1984-04-28_REPORT - M1977378 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Summary - Reclamation efforts effected in 1983 are considered to be successful and in compliance with procedures and timetables presented in the Reclamation Plan submitted for affected acreages at the Silverton site. Prior to 1983 reclama- tion activities were devoted primarily to research and develop- ment of a successful reclamation procedure for the multitude of different disturbance sites resulting from mine and mill operations. Test plot establishment on major and moderate disturbance sites were conducted to determine which plant material commercially available possessed the best potential for achieving reclamation goals. In conjunction with the plant materials testing activities, development work was undertaken to determine which cultural and application techniques were best suited to modify inimical environ- mental conditions on the disturbance sites to attain maximum germi- nation and propagation rates of selected plant materials . This previous test work resulted in the formulation of site specific reclamation plans for particular disturbances. Reclamation activities implemented to date on the variant disturbance sites have proven to be highly successful , demonstrat- ing the potential for achieving reclamation goals promulgated for affected acreage. However, established reclamation plots are the result of combinations of different reclamation processes and not a true indication of the success potential of singular site specific reclamation plans. In 1983, selected reclamation techniques develop- ed for Phase I, II and III procedures over the past five years were implemented on varying disturbance sites to ascertain actual reclama- tion potential . It is still too early to determine the relative success or failure of the approach due to snowpack and depressed temperatures in the area . Evaluation of the site specific reclama- tion plans will be accomplished in the summer fo 1984 and reported in 1985. Sustained growth with vegetative and sexual reproduction has occurred on all established Phase I and II test plots. The most notable event occurring on these plots aside from persistence of planted materials is the increasing frequency with which indigenous species from adjacent undisturbed habitats have been invading dis- turbance sites on which harsh environmental conditions have been ameliorated, creating a diversity of micro habitats amenable to the invaders . The natural invasion of indigenous species adapted to the climatic and edaphic factors of the region is the ultimate goal of the revegetation program instituted at the Silverton site.