2017-04-12_REPORT - M1980244 (6)

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CC&V: 2016 Weed Management Report Squaw Gulch was treated from the sediment ponds northwest of Shelf Road to Teller County Road 88. The basin of Squaw Gulch was treated for extensive, dense infestations of Canada thistle, common mullein and musk thistle. Isolated infestations of field bindweed, Dalmatian toadflax and yellow toadflax were also treated in these areas. Treatments were concentrated around the sediment ponds, along the Shelf Road corridor, and open space adjacent to Teller County Road 88. Newmont environmental directed the treatment of electrical transformers using a ground sterilant. A sterilant was applied to the ground to eradicate growth of vegetation, and prevent further vegetation from germinating within the immediate perimeter of transformer locations. Transformers located at the Main Mine facilities, Phase 5 and the Crusher facilities were treated. Second Treatment Session The second treatment took place from September 20 through September 23, 2016. Treatments began with applications of herbicides applied along the Vindicator trail system. This area has not been previously treated by Habitat Management, and sporadic infestations of Canada thistle, common mullein, musk thistle and yellow toadflax were targeted. Infestations were primarily concentrated to the north and south trail heads, and areas immediately adjacent to the trail corridor. Infestations outside the trail system corridor were left untreated. An extensive, densely infested area of Canada thistle was treated above an access road from Rangeview Road to County Road 81, between the towns of Victor and Goldfield. Canada thistle was in full flower and going to seed at the time applications took place. Here, sporadic infestations of Canada thistle had spread from the main concentration and were left untreated. The Phase 5 slope was treated for extensive, dense infestations of Canada thistle, common mullein, Dalmatian toadflax, musk thistle and yellow toadflax. Isolated, minor infestations of scotch thistle were also treated in this area. The Phase 5 slope and facility areas above the Phase 5 slope was aggressively treated during applications made earlier in the season, and infestations were found to be less dense during applications made in September. The access road below the Phase 5 slope was treated for minor infestations of common mullein, and infestations were noticeably less dense compare to earlier treatments of the area. Sediment ponds and drainageways coming from the base of the Phase 5 slope were treated for dense infestations of Dalmatian toadflax, common mullein and musk thistle. This was thought to have come from an excessive seed bank washing down from the Phase 5 slope. The lower section of Phase 5 slope was not treated due to inaccessibility with the UTV mounted spray rig. The AD -R2 reclamation area along Highway 67 was treated for the first time during the second session. Sporadic infestations of Dalmatian toadflax and musk thistle were treated in the area. Dense infestations of common mullein were treated in the west corner and the southwest side of the main facilities building. Common mullein infestations spread along the west side of the main facilities building and was left untreated. Desirable vegetation had begun to colonize the reclamation area, and noxious weeds were treated prior to flowering. thus, minimizing the potential buildup of noxious weed seed in the soil. Mrs. Beards reclamation area was treated for extensive, dense infestations of common mullein, and frequent infestations of Dalmatian toadflax and musk thistle. Sporadic infestations of Canada thistle were treated along the drainageway and low laying areas below Highway 67. Access to the upper slope was difficult, and due to windy conditions, the upper section of the slope was not treated at this time. Common mullein was treated prior to its boulting stages of growth; however, Habitat Management, Inc. 4 December 27, 2016