Webinar: Importing the Forestry Reclamation Approach to Minnesota's Iron Range

The Forestry Reclamation Approach (FRA) was developed in response to poor outcomes in reclamation of Appalachian coalfields. Areas that were compacted for stability and seeded with grasses - according to proscribed Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) rules - resulted in severe erosion and prevented the established of native tree species. The approach was developed by a broad alliance of federal, state and mining industry researchers through the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative. For decades now, the FRA has been used as a recognized reclamation approach under the SMCRA; however the practice is not widely recognized outside of Appalachia, even in native forest ecoregions where mining has taken place for the better part of the last century. The FRA thus may provide value by importing and, where necessary, adapting the approach to reclamation in the Northern Forest region of the iron mining states of Minnesota and Michigan.

In partnership with Hibbing Taconite, the City of Hibbing, and the Rajala Woods Foundation, two projects were advanced to improve understanding of the applicability of FRA to reclamation in Minnesota:

1. A comparative survey of mined areas and stockpiles with tree plantings (either intentional plantings or successional ingrowth of tree species) and traditional grass and forb reclamation areas. Areas were selected that had undergone approximately 10, 5, and 2-3 years of growing seasons for comparison, along with older sites that were planted with trees that pre-date the reclamation rules in Minnesota.
2. A pilot project, “Project Greenwood”, which seeks to demonstrate the application of FRA on a variety of iron mining substrates and with varying surface preparations. A planting of 17,000 tree seedlings is being tested. Results will be compared for cost of implementation and surveys of site stability, vegetative cover, species richness, and percent cover by species and stratum in the herbaceous, shrub, and tree layers.

The comparative survey and pilot project had broad industry and community support and will serve as a potential demonstration toward recognition of FRA as a reclamation approach in the region. However adapting the approach to this region can be improved! Beyond examining the results of the trial projects, we envision ongoing discussion with forestry practitioners and mine reclamationists about how to adapt the practice for this region. For example, our questions include: what surface preparation techniques, what species mixes, and what planting techniques?

Each webinar is rated for one CAT1 credit; participants, keep an eye on the chat for the link to the webinar CE request form towards the end of the hour. We will record each webinar and post it on the SFEC YouTube Channel. Recordings are typically available within one week of the live broadcast.