2016-07-14_PERMIT FILE - M2016010 (4)

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CORE Noxious Weed Management Plan L— Hitch Rack Ranch Aggregate Quarry Development Project CONSULTANTS El Paso County, Colorado Areas slated for reclamation would include terraces and slopes within aggregate pits. Terraces and slopes would be reseeded with a native vegetation seed-mix. Timing of reseeding will be dependent upon the timing of each reclamation period. The suggested time for reseeding is early fall to promote over-winter germination of hardy cool-season native grasses. Initial reseeding would occur through drill seeding and broadcast methods; choice of method is dependent upon slope and contractor safety. Drill seeding is the preferred method as success of germination is higher (Depuit et al., 1979; NRCS personal communication, 01 January 2016). Drill seeding would be used where slopes are equal to or less than 3:1. Broadcasting a hydroseed or hydromulch mix would be used where slopes are greater than 3:1. All mulch mixtures would be certified weed-free prior to use. Seed coatings and other seed treatments maybe required to promote germination (USDA, 2001). It is anticipated that effective reseeding methods will continue to evolve over the next several decades, prior to site development and restoration. Reseeding methods used during reclamation Phases of the quarry should be reevaluated and evolve as more effective technology is developed. The seed mix should include two to three hardy native grasses typical of the ecoregion. Other factors that should influence grass selection include altitude, micro-climate, and season of reclamation. Cool-season native grasses would be the preferred choice to promote over-winter germination. Following successful establishment of native grasses within reclaimed areas (one to two years), woody shrubs and forbes can be drill seeded or broadcast. Woody shrubs and forbes should be selected based on previously identified native vegetation. Refer to the Project Reclamation Plan for more specific details regarding site revegetation. Kochia (Kochia scoparia) is a highly competitive non-native weed common in disturbed areas. It is not listed as noxious in the State; however,it often outcompetes native vegetation in disturbed areas creating a homogenous understory coverage (McNearny et al., 1995). Revegetation should include treatment of kochia to prevent a homogenous non-native vegetative cover from establishing in disturbed areas. Following any initial reseeding in fall, kochia rosettes within the reclaimed areas should be treated early the following spring. Aggressively and selectively treating for kochia would promote establishment of native grasses within disturbed areas (Polster, 2003). Chemical treatment choice should require an herbicide that does not inhibit growth of native grasses. Selectively treating for kochia may be accomplished through use of an herbicide that is effective against early-life cycle kochia rosettes. Following initial early spring treatment for kochia, reclaimed areas should be monitored throughout the growing season to ensure success of the selected native seed mix. PAGE 8 OF 11 1950 W LITTLETON BLVD I SUITE 109 1 LITTLETON CO 80120 1303.703.4444