OSM DIRECTIVE TSR-16
Reforestation of Title IV and Title V Mined Lands
On June 10, 2008, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement [OSMRE] Director, Brent Wahlquist signed new Directive, TSR-16: Reforestation of Title IV and Title V Mined Lands.
The goal of this Directive is to establish policy and procedures regarding regulatory emphasis on achieving land stability by compacting mine spoils and planting aggressive ground covers has led many mine operators and landowners to choose agricultural land uses that, despite a lack of agricultural infrastructure in many areas, involve reclamation practices that lead to establishing dense grasses and forbs over those that include trees. Where trees are planted in smoothly graded areas with heavy ground cover, most do not survive. The few that do survive are often stunted. Such areas have virtually no potential for returning to productive forestland because of excessive compaction and dense ground cover. The significant forest fragmentation resulting from these conventional reclamation practices has led to reduced carbon sequestration, loss of wildlife habitat, increased flood potential, loss of forest products, etc. The purpose of this Directive is to lay out OSM's role in reversing this trend through promoting reforestation.
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If you have any questions, please contact Steve Felch at the
information listed below.
Steve Felch
Directives Coordinator
202-208-2982
sfelch@osmre.gov
To go to the OSM Directive's main page, see -http://www.osmre.gov/guidance/directives/directives.shtm