Effects of a Modified Forest Reclamation Approach On Soil Properties in the Pacific Northwest.

The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) regulates reclamation of lands following surface coal mining operations.  Reclamation often converts previously forested land to poorly vegetated grasslands.  Establishment of productive forests has been successful in some areas of the eastern US but reforestation has met with variable success in the Pacific Northwest.  Some problems with existing reclamation practices include soil compaction due to equipment use, and the FRA of the eastern US may not be appropriate for western forests.  Modifications to the current Forest Reclamation Approach have been proposed to establish coniferous forest plantations in Washington State .  This research project will present soil analysis following reclamation using three treatments:  a modified FRA treatment, a modified FRA plus bottom ash (from an on-site coal-burning power plant) treatment, and control.  Soil properties will be compared to those of productive nearby forests.