|
4) Application of selected control method(s)
<br />5) Evaluation of control effectiveness
<br />Prevention — Prevention is the most important component of MCM's weed program. In general terms, prevention
<br />focuses on timely stabilization and revegetation of disturbed and reclaimed areas and soil resources with desirable
<br />vegetation species, to prevent the establishment and spread of noxious weeds. This includes both temporary and
<br />permanent vegetative establishment using the seed -mixes and methods outlined in Section 2.05.4. Seed mixes have
<br />been selected to provide a reasonable balance of rapid germination and establishment and long -term viability.
<br />MCM uses several different seed mixes to address varying topographic, soil, and moisture conditions and to target
<br />specific postmining land uses. Certified (weed -free) seed is purchased from reputable suppliers, and weed -free
<br />straw or hay mulch is utilized where mulching is necessary. Once initial seeding has occurred, seeded areas are
<br />inspected and monitored on a periodic basis to verify effective vegetative establishment, provide for early
<br />identification of any noxious weed infestations, and assess the need for any supplemental management measures
<br />(ie: fertilization, reseeding, weed control, protection from wildlife, etc.).
<br />Identification and mapping — MCM utilizes a range of resources to identify and map any noxious weed infestations
<br />within the Mine Permit Area. The Mine Environmental Staff are trained in noxious weed identification and, as a
<br />matter of practice, note any noxious weed occurrences observed any time they are in the field. In addition, Mine
<br />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. MCM 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 MCM's weed control 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 on the CSU Extension Service
<br />recommendations for specific weed species. For most species, control effectiveness can be significant
<br />enhanced by scheduling treatment at specific stages of vegetative growth (typically spring and/or fall). To
<br />the extent possible, based on staff and contractor availability, treatment will be scheduled to optimize
<br />effectiveness.
<br />3) Priorities for weed control are determined based on weed species present and the location and extent of
<br />weed infestations. Certain weed species are extremely aggressive, and first priority will be given to their
<br />control to prevent establishment and spread. Previously treated areas are second in priority, in order to
<br />maximize control effectiveness. Third in priority are any new weed infestations and areas where the weed
<br />infestation covers a large area, to prevent further spread. Lowest priority is given to isolated weed
<br />infestations of non - aggressive species which have not been previously treated, since these may
<br />TR14 -36 2.05 -32.1 03/10/14
<br />
|