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Treesearch

Chapter 8: Mine reclamation practices to enhance forest development through natural succession

Informally Refereed
Download (PDF 850 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/54357.pdf

Abstract

"Natural succession" is a term used to describe natural changes in plant community composition over time. In the forested Appalachian region, disturbances from storms, fire, logging, or mining can disrupt or destroy established forests. Natural processes that lead to restoration of the forest vegetation following such a disturbance usually begin quickly and result in development of another forest. On reclaimed mine sites, the quality of that forest and the speed with which it develops depend upon the conditions created by the mining and reclamation process (Fig. 8-1).

Parent Publication

Citation

Groninger, J.; Skousen, J.; Angel, P.; Barton, C.; Burger, J.; Zipper, C. 2017. Chapter 8: Mine reclamation practices to enhance forest development through natural succession. In: Adams, Mary Beth, ed. The Forestry Reclamation Approach: guide to successful reforestation of mined lands. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-169. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 8-1 – 8-7.