2014-10-21_REVISION - M1988044 (5)

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TR-07 RECLAMATION PLAN Gullies do form in totally natural systems,but when they do it is because the natural system has a defect. Not even the most natural and pristine systems are perfect. But, if you fix the cause (Adaptive Management) then it is not likely to happen again; it might, but it is not as likely. REQUIREMENT 27: Weed Management Plan The Need for Weed Management: Weed management on this land is of high importance. In fact, it is probably the most important management action. Much of this part of the Lowry Range is heavily infested with the noxious weed, Leafy Spurge. Other noxious weeds also occur including Canada Thistle and a small population of Diffuse Knapweed(now called White Knapweed according the National Plants Database), as well as a few introduced thistles of the genus Circium. However, these other noxious weeds have highly localized and generally small populations that, at present, do not present significant problems. If left uncontrolled, however, the minor noxious weeds could become severe problems in suitable habitats. In general, a vast majority of the noxious weeds are in the lowland areas where moisture is more available. In upland areas, noxious weeds are isolated in small suitable habitats and,because much of the upland areas are not suitable habitat for most of the noxious weeds (except Knapweed and sometimes thistles), expansion beyond those suitable habitats is unlikely. Leafy Spurge in the uplands is primarily found in drainages and in small, highly isolated depressions where soil moisture is higher than is usually the case. Evidence has been found that Leafy Spurge was a major component of the lowland vegetation as far back as the late 1980's, before there was ever any major sand mining on this property. If it was a major component then, it has to be assumed that Leafy Spurge has been present on this land for at least the last 30 to 35 years. Although some former weed control efforts were successful, those controls were localized and apparently were only implemented once. Single shot weed control efforts on Leafy Spurge are basically a waste of time and money because the weed will always return in full force in a couple of years. Weed control on Leafy Spurge must be an ongoing effort as this species is very tenacious and utilizes many quite sophisticated strategies to insure its survival. As a result of this long history of Leafy Spurge presence and widespread distribution, eradication is not considered realistic or even feasible. Population reduction and control is the best that can realistically be expected at this point. Unfortunately, the reclamation environment, because its physical and chemical condition differs greatly from the natural condition, can provide an opportunity for some noxious weeds to expand. In the uplands this is not likely to occur. In past reclamation efforts noxious weed invasion has not been a serious problem. Where moisture accumulates in depressions and low spots Leafy Spurge has locally invaded. Once again, though, expansion from those sites is, at worst, very slow simply because adjacent areas are not suitable habitat for this species. Of much greater concern in upland reclamation sites is Knapweed. This species is highly tolerant of dry conditions and can expand very rapidly due to its tumbleweed mode of seed dispersal. Knapweed Coal Creek Sand Resource Amendment 3 (2005)- M-1988-044 Exhibit E Page 21