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segment sprouts, and potted transplants at Seneca II-W primary study plot and the additional fenced site; and monitoring of the native sprouts on the unmined site at Yoast. These measures are largely addressed under the Proposed Future Research section of the pilot study report, and will just need to be fleshed out in detail in the 2na year study plan. The plan should also include commitment to submittal of a longer term study plan by December 2006. 2. Competing vegetation was rigorously and continuously controlled by mechanical "weeding" within the fenced primary study plot during the initial fteld season. This level of competition suppression would not be realistic under operational field conditions, nor would it be desirable once transplants are adequately established, since associated shrubs and forbs are typically planted and seeded in aspen establishment areas, in addition to the aspen transplants. Fabric weed barrier product was used in conjunction with the commercial nursery stock planted in the additional fenced plot described in the study, but no further control of competition was conducted. I recommend that the 2"a year study plan incorporate suppression of competing vegetation as an additional study variable. Slides projected during Dr. Shepperd's presentation showed minor salt accumulations at the soil surface in the imgated treatments. The researches indicated that physiological data showed no indication of osmotic effects on aspen growth. However, it was noted that the irrigation water source is a sediment pond that receives a component of inflow from relatively saline spoil spring discharge. Under dryer growing season conditions than prevailed in 2005, it is possible that osmotic effects on growth of imgated transplants might be expressed. I recommend that this factor be considered, and that the 2"a year study plan include proposal to periodically monitor irrigation water salinity (conductivity) and root zone saturated paste extract conductivity throughout the growing season. 4. Given the reported differences with respect to root segment sprouting, sapling survival and growth, and physiological status of aspen in the "fresh" or "modified" soil treatment as compared to the "stored" or "normal" soil treatment, and the uncertainty regarding which factors may account for the observed differences, the 2na year study plan should include a plan for soil sampling and analysis within each of the soil treatments in the primary study plot, as well as the additional fenced planting area at Seneca II-W. At a minimum, the plan should include procedures for representative sampling and analysis of soil texture ~ and fertility (organic matter,~N,P,K) by I foot depth increments within each soil treatment. PH, In conclusion, although there were aspects of the pilot study that diverged somewhat from the original study plan, initial results are in general quite encouraging. Continuation of the study for a second season and for an as yet undetermined longer