Artificial revegetation facilitates rapid reintroduction of producer 

 biomass on denuded areas, thus speeding the return to initial site 

 conditions. Native plant species provide food and cover resources 

 most compatible with requirements of nearby consumer groups. A 

 mixture of grasses, forbs, and shrubs improves herbage production 

 and forage values more than single-species coverage as site variabil- 

 ity becomes less critical in establishing cover. Site compatability 

 and interfacing with nearby undisturbed areas is established. 

 Climax species ecotypes are desirable if site soil characteristics 

 are not greatly altered, particularly if reestablishment to original 

 site conditions is preferred. On more adversely disturbed sites 

 (dry, infertile), pioneer or serai species can be utilized as site 

 conditioners to aid in the natural succession to climax species. 

 Land management objectives regulate what cover type is planted and, 

 thus, which specific consumer groups are encouraged by habitat 

 expansions. 



Reestablishment of initial surface contours and drainages restores 

 surface and subsurface hydrological patterns. Former soil macropore- 

 water and macropore-air regimes equilibrate, and the biota associated 

 with such regimes are maintained or encouraged. In most upland 

 situations this ecosystem effect is minor in consequence. 



Mulch, a temporary surface covering of straw, woodchips, asphalt 

 emulsion, jute matting, or similar materials, moderates several 

 important surface soil aspects that regulate plant germination and 

 growth. Mulch application on disturbed sites moderates soil temper- 

 ature fluctuations, retains soil moisture, and contributes to soil 

 fertility; in conjunction with soil structure, it increases surface 

 water infiltration, reduces surface sheetflow, and retards soil 

 erosion. Replacement of topsoil has the same effect, and it is more 

 permanent. 



3.1 Woodlands 



Maritime woodland types are least readily restored in coastal 

 plain environments due to the long regeneration time. Several 

 important upland game species are linked to this cover type, as 

 year-long cover. This community type is stable once estab- 

 lished. 



3.2 Grasslands 



Grassland cover can be replaced easily and rapidly with exist- 

 ing techniques and knowledge. Introduced grass species are 

 more readily obtainable commercially than locally adapted 

 natives, but the latter provide more compatible wildlife food 

 and cover. Ground cover is quickly established, which retards 



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