Question 1

What is land reclamation?

Accepted Answer

Land reclamation is the process of restoring disturbed land to a stable, productive, and environmentally sustainable condition. This involves soil preparation, erosion control, and revegetation using native plant species to restore ecological function and prevent long term land degradation.

Question 2

Is reclamation necessary?

Accepted Answer

In short, yes. Reclamation prevents water erosion, nuisance dust, and invasive weeds from taking over land disturbance. Reclamation helps stabilize soils, restore wildlife habitat and return the land to its native condition. Reclamation is often required by federal and state laws after land disturbance has occurred from activities such as construction, mining, and energy development.

Question 3

What are the most common methods used in revegetation?

Accepted Answer

The most common methods of revegetation consist of drill seeding, hydroseeding, and broadcast seeding. The method selected is dependent on the conditions of the land being restored. After any method of seeding, the area is protected with a hydromulch or hay/straw mulch.

Question 4

What challenges do we face in our revegetation efforts?

Accepted Answer

Some of the biggest challenges we face as a reclamation contractor are poor soil quality, limited moisture, steep terrain, and unpredictable weather conditions. Additionally, there are some project owners who do not value the need for native restoration.

Question 5

How do reclamation projects impact local ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Properly designed reclamation projects restore vegetation cover, improve soil health, reduce erosion, and provide usable habitat for wildlife. Reclamation helps rebuild ecological balance and supports long term environmental sustainability.

Question 6

How long does it take for native revegetation to establish?

Accepted Answer

Native revegetation can take several growing seasons depending on the climate and precipitation, but full establishment can take approximately 3 years. This process is often described as “sleep, creep, leap,” where the first year shows little visible growth (sleep), the second year shows gradual establishment (creep), and the third-year results in rapid growth and establishment (leap).

Question 7

Why is erosion control necessary?

Accepted Answer

Erosion control is necessary to prevent soil loss, protect water quality, and maintain the stability of the soil after land disturbance. Federal regulations dictate that sediment cannot be discharged from a worksite.

Question 8

Is mulching necessary?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mulching is necessary and is the critical component of native revegetation. Mulching helps retain moisture, modulates soil temperature, and protects the seed from erosion caused by wind and water.

Question 9

What is hydroseeding?

Accepted Answer

Hydroseeding is a revegetation process that is applied with a spray truck that applies a mixture of seed, hydraulic mulch, and other job specific amendments directly onto the soil. This method of seeding is particularly useful for establishing growth on steep terrain. For successful germination and establishment, the hydroseed must be properly covered and protected with hydromulch. Hydroseeding may be necessary in certain situations, but drill seeding should be used when conditions allow to improve vegetation establishment.

Question 10

What is the best time of year to seed native grasses?

Accepted Answer

The best time to seed native grasses is typically in late fall, just before the ground freezes. However, this is not always realistic. A good rule of thumb is to seed between September 15th and freeze, or spring thaw and June 15th.

Question 11

Why is weed control important?

Accepted Answer

If weeds are not properly controlled, they can quickly choke out the desirable vegetation. Some weeds can also be toxic to livestock, pets, and wildlife. Invasive weeds, such as cheatgrass, can spread rapidly and can be difficult to control. Wyoming Administrative Code, Chapter 28 §3, pursuant to Wyoming Statutes §11-5-101 et seq., states that landowners are required to control noxious weeds and pests on their property. Most states have similar laws requiring the management of noxious weeds.

Question 12

Are herbicides dangerous?

Accepted Answer

No, if applied properly. Applying herbicides per EPA’s approved labels is required. All RMR employees who apply herbicides are state certified to do so safely and in a manner that minimizes risk of runoff and subsequent hazards. Herbicides used correctly impact the ecosystem positively by eliminating noxious weeds (non-invasive species that take over and “choke out” native species).

Frequently asked questions