Laserfiche WebLink
• Introduction <br /> The purpose of this Noxious Weed control and Monitoring Plan is to guide the use of <br /> environmentally sensitive pest management strategies and least-toxic control methods in <br /> efforts to remove noxious weed populations from Northwest Aggregate's Moon Pit#2. <br /> Integrated Pest Management(IPM)will be used and is defined as managing pests (weeds) in a <br /> way that protects human health and the surrounding environment and that improves economic <br /> returns through the most effective, least-risk option. Specific to the site using IPM will help <br /> Northwest aggregates obtain compliance as per the Minerals Program Inspection Report that <br /> was conducted for the site. <br /> Core elements of IPM include: <br /> - Using a variety of methods to achieve weed control and eradication <br /> (Chemical, Manual, Mechanical, and Cultural) <br /> -Use of chemicals and pesticides only in targeted locations and for targeted species <br /> - Routine inspection and monitoring <br /> - Proactive communication <br /> -Safety <br /> • Site Description <br /> Moon Pit No. 2 is located off of Highway 40 at 525 Moffatt County Rd. 15 west of Craig <br /> Colorado. The site consists of reclaimed upland sage brush areas and some isolated riparian <br /> zones. The pit floor consists of mostly sandy soils and has the majority of weeds close to or in <br /> this area.Tamarisk, Russian olive, and Canada thistle were found on site near riparian areas <br /> which is typical of these species. Scotch Thistle, Bull Thistle, Diffuse Knapweed, Cheat grass, <br /> Russian Thistle, Perennial Pepperweed, and Hound's Tongue were all found on site. Scotch <br /> thistle, Diffuse Knapweed, and Canada Thistle were the most prevalent infestations found with <br /> populations in multiple locations on site.An adjacent ranch north of location has a large <br /> population of scotch thistle that could be adding seeds to location and vice versa. Efforts to <br /> coordinate with the ranch in weed control could help reduce noxious weed spread to and from <br /> these locations. <br /> • Goal <br /> This plan is designed to provide a basis on which the weed control contractor responsible for <br /> Moon Pit#2 can use to achieve suppression and or eradication of the noxious weed populations <br /> on site while eliminating the establishment of addition populations. Furthermore to help <br /> Northwest Aggregates provide compliance and work towards reclamation release for the <br /> location. <br />