1999-05-14_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981017

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greatly exceed those of lower elevation sites. The effects of intense UV radiation may be seen in various forms of damage to living tissue, often in the general form of denatured chlorophyll, which obviously further constrains rates of carbon fixation and hence potential plant growth rates. To survive and grow in alpine environments, plants must have a thick cuticle and/or hairs to protect cells from radiation and moisture loss. 5 In addition, such adaptations provide at least some protection the potential physical damage that may be inflicted by flying rock particles that are carried by the strong winds. The abrasion caused by blowing sand and gravel-sad particles can damage protective coverings and facilitate critical damage to cells now exposed to radiation and dessication. Despite these perhaps seemingly insurmountable factors in opposition, germination and establishment of young plants is feasible in alpine sites through attention to details of species selection and planting methods. Full exposure to the viscissitudes of the alpine environment will inevitably exact high mortality. Species selected need to have demonstrated adaptation to alpine sites. Surprisingly, many cultivars of common European pasture species have over the years shown good initial growth after being sown on disturbed alpine sites. Use of their inititial vigor in conjunction with the proven staying power of native alpine species is a useful approach to the challenge of high altitude revegetation. Seed mixes used by DMG on the Coal Basin site are appropriate and comform to this approach. Wind exposure comprises constant adversity to alpine plants, and those begining to germinate or that have just germinated are especially vulnerable to damage for lack of heavy cuticle development, hair cover, and especially root development. Consequently any manipulation of conditions that reduces wind exposure is advantageous. On steep and very long slope runs such as were widely left in the post-mining landscape by the operators of the Coal Basin mines, the presence of any surface roughness that could shelter young seedlings contributes to probabilities of success. Hence, efforts to scarify the Coal Basin slopes during the process of seeding are well-placed and are likely to enhance the extent and rapidity of vegetation estabishment. Indeed, it is clear from general observations, that revegetation efforts by DMG to date on the site have caused substantially greater development of vegetational cover on these very difficult sites than has occurred over a period of 10 to 20 years without intervention. 2