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drought prior to indication by plant water status; or at the least indicate which trees are <br />stressed and not likely to survive. Therefore, we propose further research to collect <br />additional physiological measurements of the transplants under each irrigation <br />treatment, including photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration. This would allow a <br />better evaluation of the physiological stress conditions occurring under specific <br />irrigation treatments; and the physiological conditions favorable for survival. <br />Physiological stress of other species such as willow and other shrubs: We propose to <br />examine growth, leaf water potential, and physiological conditions of other plant <br />species in the fenced plots to determine suitability of these species for survival on <br />reclaimed lands. <br />Comoeting vegetation: Invasive annual weeds including tumbleweeds and thistles <br />were common in the plantations in 2005, as well as numerous native herbaceous <br />species. We controlled competing vegetation in the irrigation and root-sprout <br />treatments by repeatedly hoeing and cutting all weeds growing around study trees. <br />Landscape fabric placed around potted trees when they were planted prevented <br />weeds from growing next to those trees. The aggressive nature of weeds, and the <br />inability of easily controlling competing vegetation with herbicides around broad- <br />leaved species like aspen begs the question of the importance of vegetative <br />competition in survival and growth of aspen trees. We propose to investigate this <br />question by continuing to mechanically control competing vegetation around trees in <br />half of each irrigation and soil treatment. Treatments in the fenced plantation area will <br />be randomly divided into sections to be weeded (1 m from the base of the plant) and <br />sections not weeded. The two weeding treatments will be superimposed on the <br />existing study design and growth, physiological parameters, and survival will be <br />compared as in other treatments. Soil samples will be collected from each treatment <br />for moisture content analysis. <br />Significance of the Project to the OSM Technology Transfer Applied Science <br />Program: <br />This proposed research meets the FY2006 NTTT Applied Science Program <br />objective of developing improved technologies to address environmental issues <br />related to the mining of coal and the reclamation of the land after mining. Specifically, <br />this research addresses the regional special interest topic of wildlife conservation and <br />reforestation by hopefully finding ways to improve the survival and quality of aspen <br />planted on reclaimed mined lands. Aspen is unique in that it is a common species in <br />the western United States, but it has not been planted successfully in wildland <br />environments. Developing methods to do so and gaining a better understanding of <br />factors that limit planting success of aspen in high-altitude arid environments will be of <br />great benefit to the mining industry in the West and should aid State regulatory <br />authorities in permitting and enforcement of coal mine activities. This project is a <br />cooperative effort with contributions from the USDA Forest Service, the OSM, and the <br />Seneca Coal Company. Findings will provide information to Seneca Coal for <br />reforestation of their reclaimed lands. Technology transfer will be accomplished by <br />publication of the findings of this study in reports to OSM and Seneca Coal, and in an <br />appropriate peer-reviewed outlet. <br />13 <br />