Seneca surface coal mines - A 40 year case study in reclamation techniques - Triumphs and failures: Two studies of shrub establishment

Abstract

Seneca Coal Co. operates the Seneca II, Seneca II-W, and the Yoast Mines in Northwest Colorado, 6,300 ft to 8,500 ft elevation. The reclaimed land was seeded with a diverse mix of native and non-native grasses and forbs. Also, and extensive shrub reestablishment effort was undertaken. Coal production ceased in 2005 leaving 4000 acres of reclaimed land. The success of the reclamation program at Seneca Coal Co. is evident even within a climate of changing regulations, high altitude, and very steep slopes. The Wadge Pasture, a block of reclaimed land approximately 15 years old, was measured for revegetation success in 2004, Study3 #1. Colorado State University, Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology, and Seneca Coal Co. cooperated in a study of shrub establishment techniques and the results are presented in Study #2. more on the results of the studies.