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TECHNICAL REVISION FOR SENECA II MINE: <br />SHRUB ESTABLISHMENT STUDIES ANI? MONITORING <br />The purpose of this Technical Revision is to evaluate strategies that benefit shrub establishment <br />at the Seneca II Mine of Hayden, Colorado. Seneca II Mine has actively implemented a shrub <br />planting program relying upon the use of containerized, site-adapted plant materials. The <br />emphasis of the program has been to re-establish a mountain shrub community type in <br />concentrated planting azeas with Servicebenry (Amelanchier alnifolia), Gambel Oak (Quercus <br />gambelii), and Chokecherry {Prunus virginiana) as major components of the planting mix. In an <br />effort to evaluate the success of plantings and better define strategies for successful <br />establishment, Seneca II Mine has developed along-term vegetation monitoring plan and will <br />implement studies to address perceived limiting factors of shrub establishment on the site. <br />The primary factor which may reduce shrub establishment success at the site is competition with <br />herbaceous species, in particular grasses. The grass component of the plant community <br />establishes quickly and heavily prior to shrub establishment. Seneca II Mine and their <br />consultants (BNG Consultants) are concerned that heavy grass establishment is inhibiting both <br />the vigor and survival of the planted shrubs. Seneca II Mine is implementing a study to <br />determine whether a reduction in topsoil depth application c~vill temporarily inhibit grass <br />establishment while favoring shrub establishment. Ecologically, shrub species are generally <br />adapted to acid and rocky sites. It is suggested that a reduction in topsoil application rate will <br />• better simulate these edaphic conditions and create a competitive edge for shrub plantings. Two <br />studies on other mines have been implemented to investigate this theory and will be utilized as <br />pilot studies (Nilson, Kirby, and Krabbenhoft 1995; Blomquist and Lyon 1995). <br />>- <br />A second factor potentially limiting shrub establishment at Seneca II Mine is tl-ie presence or <br />absence of certain microbial components within the reclaimed lands: Studies have demonstrated <br />the necessity of mycorrhizai inoculations of shrubby species in improving survival and drought <br />resistance {Atthowe 1993). Improved strategies of soil handling to preserve such soil microbes <br />or procedures for artificially inoculating reclamation areas may greatly improve shrub <br />establishment success. Seneca II Mine through BNG Consultants will design and implement a <br />microbial survey to evaluate the shrub inoculation prugram to date and provide recommendations <br />to improve the program.. <br />A final factor observed at the minesite which greatly inhibits shrub establishment is herbivory of <br />shrubs by large ungulates such as deer or elk. Strategies for decreased browse damage will <br />ultimately increase survival and vigor of plantings. Seneca II Mine through BNG Consultants <br />will implement a study to examine methods of reducing browse control . <br />Seneca II Mine has requested that BNG Consultants design and implement the following studies <br />to better define these potentially limiting factors as part of its continuing effort to improve re- <br />establishment of the mountain shrub community. <br />• 13-10-1 Revised 10-6-95 <br />