Remediation of Abandoned Mine Lands

Thursday, October 2, 2008 : 1:20 p.m.

Direct-Seeding Versus Containerized Transplantation of American Chestnuts on Loose Mine Spoil in the Cumberland Plateau

Michael French, Christopher Barton and Don Graves, University of Kentucky

Abstract:  American chestnut (Castanea dentata (Marsh.) Borkh.) was formerly an important timber and nut producing hardwood species throughout much of eastern North America.  The introduction of an Asiatic fungus (Cryphonectria parasitica (Murr.) Barr) in the early 20th century resulted in a epidemic that decimated C. dentata populations.  The American Chestnut Foundation plans to release blight-resistant chestnut hybrids that are approximately 15/16 American chestnut in character in a widespread restoration program.  For the restoration to be successful, more information must be attained about the site requirements, establishment, and growth of American chestnut.  The establishment of founder populations of blight-resistant chestnut hybrids which may then act as reservoirs for chestnut dispersal into surrounding forests throughout the Appalachian coal region may aid in the restoration effort.  Four family lines of American chestnuts were planted using two planting techniques were replicated three times on freshly dumped mine-run spoil in the Cumberland Plateau region of eastern Kentucky.  The two planting techniques are direct-seeding and transplantation from container-grown seedlings.  Both planting techniques show approximately 80% initial survival after one growing season and preliminary data indicate that there are no significant differences between the two planting techniques in height growth, diameter growth, or survival.  Phytophthora, a root rot pathogen that has hindered chestnut breeding and restoration efforts is of special concern and the spoil is being baited and seedling mortality monitored to determine whether or not it will prove problematic for chestnut restoration on these sites.

Michael French, University of Kentucky Graduate student in the Department of Forestry at the University of Kentucky. Formally an extension specialist with The American Chestnut Foundation and currently serving as the Vice President of the Kentucky Chapter. After graduation will work as an Associate with Williams Forestry.

Christopher Barton, University of Kentucky Dr. Christopher D. Barton is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Forestry at the University of Kentucky. As a Research Hydrologist with the USDA Forest Service (1999 – 2003), his research focused on hydro-chemical processes associated with restoration and remediation of disturbed and/or contaminated areas at the US DOE Savannah River Site, SC. Dr. Barton continues to work in the areas of ecosystem restoration and remediation primarily in stream and wetland habitats that have been altered by human-use activities. In addition, improved methods for preventing water quality degradation from logging and mining activities are currently being examined.

Don Graves, University of Kentucky Dr. Graves is an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Forestry at the University of Kentucky. He has over 40 years experience in the mine land reclamation research.


Remediation of Abandoned Mine Lands