Reclamation of Iron Mine Waste in Minnesota with Trees and Shrubs

Abstract Iron mine wastes provide a harsh environment for plant growth. Successful revegetation with trees and shrubs requires the use of different techniques on each type of mine waste. Revegetation of abandoned mine wastes by the Mineland Reclamation Division of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board in Minnesota is described. Plantings with bareroot and containerized seedlings indicate that containers are a good alternative on the mine sites which are physically difficult to plant. General recommendations and considerations when reclaiming mining sites with trees are discussed These findings are most applicable to reclamation activities in Minnesota but may be applied in iron mine reclamation elsewhere. North J. Appl. For. 2:47-50, June 1985