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BTU EC's integrated weed program consists of five interrelated components, as detailed in the following sections: <br />1) Prevention <br />2) Identification and mapping <br />3) Management planning and scheduling <br />4) Application of selected control method(s) <br />5) Evaluation of control effectiveness <br />Prevention — Prevention is the most important component of BTU EC's weed program. In general terms, <br />prevention focuses on timely stabilization and revegetation of disturbed and reclaimed areas and soil resources with <br />desirable vegetation species, to prevent the establishment and spread of noxious weeds. This includes both <br />temporary and permanent vegetative establishment using the seed -mixes and methods outlined in Section 2.05.4. <br />Seed mixes have been selected to provide a reasonable balance of rapid germination and establishment and long- <br />term viability. BTU EC uses several different seed mixes to address varying topographic, soil, and moisture <br />conditions and to target specific postmining land uses. Certified (weed -free) seed is purchased from reputable <br />suppliers, and weed -free straw or hay mulch is utilized where mulching is necessary. Once initial seeding has <br />occurred, seeded areas are inspected and monitored on a periodic basis to verify effective vegetative establishment, <br />provide for early identification of any noxious weed infestations, and assess the need for any supplemental <br />management measures (ie: fertilization, reseeding, weed control, protection from wildlife, etc.). <br />Identification and mapping — BTU EC utilizes a range of resources to identify and map any noxious weed <br />infestations within the mine Permit Area. The Mine Environmental Staff are trained in noxious weed identification <br />and, as a matter of practice, note any noxious weed occurrences observed any time they are in the field. In addition, <br />Mine Environmental Staff, assisted by trained student and summer interns, conduct spring and fall Environmental <br />Management surveys of all areas, specifically to assess the condition of mine drainage structures, identify any new <br />noxious weed occurrences, assess the effectiveness of weed management activities, and note any environmental <br />concerns that may require attention. BTU EC maintains a working weed program map and records both observed <br />noxious weed occurrences by weed species, location, and extent of infestation; and treatment activities. <br />Management planning and scheduling — Effective management and planning are key elements in assuring the <br />effectiveness of BTU EC's weed program. Any new information collected through the ongoing noxious weed <br />identification and mapping efforts, along with treatment information from prior years is reviewed and evaluated. <br />Based on this information, treatment strategies and schedules are developed during the early spring for the annual <br />weed management program using the following steps: <br />1) For mapped weed infestations, treatment method is determined based on the weed species present using <br />recommendations provided by the CSU Extension Service. Selection of treatment method(s) takes into <br />consideration proximity to flowing water or water bodies, croplands, any livestock use, and historical <br />response of identified weed species to prior treatment(s), based on review of control effectiveness. <br />Treatment methods may include mechanical controls (tillage, mowing, burning, cutting/pulling), chemical <br />controls (selective herbicides), biological controls (weed - specific insects or pathogens), or combinations of <br />these methods. In general, treatment method(s) will be selected to achieve the most effective control with <br />the resources available. As an example, where multiple weed species are present, the most effective overall <br />control(s) will be applied, although the method(s) may not be optimal for each individual species. <br />2) Scheduling of weed management treatments will also be based nn the CSU Extension Service <br />rcconuriendations for specific weed species. For most species, control cffectiveness can be signific�an, <br />enhanced by scheduling treatment at speclflc Stages of_ vegetative gr t %dtl ' -`:I r1Cclly spring and /or ±ail?, Te <br />I flr"o6 �i % <br />