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. . . . Colorado Water Conservation Board Tamarisk and Russian Olive Control Cost Sharing Grant Program Application Form ADDllcatlon Part I. Provide a one page description of the proposed project in sufficient detail to serve as the Scope of Work for a grant contract if your project is selected for funding. Describe all essential project activities and accomplishments, with particular focus on demonstrated benefits to be achieved. Refer to the attached statement of the existing ecological condition. The RRWRRP will follow all guidelines set within the Republican River Watershed Weed Management Area (RRWWMA) Strategic Plan that has been approved by the Colorado Noxious Weed Coordinator for the CDA. The boundaries of the planning area include: 1) the Republican River watershed from the headwaters of the North fork and South fork of the Republican River and the headwaters of the Arikaree River to the COINE or KS state line, 2) tributaries to these three rivers that are within the Republican River Watershed. Russian olive and tamarisk are not the only non-native, invasive species present in the watershed and invasive species are not the only problem impacting this river system. However, due to their extensive growth pattems and high profile images, these species serve as the main emphasis for riparian restoration. Russian- olive infestations within the RRWRRP study area occur primarily below 4,900 feet in elevation. Tamarisk occupies a similar range although in smaller populations. Russian olive infestations dominate most riparian habitats within the Republican River watershed. Tamarisk is mainly found around Bonny Reservoir and small scattered patches in southern Washington County and along the Arikaree River drainage. These infestations degrade wildlife habitat, agricultural lands, recreational activities, and water resources. If no action is taken, the potential intensification and expansion of ecosystem degradation in the future is prohibitively high. The control of Russian- olive and tamarisk in the watershed may utilize a full suite of techniques including hand control, herbicide treatment, biological control, and mechanical treatment. No one technique is right for all situations. Additionally, all of these techniques must be matched with an effective restoration plan for the riparian corridor. Restoration Is the ultimate goal. The RRWRRP, salt cedar and Russian-olive removal, will be completed mainly by using a cut stump method of control. This will be done by a hired contractor and the Colorado Range Riders out of Sterling, Colorado, when necessary. The RRWRRP complies with the rules pertaining to the Colorado Noxious Weed Act. Under these rules salt cedar is mandatory for eradication within the watershed with the exclusion of Bonny Reservoir. At Bonny Reservoir there have been releases of the biological control Diorhabda elongate and other efforts by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and Colorado State Parks to contain and control the salt cedar around Bonny Reservoir. The formation of the Republican River Watershed Weed Management Association (RRWWMA) has allowed input from numerous agencies, local governments, and private citizens. Through the numerous meeting that RRWWMA sponsored it was decided that Yuma County Pest Control District and Three Rivers Alliance would pay for 75% of the cost of the tamarisk and Russian-olive removal and that the landowners will pay the remaining 25%. Yuma County Pest Control District will monitor the sites for resprout and control any and all state or county listed weeds that may be found on these sites. The local conservation districts and NRCS will help the landowners with revegetation recommendation. The members of the RRNWMA decided to not begin revegetation for three years on removal sites to promote natural revegetation. Expected results of Russian-olive and tamarisk control projects in the Republican River watershed include restored aquatic, riparian, and floodplain ecosystems. The quantity and quality of these habitats for fish and wildlife, including endangered status fish species, would be improved. Project areas would also provide opportunities for environmental education, improved aesthetics, recreation, and improved management of flood flows. Each phase of the project will be videotaped and later shown at educational meetings and be made available online. 4