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Ogooue-Ivindo
Abstract Exploration sites in tropical forests have historically been left unrestored, requiring the natural ecological succession cycle to reestablish the tertiary hardwood forest. Conoco and the University of Montpellier have been cooperating in a study of planting "macro-cuttings" to accelerate tree growth for site restoration in Gabon. Macro-cuttings are typically 3 m (10 ft.) long and 10–30 cm (4–12 in.) in diameter. The cuttings are cut from the trunk, branches or crown of a tree. For the purposes of this study, cuttings from 50 local tree species were planted in varying soil and light conditions. In addition to those macro-cuttings planted at the time of cutting, some of the cuttings were sealed with wax and stored for two months. These were then planted in the same manner as the original, unwaxed cuttings. This storage method simulated the use of cuttings cut during site construction and used for later restoration at exploration sites. The use of "macro-cuttings" raises the tops of the cuttings above planted or naturally occurring primary and secondary growth. This improves the competitive position of these trees relative to seedlings of the same species. If successful, this process would accelerate site recovery to tertiary growth conditions at a location by several growing cycles, providing a cost-effective and sustainable means of enhanced site restoration. Sites used for the study were in Gabon at an abandoned Conoco camp site in Ezanga and at the Gabon Makokou research facility. First year results were mixed but encouraging. Second year results were affected by elephants having destroyed much of the site at Ezanga. There was, however, sufficient progress at Makokou to continue the study. The most recent results indicate 14 different species with observed shoot growth. Although the study is still ongoing, the practices employed and the successes realized suggest that the use of macro-cuttings to accelerate site restoration may prove to be practical and cost-effective. Introduction Exploration in tropical rain forests often requires clearing of temporary sites for camps, helipads, drilling locations and roads. P. 611^