rocky Mountain Research Station will supervise the transplanting, design the <br />drip ircigation system, and monkor irrigation system performance. SCC will furnish the 2,000 gallon <br />water tank to feed the system, and keep it supplied with water. Rocky Mountain Research Station will <br />provide environmental monitoring instruments, collect, process, and analyze all measurements and data, <br />and produce a summary report of resuhs 20 be submitted by SCC to the CDMG. The timing 'and <br />initiation of this study and plan is predicated on the cooperation and signed agreements between SCC <br />and the USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS). <br />The proposed schedule for conducting the Aspen Study is as follows. <br />Select and survey study site <br />Place modified topsoil treatment <br />TR-47 <br />23a <br />Summer 2003 <br />Summer, 2003 <br />Revised i/04 <br />