Responses to Pre Germination Regulators on Native Species for Rehabilitation Potential on Military Lands.

Quick, rapid and successful establishment of vegetation on training lands is difficult and can be costly due to the need for multiple seedings.  In turf management, a common practice is to start germination outside of the soil prior to seeding.  This practice has also been used by the Forest Service after wild fires to quickly establish vegetation in areas of high risk, i.e., mud slides and critical habitat.  The techniques would lend their self to the Army, i.e., areas of high impact such as small/large arms ranges, recently burned areas, critical habitat and any area with a need for quick establishment.  Installations would see an increase in success rate for seeding and could use pre-germination techniques in conjunction with hydro seeding technology for difficult to reach and seed areas.  Germination of difficult species would help increase an installations biodiversity, and may help increase TES numbers.  Faster establishment of vegetation would result in better air and water quality and may help with CAA, CWA, and NEPA. Installations would benefit from the development of native species pre-germination guidelines.  Development of guidance for the pre-germination of native species is needed to maximize the success, efficiency, cost benefits, and esthetics of improved and unimproved areas on military installations.