Reclamation Research Methods on Coal Mine Wastes with Particular Reference to Species Evaluation and Assessment

The question of what species to plant on devastated lands is of critical importance to the success or failure of a reclamation program. This paper outlines some methods that may enable the reclamation officer to make that decision with greater confidence.  The forage production data of thirteen revegetation species on nine disturbed areas treated by Kaiser Resources' Environmental Services Department were presented. These were compared with forage production data of various natural communities floristically similar to those adjacent to the disturbed areas. Since these lands are classified as big game winter
range, forage production seems a reasonable criterion for assessing reclamation success. Methods for estimating forage production were discussed.