2017-04-12_REPORT - M1980244 (6)

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CC&V: 2016 Weed Management Report roots. No List "A" noxious weeds were identified at Cripple Creek and Victor Gold Mine during 2016 treatments. Two treatment sessions were performed during the 2016 growing season. Chemical control of noxious weeds was chosen as the most effective way to manage infestations. Spot -applications were primarily used on targeted weeds, thereby minimizing herbicide impacts on nearby native vegetation that in turn provides competition for noxious weed species. Only herbaceous noxious weed infestations were treated at Cripple Creek and Victor Gold Mine during 2016 applications. Herbicide applications were implemented around Phase 5 and Phase 2, Bateman Topsoil Stockpile, Battle Mountain, Squaw Gulch, Vindicator Trail System, AD -R2, and Mrs. Beard's reclamation site. A ground sterilant was applied around electrical transformers and the Gold Storage Facility building. The treatment areas located inside and outside the mine permit boundary are discussed in detail below. First Treatment Session Treatments began on July 11 and continued through July 14, 2016. The Phase 5 slope and the facility area above the slope were treated for extensive, dense infestations of Canada thistle, common mullein, Dalmatian toadflax, musk thistle and yellow toadflax. Moderate to dense common mullein infestations were treated on the utility road leading into the Phase 5 facility area. These areas were treated extensively during 2015 applications, and the majority of noxious plant species had gone to seed before herbicide applications could occur. However, 2016 applications targeted noxious species prior to flowering and before seed set could occur. Minor effects on the density of noxious weeds were noted compared to treatments performed in the same area during 2015. The utility road below the Phase 5 slope was treated for extensive common mullein infestations. The lower section of Phase 5 slope was not treated due to inaccessibility with the UTV mounted spray rig. Due to time restraints, this area was too densely populated with noxious weeds to successfully treat using backpack sprayers. The utility road accessing the lower Phase 2 area was treated for sporadic infestations of Dalmatian toadflax and musk thistle. Isolated, dense infestations of Canada thistle were treated on the Phase 2 slope, and at the toe of the Phase 2 slope below the Highway 67 Viaduct bridge. The Bateman Topsoil Stockpile was treated for extensive, dense infestations of common mullein, and moderate to sparse infestations of Canada thistle, Dalmatian toadflax, musk thistle, and yellow toadflax. Dense common mullein infestations were concentrated on the east side of the slope. This area was treated in 2015, and post treatment areas were apparent during 2016 applications. 2015 applications targeted the perimeter of the infestation to contain common mullein from further infesting the immediate area. However, 2016 applications concentrated on the entire east facing slope prior to infestations going to seed, thus preventing further contribution to the existing seed bank. The trail system below the Bateman Topsoil Stockpile was treated for isolated, dense infestations of common mullein on the east and southeast facing sides. Canada thistle was concentrated on the western side of the Topsoil Stockpile slope, and extended along a utility road and drainage way below Highway 67. Battle Mountain was treated for frequent infestations of Canada thistle, common mullein, Dalmatian toadflax, musk thistle, and yellow toadflax. The Stratton Road corridor was treated approximately 25 feet on either side of the road, and treatments stretched from Diamond Avenue to the Stratton Road T intersection. Infestations that extended outside the road corridor treatment area were left untreated. Habitat Management, Inc. 3 December 27, 2016