2015-10-01_REVISION - M1993041 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Dowe Flats Quarry Noxious Weed Management Plan partnerships for weed management within the local area is essential for successful long-term weed management; 6) Noxious and nuisance weed infestations that threaten natural and reclaimed areas will be treated with accepted IWM methods. These methods are further discussed below. 4.2 Chemical Control Chemical control of noxious and nuisance weeds can be an effective tool to disrupt plant growth and seed development. Herbicides must be applied at the appropriate time to maximize their effectiveness in preventing seed production, for disrupting plant establishment and growth, or achieving kill of noxious species. Herbicide treatments are generally initiated in the spring after plant growth has commenced, but before flower bud set and again in fall before seed set. However, treatments will be scheduled on a site-specific basis and timed to maximize their effectiveness based on weed physiology and growth characteristics. For large infestations, a boom sprayer attached to a tractor, truck, or ATV can be used, but in many cases a more targeted spot -application of herbicide will be preferable. Selectively treating individual weeds can minimize impacts to the surrounding vegetation in sensitive native areas or revegetated sites which are held to rigorous standards for vegetation cover and diversity. Broad- leaf selective herbicides can further protect desirable grass species. To avoid development of resistance to a particular herbicide through repeated use over prolonged periods of time, herbicides and plant growth regulators with varying modes of action should be used. Also, herbicides will be applied according to the manufacturer's label recommendations (i.e. application rate, method, and timing) to prevent development of plant resistance. Due to the high level of seed and shoot production of these noxious species, multiple herbicide applications will likely be necessary to capture plants growing at various times throughout the season. It is anticipated that the site will be treated multiple times during the growing season to treat new plants emerging from the seed bank and underground roots. It is also expected that multiple years of treatment will be required to reduce weed infestations on the site due to a well- developed seed bank and infestations on adjacent properties. 4.2.1 Herbicide Selection & Safety Successful IWM begins with an understanding of the target plant species and the environment within which it grows. Next, the physiologic effects of an herbicide on plant growth and development must be understood. Understanding a pesticide's chemical nature is also important in minimizing impacts to non -target species, the applicator, endangered species, and pollinators, as well as surface water runoff hazards and leaching into groundwater. All pesticides will be handled with care and applied by qualified personnel. Product labels will be read before use, and handling and application directions followed. Properly identifying the weed problem and the most effective chemical control method for use during the plant growth cycle is critical to effective weed control. Equipment will be properly calibrated before herbicides are applied and appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be used. Empty containers will be disposed of promptly, safely, and accordance with product labeling. Herbicides vary in the amount of time after an application before it is safe to re-enter the treated area without protective clothing and equipment. The Restricted Entry Interval ("REI") is affected by the rate of application, size of the area treated and the amount of time to be spent in the field. Habitat Management, Inc. 5 September 2015