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• INTRODUCTION <br />Strip mining for coal in northwestern Colorado has the potential <br />for destroying thousands of acres of big game range in the mountain <br />shrub type. However, with the proper revegetation methods, the <br />recontoured areas should again be compatible with wildlife use. The <br />mcj U•: ccrcc r~ of the r~eva~tation test plot is with the establishment <br />of shrub species. This is because of their importance to wildlife <br />and also because fewer problems are foreseen with respect to the <br />estabiishment of native grasses and forbs. Little information is <br />available pertaining to revegetation with shrubs. Hence, one of the <br />_ major objectives of this study is to determine the methodology of <br />shrub establishment that may be the most feasible with respect to <br />success and cost. <br />Major shrub species which are native to the mine site and are <br />included in some phase of the study are serviceberry, gambel oak, <br />snowberry, and chokecherry; several other species of shrubs were also <br />included in various phases of the study. The methods available for <br />establishment of shrubs include: (1) seeding; (2) transplanting <br />bare-rooted seedlings; (3) planting containerized seedlings or <br />cuttings; and (4) transplanting mature shrubs now on site. <br />• The soils on the Colowyo site are fine-textured and when disturbed <br />are subject to extensive erosion. Shrubs provide little protection for <br />the soil surface; thus a ground cover of grasses and forbs or possibly <br />a mulch will have to be used to retard erosion. However, competition <br />for moisture and light between shrubs and the vegetative ground cover <br />may be significant to the survival of the shrubs. <br />Revegetation Test Plot Description and Design <br />Each of the eight individual studies within the revegetation plot <br />are designed to provide information on the techniques of establishing <br />shrubs considering competition and erosion control. The eight studies <br />can be broken down into four major categories: <br />1. Individual species seedings using both native and <br />introduced species (7? species or selections). <br />2. Runoff plots which will provide information on <br />sediment and water yield per seeding management <br />practice. <br />3. Competition studies involving fertility, seeding <br />management practices, and species combinations. <br />• <br />