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. . Application Part II. For each of the evaluation elements and criteria briefly, but with specific detail, describe how the ro sed ro'ed meets the followln to lea: Mandato Pro ect Elements Consistencv with State aooroved TRO control olan This project is consistent with the State approved TRO control Plan. This project emphasizes a local watershed based approach to removing targeted Russian olives and involves joint efforts from partnerships to control these species. These partners/agencies are members of the South Platte River Watershed Weed Management Area and have been working together to plan, map and initiate appropriate treatments. The project partners are using the five-component approach to management of these infestations: 1) planning with inventory/mapping, 2) control and biom ass reduction, 3) revegetation, 4) monitoring, and 5) maintenance. . Control of TRO in oriority infested areas throuah "intearated oest manaaement" (IPM), The St. Vrain Watershed, or HUC, and the Boulder Creek Watershed are both priority areas. The project partners will use best management practices from Integrated Pest Management techniques. Cut-stum p treatment, hand removal with extraction, and mechanical removal are all options that the partners may use, depending upon the location, size of trees, and features of each targeted area. The "cut stump" approach, where the tree is cut or scored with chainsaws, handsaws, or axes, and the stump is treated with an herbicide within a few minutes of cutting, is most effective on large diameter trees. After removal, the treated area will be revisited the following year and any re-sprouts will be treated with site appropriate herbicide. In some circumstances the protection of threatened and endangered species can be enhanced through well-planned efforts and appropriate timing of Russian olive or tamarisk treatment. These will all restore natural processes. In areas of concern, threatened and endan ered s ecies s UNe s will be conducted. Native reveaetation/restoration. either natural orocesses or through direct inteNention (I.e. reseedina or reolantinat Restoration of the treated areas will be accomplis~ed by follow-up treatment of re-sprouts of Russian olive or tamarisk, and treatment of other noxious weeds that may flourish as a result of the Russian olive or tamarisk removal. When appropriate, the partners will encourage natural revegetation. T his often occurs when the noxious trees are removed and the natives don't have that com petition. If more intensive revegetation is needed, the partner s will use native seed, and staff and volunteer re- seeding or planting events, to restore these areas. Boulder County has been very successful with revegetation projects on our open space lands. In additi on, our agency has a very successful native seed project that will be providing the seeds for these restoration projects. ' This project will be designed to promote ecological integrity, natural processes, and long term-resiliency. Restoration will take into account the overall condition and function of the system, including presence of native species plants and wildlife, species diversity, hydrologic regime, water quality, and wildlife habitat. If the riparian area has sufficient native vegetation before Russian olive removal, no planting will occur. If appropriate, non-native invasive v etation will be re laced b lantin with native lant s . es that can be self-sustainin . Monitorina of Droiect effectiveness for a minimum of five vears. The partners will monitor the treated areas for . minimum of five years. Boulder County is using both aerial photOl and gr ound-truthing to monitor our past Russian olive removal projects. Boulder County has experienced an appr oximate 90% success rate on Russian olive removals using the cut-stump treatment technique with follow-up treatment after 1 year. In areas where there has been re-growth, Boulder County applies herbicide and will cut again if necessa . Maintenance of restored areas for a minimum of five vears. The project partners will commit to maintain the proj ect areas for a minimum of five years. Since the ublicl owned ro in the ro.ect area is mainl . or count 0 n s , the 3 Boulder County Collaborative Tamarisk and Russian Olive Removal Project .