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CC&V: 2016 Weed Management Report <br />CONCLUSIONS <br />Conditions were most favorable for noxious weed germination during the 2016 growing season, <br />and established weed infestations continued to develop in reclaimed areas and areas of disturbance <br />throughout the property. However, overall there was a significant decline in the density of common <br />mullein infestations treated in 2016 compared to treatments preformed in the same locations in <br />2015. By continuing to eliminate noxious weed species prior to seed production, treatments will <br />further aid in reducing the existing seed bank and will prevent further contribution to the <br />infestation. The control of smaller isolated occurrences prior to them becoming established will <br />reduce noxious weed populations from becoming widespread inside and outside of the permit <br />boundary, and in time may overall reduce treatment costs. <br />Future treatments should focus on post treatment locations, and should include areas such as Phase <br />5 and Phase 2, Bateman Topsoil Stockpile, Squaw Gulch, AD -R2 reclamation, and Mrs. Beard's <br />reclamation. Weed infestations outside the property boundary should also be treated at the <br />direction of Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mine environmental personnel. Areas that have not been <br />treated prior to 2016, but are considered a priority, should be evaluated and treated as time and <br />budget allows. <br />Herbicide applications continue to be an effective tool for noxious weed management at Cripple <br />Creek & Victor Gold Mine. As new infestations continue to occur within the permit boundary, and <br />established infestations continue to persist. A reduction in noxious weed densities, and the extent <br />of their infestation will only be realized by continued weed management practices. Noxious weeds <br />thrive when favorable environmental conditions exist; therefore; based on weather patterns, soil <br />moisture conditions and early season noxious weed growth responses, a flexible weed management <br />program should implemented during 2017. <br />Habitat Management, Inc. 7 December 27, 2016 <br />