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The RMRS study results (after 3 growing seasons) indicate that initial establishment of aspen can <br />be achieved on reclaimed mine spoils, using on-site sapling transplants. Results were less <br />definitive for commercial transplants and volunteer root sprouts. Soil factors and soil <br />handling/tree removal practices, protection of saplings from browsing, and control of competing <br />vegetation, were shown to be significant factors affecting survival and growth. Irrigation was <br />not shown to be a significant factor during the study, but the researchers speculate that use of <br />high quality (low salinity) irrigation water may be critical to sapling survival if abnormally dry <br />conditions occur during establishment. <br />Findings of the study have applicability to future aspen establishment research and operational <br />practices in the region. Seneca Coal Company is supporting additional research in cooperation <br />with RMRS at both the Seneca II-West and nearby Yoast Mines, in an attempt to build on the <br />findings of the initial study, and to identify strategies for aspen reestablishment that are <br />practicable on a larger operational scale. Information gained from the initial research study is <br />already being applied to operational plantings at the SCC mines. Reclamation plantings employ <br />drip irrigation with low salinity water, inside elk fenced enclosures. Site native sapling <br />transplants are being incorporated into the planting program, with saplings of appropriate size <br />obtained from a high density sapling stand ("aspen farm") that SCC created by clearing mature <br />aspen trees (to trigger root sprouting) from an area along the margin of the mine disturbance. <br />Because of enhanced growth and survival demonstrated to result from control of competitive <br />vegetation, use of weed barrier strips is being employed in association with plantings and is <br />being considered for use in association with volunteer root sprouts. <br />Roy Karo, SCC Reclamation Manager, will discuss the aspen study and other aspects of SCC's <br />reclamation program in a presentation at the annual High Altitude Revegetation Conference in <br />Fort Collins, Colorado, in March 2008. Seneca Coal Company's on-going participation in and <br />support for the aspen establishment research, and application of the findings on the ground, is <br />commendable. SCC's efforts in this regard will enhance the ability of coal operators in <br />Colorado, and other mining regions where aspen occurs, to achieve improved performance in <br />meeting the goals of SMCRA. <br />I fully suplf6rt the enclosed Seneca Coal Company nomination for an OSM National Award. <br />Y~ <br />Director, Office of Mined Land Reclamation <br />Enclosure <br />