Reclamation

It is critical for good reclamation that the quantity and quality of topsoil and subsoil be preserved during soil salvage. If this is not done, the reclamation will be more difficult, take more work, and be more expensive. The site will take longer to re-vegetate satisfactorily and meet the vegetation requirements of the criteria.

ASB staff try to seed directly behind the construction crews to allow the grass blend with the best chance of establishment possible.  By seeding as soon as construction has been completed, ASB staff reduce the number of weeds that can establish and take advantage of what nutrients and moisture are available.

The seeding program begins in May and depending on the amount of precipitation will end in late July early August.  Those areas that are not seeded in the summer may be done in October, depending on weather or they are done the following spring to take advantage of the available moisture.

Certified #1 seed is used whenever possible along with the seed certificate. Currently the Roadside Blend and Native Blend is as follows:

Roadside Blend

• 55% Crested Wheatgrass
• 25% Smooth Bromegrass
• 20% Creeping Red Fescue

Native Blend

• 40% Meadow Brome
• 30% Western Wheatgrass
• 30% Northern Wheatgrass

On private land if the landowner has something specific, they would like seeded other than the above two blends they can get ahold of the Director of Environmental Services.