Tree invasion on reclaimed anthracite surface mines in Pennsylvania: Reevaluating inhibition Klemow, K.M., R. Klemish, M. Petras, R. Ali, J. Keller, R. Helfrick, T. Tonkin, J. DiGerardo Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, PA

Undisturbed sites in eastern North America are forested by a mix of native woody species

Thousands of acres of forests have been profoundly disturbed by mining.

Natural revegetation is often limited on mine- impacted sites due to infertile, drought-prone soils, and lack of seed dispersal

To help repair the damage caused by mining, reclamation measures are implemented.

Current reclamation projects follow guidelines of SMCRA (1977), emphasizing regrading land, fertilizing soils, and establishing ground-cover

Common reclamation species

Result is a meadow, often dominated by non-native species

Ground vegetation of well reclaimed site

Site not reclaimed “well” appeared to be rapidly colonized by woody species.

Surface of poorly reclaimed site

Does reclamation lead to forest development on reclamation sites? Classic ecological theory based on facilitation model of succession Classic ecological theory based on facilitation model of succession Early successional stages “prepare site”, paving way for later successional stages. Early successional stages “prepare site”, paving way for later successional stages. Inhibition model of succession states that early stages actually inhibit later stages. Inhibition model of succession states that early stages actually inhibit later stages. Which model aptly depicts process of forest development on reclamation sites? Which model aptly depicts process of forest development on reclamation sites?

Question studied over past four years by Wilkes students.

General approach Examine four sites in anthracite area of northeast Pennsylvania. Examine four sites in anthracite area of northeast Pennsylvania. Three (Ballfield, Newport 4, Cemetery) well reclaimed by BAMR Three (Ballfield, Newport 4, Cemetery) well reclaimed by BAMR One (Hanover 12) poorly reclaimed. One (Hanover 12) poorly reclaimed. Philadelphia Pittsburgh Wilkes-Barre

Vegetation analysis 25’ x 25’ plots established in each site 25’ x 25’ plots established in each site Vegetation quantified in each plot Vegetation quantified in each plot Percent cover for ground layer Percent cover for ground layer Number of stems for woody species Number of stems for woody species

Summary of Results Site Herb % Cover Tree Seedling Density # Tree Spp. Total Tree Height Hanover a c e g Newport b d f h Cemetery b d f h Ballfield b d f h

When examined on a plot-by-plot basis, relationship not so strong

When we ignore clonal species

Findings Plots having >60% herb cover almost completely lack tree seedlings. Invasion by clonal species possible on dense sites. Successful establishment of herb layer may restrict species diversity by excluding species that rely only on seeds for regeneration. Recruitment by clonal species restricted if source plants not present.

Implications for reclamation strategies: If reclaimed site is targeted for commercial or residential development, use conventional SMCRA approach. If reclaimed site is targeted for commercial or residential development, use conventional SMCRA approach. Important to establish ground cover for erosion control. Important to establish ground cover for erosion control. If site is likely to remain undeveloped, use ecological restoration approach. If site is likely to remain undeveloped, use ecological restoration approach. Establish sparser herb cover, allowing colonization by native woody species. Establish sparser herb cover, allowing colonization by native woody species.

Why should we care? “Restoration science” now emerging as a new way of thinking, replacing reclamation-based approach (see SER 2002) “Restoration science” now emerging as a new way of thinking, replacing reclamation-based approach (see SER 2002) Benefits of reclamation leading to natural forest ecosystems: Benefits of reclamation leading to natural forest ecosystems: Higher sustainability Higher sustainability Higher biodiversity Higher biodiversity Carbon sequestration Carbon sequestration Watershed-wide benefits Watershed-wide benefits

And the next step: Incorporate GIS-based technologies to recommend reclamation approach, based on likelihood for site development.

Acknowledgements Financial and logistical support provided by Wilkes University Financial and logistical support provided by Wilkes University Site access provided by Earth Conservancy & PA BAMR Site access provided by Earth Conservancy & PA BAMR Helpful discussions with colleagues Helpful discussions with colleagues Dale Bruns, Bill Toothill (Wilkes University) Dale Bruns, Bill Toothill (Wilkes University) Robert Hughes (Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation) Robert Hughes (Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation)

Questions / Comments?