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Results of the Aspen Establishment Study: <br />• Best growth and survival was with low or no irrigation. <br />• Transplanted trees from local sources produced the best growth. <br />• Best growth and survival occurred on roto-cleared (fresh) soil compared to dozer cleared (stored) <br />soil. <br />• Aspen seedlings produce the most growth where competing vegetation is controlled. <br />Study Conclusion: <br />The best conditions for reproduction of aspen on reclaimed surface mined coal lands is obtained by using <br />transplanted saplings from local sources on freshly placed soil, salvaged from pre-mining aspen stands. <br />Care should be taken to avoid compaction of the replaced soil. Transplanted trees should be planted no <br />deeper than the original root collar, and other vegetation should be controlled around individual trees. <br />Irrigation with non-saline water might enhance growth and survival in years with drought conditions. <br />Conclusion: <br />Successful reclamation is the goal of the 1977 SMRCA. Seneca II-West mine exemplifies the progress toward <br />that goal. The establishment of aspens continues to be a challenge on reclaimed western soils, however, with <br />the research conducted by Seneca Coal Co. the future looks bright for successful re-establishment of aspens <br />after musing. The cooperative efforts of Seneca Coal Co., US Department of Agriculture, the Colorado <br />Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety, and the US Office of Surface Mining in studying aspen re- <br />establishment have resulted in a success story worthy of recognition at the 2008 Excellence in Surface Coal <br />Mining Reclamation Awards. <br />Appendix I <br />Photos of aspen research and Seneca II W reclamation <br />Appendix II <br />Response of Transplanted Aspen to Drip Irrigation on Reclaimed Mine <br />Zands; 2007 Musselman, R., Sheppard, W., Smith, F.w., Gee, B. <br />