Laserfiche WebLink
Weed Management Plan March 2021 <br /> Preventive: <br /> The first and the most important step in a weed control program and probably the most cost- <br /> effective method of weed control is prevention. Methods include maintaining healthy <br /> pastures, using weed-free crop seed, weed-free manure and hay, and clean equipment, as <br /> well as the elimination of weed infestations in areas bordering cropland, and in irrigation <br /> ditches and canals. <br /> Scott will also practice proper equipment cleaning to minimize transport of noxious weeds, <br /> dirt, vegetation, or seeds off-site. <br /> Cultural: <br /> Methods include: Establishing and managing an adequate population of desirable <br /> vegetation to compete with the weeds; utilizing livestock (cattle, goats, sheep) when <br /> possible; mulching; burning; and even plastic weed barriers. <br /> Mechanical: <br /> Methods include: Hand-pull, hoe, mow and tillage. <br /> Biological: <br /> Biological weed control involves the utilization of natural enemies for the control of specific <br /> weed species. This method can take many years to result in weed control and is often not <br /> 100% effective. However, this method can dramatically help reduce weed densities and <br /> when combined with other methods can be very beneficial. Methods include grazing, <br /> introduction of registered insects or diseases. Contact the Palisade Insectary for more <br /> information. <br /> Herbicide application: It is extremely important to treat small infestation of certain weeds <br /> (List A and B species to be eradicated) as soon as possible. Herbicides are most effective <br /> when sprayed at specific stages during the life cycle of the weed. To ensure that small <br /> infestations of noxious weeds are controlled or eradicated effectively, it is extremely <br /> important to take immediate action on certain weed patches. <br /> Treatment in the spring (late May) to catch biennial thistles, knapweed, and other species is <br /> recommended. A follow up fall treatment (August) is further recommended. <br /> Source Water Protection. A Source Water Protection Plan was developed in 2013 for <br /> community drinking water systems in Garfield County. The property occurs within the City of <br /> Rifle watershed. The plan prioritizes source water protection concerns and identifies local <br /> source water management approaches that can be implemented to protect the source of <br /> drinking water for these communities. It delineates areas around these communities as <br /> source water protection areas. Pesticide application was identified a potential source of <br /> water contamination. Application of herbicides should follow label directions and selective <br /> spot spraying to ensure direct treatment of noxious weeds and protection of native <br /> vegetation and water resources. <br /> 8 <br />