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by preventing small problems from becoming large problems while expending a minim <br />of effort. <br />By evaluating the parameters of population size and density, infestations can be ranked <br />for priority of treatment. A recommended matrix for prioritization is provided here. <br />The size of noxious weed infestations will be rated from 1 to 3, and the density of the <br />infestation (percent cover) will be rated from 1 to 3. Large infestations include infested <br />areas 1/10 acre or larger with a rating of three. Medium infestations include areas 100 <br />square feet to 1/10 acre with a rating of two. Small infestations include areas smaller than <br />100 square feet. A light density is defined as an infested area where noxious weeds make <br />up less than 10% of the total vegetation. Moderate density is defined as 10-50% cover of <br />noxious weeds, and heavy density is defines as with more than 50% noxious weeds <br />cover. Size and density evaluations can be made with a quick visual assessment, as the <br />precise ranking is not as important as the overall strategy for the site. <br />Table 1. Population Size and Density Prioritization <br />3.3 Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Methods <br />Successful weed management begins with an understanding of the target plant species <br />and the environment within which it grows. An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) <br />approach will be implemented for the treatment of weeds on the mine property. An IPM <br />approach enables selection of one or more weed management methods based on the <br />characteristic of the weed species, site specific environmental conditions, and <br />management priorities. IPM methods include chemical, mechanical, cultural, and <br />biological control. <br />3.3.1 Cultural Control <br />Germination and establishment of weeds can be significantly reduced by following <br />accepted revegetation techniques that favor the growth of desirable species. These <br />include prompt seeding and revegetation of disturbed areas (e.g. topsoil stockpiles, <br />overburden storage, drainages within mine property, and reclaimed areas) with <br />appropriate seed mixes, maintaining optimum fertility and moisture levels, seeding <br />optimum density, and selecting suitable species for revegetation. Minimizing areas of <br />disturbance and exposed soil prevents opportunities for aggressive species to establish, <br />and establishing desirable and native species can help to limit establishment of <br />undesirable weeds. <br />Cresson Project Weed Management Plan 4 <br />Density of <br />Infestation <br />Size of <br />Population <br />Density <br />Plants per <br />Population <br />Size <br />Populations <br />Rating <br />Level <br />area <br />Ratin <br />Small <br /><100 sq. ft. <br />1 <br />Light <br /><10% <br />1 <br />100 sq. ft. to <br />Medium <br />1/10 acre <br />2 <br />Moderate <br />10%-50% <br />2 <br />Large <br />1/10 acre> <br />3 <br />1 Heavy <br />50%> <br />3 <br />3.3 Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Methods <br />Successful weed management begins with an understanding of the target plant species <br />and the environment within which it grows. An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) <br />approach will be implemented for the treatment of weeds on the mine property. An IPM <br />approach enables selection of one or more weed management methods based on the <br />characteristic of the weed species, site specific environmental conditions, and <br />management priorities. IPM methods include chemical, mechanical, cultural, and <br />biological control. <br />3.3.1 Cultural Control <br />Germination and establishment of weeds can be significantly reduced by following <br />accepted revegetation techniques that favor the growth of desirable species. These <br />include prompt seeding and revegetation of disturbed areas (e.g. topsoil stockpiles, <br />overburden storage, drainages within mine property, and reclaimed areas) with <br />appropriate seed mixes, maintaining optimum fertility and moisture levels, seeding <br />optimum density, and selecting suitable species for revegetation. Minimizing areas of <br />disturbance and exposed soil prevents opportunities for aggressive species to establish, <br />and establishing desirable and native species can help to limit establishment of <br />undesirable weeds. <br />Cresson Project Weed Management Plan 4 <br />