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CC&V: 2015 Weed Management Report <br />RECOMMENDATIONS <br />Habitat Managements recommendations are based on field observations made at the mine from <br />the fall 2015 treatments. Treatments in 2016 at Cripple Creek & Victor gold mine should include <br />two treatment sessions. The first treatment session should be implemented during June to July and <br />target biennial species prior to flowering. Treatment to musk thistle, common mullein and scotch <br />thistle rosettes is critical during the early part of the growing season. During this time plants have <br />not bolted and began producing flowers and seed. Treatments made to the perennial weed species <br />should also be implemented during the rosette stage when plants are actively growing prior to <br />flowering. The second treatment should take place in September to October, after the first hard <br />freeze when plants are actively transporting carbohydrates to their roots. This is the best time to <br />treat the perennial species such as yellow toadflax, Dalmatian toadflax, and Canada thistle. During <br />this time herbicide will translocate into the root systems and kill the plants more effectively. <br />Biennial species rosettes should be targeted to prevent flowering in the following spring. <br />A ground sterilant (Viewpoint) should be applied around the electrical substations, pipelines, <br />buildings and other facilities where vegetation growth poses a fire and operational hazard. Ground <br />sterilization should take place during the spring treatment. The recommended herbicide mixture <br />for ground sterilization applications is listed in Table 3. <br />Table 3: Ground Sterilization Mixture <br />Herbicide Name <br />Active Ingrediant <br />Application <br />Rate <br />Viewpoint <br />Imazapyr <br />32oz/acre <br />RangerPro <br />Glyphosate <br />2.5 qts/acre <br />MSO <br />N/A <br />20oz/acre <br />Hi- Light Blue Dye <br />N/A <br />16oz/acre <br />Ranger Pro is added with Viewpoint for improved effectiveness and faster knockdown of all <br />vegetation within the treatment area. In addition to Viewpoint and Ranger Pro, methylated seed <br />oil (MSO) is added to aid the ground sterilant in penetrating the ground surface. This application <br />will be broadcasted onto targeted areas using the UTV-mounted spray rig. Ground sterilization <br />should take place during favorable weather conditions, for the most effective results. In the fall <br />treatment, areas should be checked for regrowth of unwanted vegetation that may persist or that <br />had been missed during the spring application. Ground sterilant treatment areas will need to be <br />discussed and specific locations should be designated by mine personnel. <br />CONCLUSIONS <br />Herbicide applications continue to be an effective tool for noxious weed management at Cripple <br />Creek & Victor gold mine. New infestations will continue to occur within the permit boundary, <br />and established infestations will continue to persist. The reduction in the noxious weed densities <br />and reduced extent of infestations will only be realized by continuing noxious weed control efforts. <br />Noxious weeds thrive when favorable environmental conditions exist; therefore; based on weather <br />patterns, soil moisture conditions and early season noxious weed growth responses a flexible weed <br />management program should implemented during 2016. <br />Habitat Management, Inc. 4 December 8, 2015 <br />