Establishing Riparian Woody Vegetation for Constructed Streams Using the Forestry Reclamation Approach

Construction and renovation of streams and riparian corridors on mined lands have become common activities in Appalachia. Surface mining for coal can disturb ephemeral and intermittent streams, and may disturb permanent streams in some cases. Under the Clean Water Act, operations that fill or otherwise disturb streams must perform compensatory mitigation. Scientific studies have identified beneficial effects of woody vegetation (trees and shrubs) in riparian areas of streams on mined areas and elsewhere. This advisory describes the reasons for establishing woody vegetation in constructed streams’ riparian areas, and describes proper methods for mine sites.