2020-03-24_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A (39)

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RULE 2 PERMITS w.r ..k..,: v... :. ;. .rte: u� . controlled using methods suggested by the Colorado State University Extension Service. All herbicides and pesticides utilized will be those that are approved by the appropriate state and federal governmental agencies responsible for the approval and distribution of such agents. Weed Management Plan A listing of Colorado's noxious weeds (A, B, and C lists) as well as an indication of Rio Blanco and Moffat Counties' listed taxa are indicated on Table 2.05-10 along with an indication of those taxa that have been observed on or near the Colowyo mine. As indicated on this table, there are no "A" list taxa known from the area. "A"list taxa must be eradicated. To the contrary,there are seven(7) "B" list (must be managed) taxa known from the environs of the Colowyo mine as well as three (3) "C" list (management may be required by local governments) species. Of these 10 species, common mullein and poison hemlock from the "C" list, and Russian olive from the "B" list are not overly problematic and will normally not require attention. In fact the Russian olive was purposefully planted in the reclamation. If "infestations" of common mullein or poison hemlock evolve,they will be treated in the same manner as the more problematic species. The remaining seven species: hoary cress,musk thistle,Canada thistle,bull thistle,houndstongue, black henbane, and downy brome (cheatgrass) will be the primary focus of the program and will likely receive attention as appropriate at the Colowyo mine. Of these seven species, the first six will be specifically targeted for remediation while the seventh, cheatgrass, will be carefully monitored to determine if it becomes problematic in older reclamation*. If it becomes problematic, it will receive similar attention as the other six species. In addition, continued monitoring of reclamation will focus on identification of any new noxious weeds. For the most part, noxious weeds observed on or near Colowyo reclamation do not achieve "infestation"levels. By infestation,Colowyo means: 1)relative cover contribution of one noxious weed species or a combination of noxious weed species exceeding three percent in a revegetated stand; or 2) a "patch" of any listed species in which the noxious weed component exceeds 25% relative cover and occupies an area larger than 100 square feet on any disturbed area. Rather, noxious weeds tend to occur as scattered individuals or small pockets of individuals. This distribution suggests that spot control will be the only effective procedure that can be utilized. To manage these six noxious weed specie populations, Colowyo will either perform itself, or contract out, annual weed control activities. Weed control will typically involve herbicide application at the appropriate rates and during the appropriate life stages (as possible) to effect control. Spot applications will be preferred over"blanket"applications to prevent loss of desirable reclaimed taxa such as seeded forbs and shrubs, however, blanket application may be necessary if any infestation areas are observed. All Colowyo environmental staff, state inspectors, consultants, or contractors will be requested to remain vigilant for pockets of noxious weeds in the reclamation. If larger concentrations are observed, they will be mapped, recorded with GPS, or other means of identification to facilitate "Although it cannot be discerned with 100%certainty,it appears that cheatgrass patches and populations in Colowvo reclamation. tend to succumb to successional pressure exhibited by the adapted perennials. In this regard,it appears that cheatgrass populations drop off to low levels in mature reclamation. Rule 2 Permits 2.05-34 Revision Date: 12/20/19 Revision No.: TR-135