first full growing season following di sfurbance. At these sites the com- 

 munities were developing on the contoured side slopes of the permanently 

 ponded areas. An average of 13 species, with a range of 7 to 21 species, 

 occurred in 0.0004-ha sample plots located in these habitats during the 

 second (Jim River and Prospect Creek) and third (West Fork Tolovana River) 

 growing seasons following disturbance. Willows, alders, birch, and spruce 

 occurred with the herbaceous taxa in these habitats at all three sites. 

 Although these sites have not been inspected since 1978, the pioneer com- 

 munities will probably develop unimpeded and quickly lead to early and 

 advanced serai stage shrub communities. 



The Tanana R i ver-Upstream site was very similar to the West Fork 

 Tolovana River site with respect to Physical Site Characteristics and Gravel 

 Removal Area Characteristics. The mined site was 10 years old during site 

 inspection, and 15 years old at the time of data collection (summer 1978). 

 Shrub thickets dominated by Sal ix arbuscu loi des and A I nus tenui folia had 

 developed surrounding much of the pit and on spits and islands which remain- 

 ed above the water level of the upper pit (Figure 70). These communities had 



Figure 70. View of the upper pit at Tanana Ri ver-Upstream 

 showing diversity of shoreline configuration and develop- 

 ment of woody and herbaceous vegetation 13 years after 

 gravel removal . 



237 



