Chapter 2: Basic Steps of Revegetation

Planning

The planning phase of any project should be the first step.   Planning is critical in revegetation projects, since the designer works with biological processes that have specific timing and environmental requirements.

Figure 19:  A sand quarry restoration project on Adak Island that relied on transplanted beach wildrye (Leymus mollis) sprigs and seeded grasses native to the area.  The photo shows one season’s growth.

Figure 20:  The same area after three growing seasons.

In addition to identifying the type and purpose of revegetation, logistics need careful consideration.  After receiving a project contract, immediately purchase seed and plant materials.  This ensures that the revegetation portion of the project can be completed while equipment and personnel are available.

Figure 21:  A small surface disturbance on the Northwest Arctic coast.

Figure 22:  The same area after two growing seasons.  The vegetation is the result of seeding native species and fertilizing the site with commercial fertilizer.

Figure 23:  The same area after three growing seasons.

Those who hire contractors should recognize that although cultivars are sometimes difficult to obtain, some sub-contractors or suppliers have been known to say a particular cultivar is not available so that a less costly and often unsuitable seed could be substituted.  If questions arise during this decision phase, contact local suppliers regarding availability or contact the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Plant Materials Center at (907) 745-4469.

Site Preparation

Site preparation methods are fairly standard for all forms of revegetation.  An adequately prepared site will:

• Be free of construction debris.
• Have relatively few large rocks or other natural objects.
• Be free of ruts or gullies.
• Have the top two inches in a friable, non-compacted condition (allowing a heel to make a 1/4 inch impression).
• Be scarified to a depth of 6 to 8 inches if heavily compacted.

Methods of Preparation

Limited availability of soil preparation equipment need not hinder a project; such tasks can often be accomplished with standard construction machinery.  For example, ripper teeth on a grader tool bar will adequately prepare a site.  Ideally, scarification will be done in two passes perpendicular to each other.  However, on sloping land and in areas of high wind, mono-directional scarification perpendicular to the direction of slope or prevailing wind is preferred.

If traditional surface preparation equipment such as disks and/or chisel plows is available, the conditions required for adequate surface preparation are the same as previously noted.

Note:  If hydroseeding is used to apply seed, surface preparation as described in this section may not be applicable.