Forest restoration after alluvial gold mining can recover vegetation structure. A case study in Colombia

Technical reclamation and spontaneous succession (passive restoration) are the two main approaches for restoring post-mining sites worldwide. Despite substantial differences between both approaches, little is known regarding how they differ in terms of ecological outcomes. We assessed compared vegetation structure composition one forest that 29 years old, technically reclaimed forests 2 10 old after alluvial gold mining, old-growth reference northeastern Antioquia, Colombia. sampled trees saplings establishing three Modified-Whittaker Plots each site. measured tree basal area, canopy cover, height, density, species richness. Vegetation differed considerably among restoration approaches. Species richness was significantly greater than at other sites. Similarly, technical increased attributes years, reaching values similar to forest. underscore importance fast-growth planted (Acacia mangium, Samanea saman, Schizolobium parahyba) revegetate mining degraded lands.