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need to establish a minimum of 40 acres of these areas total, these trials will need to be <br />initiated in the 2010 reclamation season (and no later than the 2011 reclamation season), <br />so Colowyo will have data and results to continue these practices on a permanent, large <br />scale basis. <br />In the past several years, there has been considerable research on the establishment of <br />woody plants on reclaimed lands. Colowyo participated in a study conducted by <br />Colorado State University regarding native shrub establishment in northwest Colorado. <br />The results of this study indicate that shrub establishment is enhanced by using fencing to <br />exclude big game. Additionally, the study showed that the use of containerized <br />transplants may be necessary for the tall shrub species such as serviceberry and <br />chokecherry. Species such as sagebrush and bitterbrush were successful when planting <br />these species from seed. Finally, the study indicated that the use of lesser amounts of <br />topsoil (approximately six inches) appeared to be better for shrub establishment relative <br />to deeper topsoil (18 inches) or no topsoil, over the 7 year study period. <br />The US Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station has been researching aspen re- <br />establishment in northwest Colorado on reclaimed coal lands. These research results <br />indicate that control of competing vegetation in the immediate vicinity of aspen <br />transplants is critical to growth and survival, and that competitive vegetation can be <br />effectively controlled using landscape fabric. Additionally, the OSM along with seven <br />Appalachian states have been involved in the Appalachian Regional Reforestation <br />Initiative for the past several years. A large body of knowledge regarding reestablishing <br />trees on regraded mine spoils is available at the web site www.arri.osmre.gov. <br />Recommendations that have come out of these studies which likely have applicability to <br />establishment of aspen and tall shrub species in the west, include the importance of a <br />sufficient root medium thickness composed of topsoil and/or weathered sandstone. A <br />loose, rough, rocky surface, with no excessive compaction in the upper four feet is a <br />critical factor. Sandstone dominated surface spoils are preferable to shale or clay <br />dominated spoils. Seeded ground covers should not include highly competitive species. <br />Rule 4.15 - Revegetation <br />Aspen Planting Areas <br />In the description of the 1-acre test plot for aspen, Colowyo states that aspen will <br />be established "where the original lithology is still intact." This approach is <br />counter to the purpose of attempting to reestablish aspen on reclaimed disturbed <br />areas. Results from short term studies at the Seneca mine complex have shown <br />promise that aspen can be established on reclaimed mine spoil when they are <br />protected from browsing and competing vegetation is adequately suppressed. The <br />purpose of these trials is to demonstrate feasibility of aspen establishment on <br />areas that have been mined in the South Taylor Pit area. Conducting trials on <br />areas that have not been mined (where the lithology is still intact) does not meet <br />this goal. Please change the commitment and text for the aspen study plots to