Laserfiche WebLink
revegetation. Seed mixes used by DMG on the Coal Basin site are appropriate <br /> and comform to this approach. Wind exposure comprises constant adversity <br /> to alpine plants, and those begining to germinate or that have just germinated <br /> are especially vulnerable to damage for lack of heavy cuticle development, hair <br /> cover, and especially root development. Consequently any manipulation of <br /> conditions that reduces wind exposure is advantageous. On steep and very <br /> long slope runs such as were widely left in the post-mining landscape by the <br /> operators of the Coal Basin mines, the presence of any surface roughness that <br /> could shelter young seedlings contributes to probabilities of success. Hence, <br /> efforts to scarify the Coal Basin slopes during the process of seeding are well- <br /> placed and are likely to enhance the extent and rapidity of vegetation <br /> estabishment. Indeed, it is clear from general observations, that revegetation <br /> efforts by DMG to date on the site have caused substantially greater <br /> development of vegetational cover on these very difficult sites than has <br /> occurred over a period of 10 to 20 years without intervention. <br /> At best, establishment of new plants at very high elevation is slow because of <br /> the above-cited factors, but, given time to slowly accumulate carbon reserves <br /> and develop root systems, experience has shown that planted vegetation can <br /> eventually mature over a period of years. Expectations for establishment that <br /> are based on experience at low elevation will be too high at these upper <br /> elevations. <br /> As previously alluded, the Coal Basin sites are subject to all of the constraints <br /> described above but have in addition at many locations the constraints <br /> imposed at any elevation by extremely steep slope angles. The natural slope <br /> angles were steep (up to1.5:1 (h:v)), but benching associated with mine <br /> 3 <br />