The Alberta Research Council has conducted a reclamation research program near Grande Cache, Alberta in conjunction with the surface mining operations of Smoky River Coal Limited since 1972. Use of appropriate materials handling techniq~es and selection of suitable plant species combined with good management practices has resulted in the establishment of diverse plant communities that allow for different land use options. Climate was recognized as the most limiting factor to reclamation success in the region. Precipitation records were maintained on a growing season basis since the inception of the program. More recently, continuous monitoring equipment was installed to measure precipitation, air and soil temperature, wind speed and direction and relative humidity on a continuous basis. Frost-free period has ranged from 45 days to 112 days during the last five years. Soil temperatures at the 1 cm depth were found to exceed 46°C for several hours on consecutive days in areas characterized by a grass and legume cover. Measurement of the distribution and intensity of precipitation events indicates that the distribution of moisture can be somewhat less than effective for good plant establishment and growth. Prevailing winds are from the west and south. The data collected in the monitoring program are used to develop and refine operational reclamation procedures used in the area.

The overall objective of this study is to develop cost-effective methods of establishing and maintaining a vegetative cover that is in harmony with adjacent undisturbed areas. An initial erosion control cover was established with introduced grasses and legumes. Container and bare root conifer seedlings and cuttings of deciduous species were utilized initially to establish trees and shrubs in the area. Results indicate that a significantly higher survival rate was achieved for trees planted in areas where a grass and legume cover was present as compared to areas where no cover was present. Survival rate was higher for container than for bare root seedlings. Shrub cuttings rooted prior to planting had higher survival and growth rates than direct planted cuttings. Long term results indicate that trees and shrubs will become established in significant numbers by natural processes. Direct seeding has also proven to be a viable method for establishment of trees and shrubs in the area. Results obtained from the research program to date indicate that there are a number of methods that exist for the establishment of trees and shrubs on mined land. The method or combination of methods utilized is dependent upon end land use desired, time frame allowed and specific site conditions.

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