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non-saline (EC less than 2 mmho/cm) water might enhance growth and survival in years with drought <br />conditions. <br />2008 Research <br />The Use of Landscape Fabric and Supplemental Irrigation to Enhance Survival and Growth of Woody <br />Perennials Planted on Reclaimed Surface Mine Lands <br />A study was initiated to determine the effectiveness of landscape fabric and supplemental irrigation in <br />survival and growth of woody perennials planted on reclaimed surface coal mine lands. The study <br />compared growth and survival of nursery grown potted aspen and serviceberry planted with or without <br />landscape fabric, and with or without biweekly supplemental irrigation. First year survival and growth <br />indicates that the landscape fabric was particularly crucial in survival and growth of aspen trees on sites <br />with heavy competing vegetative cover. Supplemental irrigation appears to have provided limited <br />advantage compared to the landscape fabric. Photosynthesis and pre-dawn moisture stress measurements <br />on the aspen indicated that aspen trees were more stressed without landscape fabric. Soil moisture was <br />higher under the landscape fabric. The serviceberry plants did not respond to landscape fabric or irrigation <br />treatment during the first growing season. <br />Conclusion <br />Successful reclamation is the goal of the 1977 SMRCA. SCC exemplifies the progress toward that goal. The <br />establishment of aspen and woody plants continues to be a challenge on reclaimed western soils, however, <br />with the research conducted by SCC the future looks bright for successful re-establishment of aspen and <br />woody plants after mining. The cooperative efforts of SCC, US Forest Service, Colorado State University, <br />the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety, and the US Office of Surface Mining and other <br />local surface coal mine operators in studying woody plant re-establishment have resulted in improved best <br />practices and important technology transfer for establishing woody plants on reclaimed lands. The success of <br />these efforts and continued emphasis on meeting the spirit and intent of SMCRA are worthy of recognition at <br />the 2009 Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Awards. <br />List of Appendixes <br />Appendix I <br />Photos of Aspen Study and Seneca It West Reclaimed Land <br />Appendix II <br />2000 Shrub Establishment Study: Final Technical Progress Report: Prepared by: Mark W. Paschke and Edward F. Redente; <br />Department of Forest, Rangeland and Watershed Stewardship, Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO 80523-1478 June <br />2005 <br />Appendix III <br />2004 Response of Transplanted Aspen to Drip Irrigation on Reclaimed Mine Lands; 2007 Musselman, R., Shepperd, W., Smith, <br />F.W., Gee, B. <br />Appendix IV <br />2008 The Use of Landscape Fabric and Supplemental Irrigation to Enhance Survival and Growth of Woody Perennials Planted <br />on Reclaimed Surface Mine Lands; 2008 R.C. Musselman; Wayne Shepperd; Frederick W. Smith; Brian Gee; Lance Asherin <br />Appendix V <br />0 Photos