2008-05-01_REVISION - M1973007SG (5)

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RECLAMATION PLAN that fertilizer must be added to even initiate revegetation. There are no easy answers to that question and often small scale test plots may be needed to determine how much high carbon ��, organic matter is enough without being too much. W) On these sandy soils, sod-forming grasses are in the minority, but they do occur in the native vegetation. These primarily include the scattered stands of Big Bluestein and where the soil is a bit heavier, Blue Grama. Most of the rest of the grasses in the native vegetation are 40,vdr bunch grasses that generally do not form dense growths capable of keeping weeds out of the s vegetation. The needlegrasses, little bluestem, and various sand adapted species form rather open ay` stands with sufficient space between the plants to allow at least some weed growth to occur. But in the natural vegetation, very few perennial weeds that are considered noxious are ever found and even then they struggle against the strength and density of the native species. Most of the weeds found in the native grasses are the two tumbleweeds that are so ubiquitous some consider them to be virtually native, even though they certainly are not. The density of these weeds is only high where there is recent or continued disturbance and there is a good soil source. In the low nutrient sands, even these species rarely grow to sufficient size to maintain a large population. But among the perennial noxious weeds in favorable habitats, there is a clear danger. In f�a U moist areas tamarix and whitetop can become established, although they have never been found , J� to form large, dense populations on this site. More often the willows and cottonwoods out `:r. compete the tamarix, except in locations very favorable for tamarix. Whitetop does occur in the �� wetlands east of the Little Johnson Reservoir area and could spread into the reclamation environment to be created after mining the western portions of the old reservoir site. Leafy spurge is also a minor threat in moist areas in the surrounding lands, but has never been found on the mining site. It should be watched for during reclamation though. This is also a very difficult species to control once well established. But if caught early it can be eliminated with persistence over two or three years. Perhaps the greatest threat from noxious weeds is diffuse knapweed (as well as sometimes other related knapweed species). Even 15 years ago, knapweed was rarely found in El Paso County and then only in the northern areas near Douglas County which has been heavily infested for several decades. Since then it has rapidly moved south along streams and highways and can be found in some abundance as far as the Pueblo County line. This species is very tenacious and difficult to eliminate, but it can be limited with consistent and frequent treatment with readily available herbicides. As it can form a crude form of tumbleweed and thus carried on the wind, it can spread fast. It is a prodigious seed producer and the seeds have a longevity of ten to fifteen years. So once established in an area, it will not soon go away, if it ever goes away. One stand can rapidly infest new lands quickly due to its efficient seed distribution. However, because Daniels Sand Pit Amendment (2008) Exhibit E Page 21 of 22