2013-09-18_PERMIT FILE - M2013064 (9)

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Exhibit I & J — Soils & Vegetation Information Weed control will focus upon prevention, principally through the establishment of a diverse stabilizing cover of grasses, as described earlier. Regardless of control methodology, the intent of mechanical and chemical methods will be to prevent weed species from reproducing vegetatively, or by seed. In general, the idea is to aid the grasses in out competing weed species for plant available water and nutrients in the new soils, until such a time that the grasses are fully established over the applied areas, are dominant over the weeds, and capable of self regeneration. It should be understood that some weeds will remain. Total eradication of weeds is unlikely under the best circumstances, and is not a reasonable expectation or likely outcome. Since the list of noxious weed continues to grow; and considering the development of new treatments; this management plan is intended to retain the flexibility needed to meet future conditions and capabilities in the arena of weed management and control. The primary species to be identified, mapped (if found), and treated will include those species on the State of Colorado noxious weed list, as updated. Mapping and Identification: Field identification and location of targeted weed species is fundamental to determining the extent and character of weed infestation; and in the subsequent development of a treatment plan. Due to the complex nature of identification, assistance with identification and mapping will be sought from among Weld County Weed and Pest Division; Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Service; U.S. Natural Resources and Conservation Service; as well as on -line and internal resources. Mapping will attempt to identify areas of infestation within the permit boundary, and vectors of infestation from inside or outside the permit boundary. Vectors are a consideration in prevention of future infestation, which may affect on -site behaviors, including method and means of access within permitted lands. An expectation that vectors from adjacent lands must be treated by adjacent landowners if treatment on permitted lands is to be fruitful is part of continuing treatment considerations. Treatment: Once the nature and extent of weeds have been mapped, and vectors identified; a course of treatment options will be considered in order of priority of economy and effectiveness. The overall object of weed management will be to control weeds by establishing a healthy competitive stand of vegetation that wins the competition for plant available water. This effort is linked to on -site soil management; including monitoring of soil fertility and percent organic matter on problem lands; relative to distribution and amount of field available moisture on affected areas. Chemical treatment of weeds will be the last option considered except where all other methods of competitive control fails; including mechanical cutting, tilling, or removal of noxious weeds. Varra Companies, Inc. Varra- Coulson Resource Project 6 OMLR 112 Permit Application 8 August 2013