Evaluating the Influence of the Forestry Reclamation Approach on Throughfall Quantity in Eastern Kentucky

Abstract

Reclamation Highlights: Rapid growth and canopy closure by conifers resulted in higher canopy interception rates than those observed in deciduous trees, both on reforested mine sites and in natural forests. Results from this study show the importance of species survival rates on interception and that low survival rates could negatively impact, or at least delay, the hydrologic recovery of a reclaimed area and potentially threaten landscape stability. Use of the forestry reclamation approach can help restore hydrologic function on reclaimed surface mines.