B. Gorsira et Kl. Risenhoover, AN EVALUATION OF WOODLAND RECLAMATION ON STRIP-MINED LANDS IN EAST TEXAS, Environmental management, 18(5), 1994, pp. 787-793
We compared the composition and structural characteristics of reclaime
d and native woody plant communities near Fairfield, Texas, to evaluat
e the effectiveness of woodland reclamation 3-11 years since establish
ment. Species composition, foliage density, canopy cover, and woody pl
ant densities were recorded in plots randomly placed along transects b
isecting blocks of reclaimed and native woodlands. During summer, vert
ical foliage densities at heights less-than-or-equal-to 2 m were simil
ar among native and reclaimed areas. Foliage density and canopy cover
declined in reclaimed blocks during winter, but remained relatively co
nstant in native woodlands, where evergreens and vines were more commo
n. Canopy cover was absent in reclaimed woodlands <6 years old but inc
reased with age in 6 to 11-year-old blocks. These data indicated that
approximately 27 years will be needed before trees in reclaimed blocks
will achieve the stature of canopy trees in native woodlands. Reclaim
ed woodlands contained different woody plant species and had lower woo
dy stem densities compared to native woodlands. On average, stem densi
ties in reclaimed blocks were six times lower than densities in native
woodlands. Comparisons with planting records indicate that survival o
f most commonly planted woody species was low. Only green ash (Fraxinu
s pennsylvanica), Russian oliver (Elaeagnus commutata), smooth sumac (
Rhus glabra), and redbud (Cercis canadensis) had estimated survival ra
tes >50%. Reclamation procedures used at Big Brown Mine (BBM) during 1
981-1988 have not produced woodland habitats with vegetative character
istics comparable to premined woodlands and may not be providing the c
over needed to encourage use by certain wildlife species. Procedures f
or improving woodland reclamation are recommended.