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RULE 2 PERMITS <br />controlled using methods suggested by the Colorado State University Extension Service. All <br />herbicides and pesticides utilized will be those that are approved by the appropriate state and <br />federal governmental agencies responsible for the approval and distribution of such agents. <br />Weed Management Plan <br />A listing of Colorado's noxious weeds (A, B, and C lists) as well as an indication of Rio Blanco <br />and Moffat Counties' listed taxa are indicated on Table 2.05-10 along with an indication of those <br />taxa that have been observed on or near the Colowyo mine. As indicated on this table, there are <br />no "A" list taxa known from the area. "A" list taxa must be eradicated. To the contrary, there are <br />seven (7) `B" list (must be managed) taxa known from the environs of the Colowyo mine as well <br />as three (3) "C" list (management may be required by local governments) species. Of these 10 <br />species, common mullein and poison hemlock from the "C" list, and Russian olive from the `B" <br />list are not overly problematic and will normally not require attention. In fact the Russian olive <br />was purposefully planted in the reclamation. If "infestations" of common mullein or poison <br />hemlock evolve, they will be treated in the same manner as the more problematic species. <br />The remaining seven species: hoary cress, musk thistle, Canada thistle, bull thistle, houndstongue, <br />black henbane, and downy brome (cheatgrass) will be the primary focus of the program and will <br />likely receive attention as appropriate at the Colowyo mine. Of these seven species, the first six <br />will be specifically targeted for remediation while the seventh, cheatgrass, will be carefully <br />monitored to determine if it becomes problematic in older reclamation*. If it becomes problematic, <br />it will receive similar attention as the other six species. In addition, continued monitoring of <br />reclamation will focus on identification of any new noxious weeds. <br />For the most part, noxious weeds observed on or near Colowyo reclamation do not achieve <br />"infestation" levels. By infestation, Colowyo means: 1) relative cover contribution of one noxious <br />weed species or a combination of noxious weed species exceeding three percent in a revegetated <br />stand; or 2) a "patch" of any listed species in which the noxious weed component exceeds 25% <br />relative cover and occupies an area larger than 100 square feet on any disturbed area. Rather, <br />noxious weeds tend to occur as scattered individuals or small pockets of individuals. This <br />distribution suggests that spot control will be the only effective procedure that can be utilized. <br />To manage these six noxious weed specie populations, Colowyo will either perform itself, or <br />contract out, annual weed control activities. Weed control will typically involve herbicide <br />application at the appropriate rates and during the appropriate life stages (as possible) to effect <br />control. Spot applications will be preferred over "blanket" applications to prevent loss of desirable <br />reclaimed taxa such as seeded forbs and shrubs, however, blanket application may be necessary if <br />any infestation areas are observed. <br />All Colowyo environmental staff, state inspectors, consultants, or contractors will be requested to <br />remain vigilant for pockets of noxious weeds in the reclamation. If larger concentrations are <br />observed, they will be mapped, recorded with GPS, or other means of identification to facilitate <br />Although it cannot be discerned with 100% certainty, it appears that cheatgrass patches and populations in Colowyo reclamation, <br />tend to succumb to successional pressure exhibited by the adapted perennials. In this regard, it appears that cheatgrass populations <br />drop off to low levels in mature reclamation. <br />Rule 2 Permits 2.05-37 Revision Date: 5/25/18 <br />Revision No.: RN -07 <br />