2025-03-14_PERMIT FILE - M2025016 (14)

Home Browse Search

// PAGE 8 EXHIBIT E Raptor Materials, LLC Cogburn Sand, Gravel, and Reservoir Project February 2025 A Regular Impact (112) Construction Permit Application – Colorado Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety, Office of Mined Land Reclamation Although the establishment of native grasses is a primal requirement under this permit, the incorporation of forbs, shrubs and trees remains at the discretion of the landowner. Markets and the inherent values of the landowner to enhance the multiple end use worth of the property will serve to encourage the vertical development and diversity of the area vegetation with the contribution of forbs, shrubs, and trees. The purpose is to add cover, food source for wildlife and pollinators, and stratified creatures that will come to inhabit and depend upon the natural configuration, character and extent of the finished landform and diverse stabilizing cover. The use of a sterile hybrid live cover crop will aid in the stabilization of the soil by allowing a quick vegetative cover to become established in advance of the native grasses. The hybrid will also serve as an aid to reduce competition resulting from the establishment and growth of unwanted pioneer species (weeds) on disturbed ground. The attending reclamation seed mixture, and as approved, has a provision for the use of a sterile hybrid grass in lieu of mulch. Mulch, even when crimped with specialized equipment, is subject to being blown off the property, or reduced to an ineffective stubble. Often, it has been observed to intercept rainfall where it quickly evaporates from the stubble surface, limiting the benefits of light precipitation by preventing infiltration and percolation of moisture to the root zone. The hybrid on the other hand will establish quickly, but since it is sterile, will not continue to compete with the emerging native grasses. After two to three years, the hybrid grass will begin to die out just as the native grasses emerge and improve their dominance over the revegetated areas. Field identification and location of targeted weed species is fundamental to determining the extent and character of weed infestation; and in the subsequent development of a treatment plan. Due to the complex nature of identification, assistance with identification and mapping will be sought from among Weld County Weed and Pest Division; Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Service; U.S. Natural Resources and Conservation Service; as well as online and internal resources. Mapping will attempt to identify general areas of infestation within the permit boundary, and vectors of infestation from inside or outside the permit boundary. Vectors are a consideration in prevention of future infestation, which may affect on-site behaviors, including method and means of access within permitted lands. An expectation that vectors from adjacent lands must be treated by adjacent landowners if treatment on permitted lands is to be fruitful is part of continuing treatment considerations. Since the list of noxious weed continues to grow, and considering the development of new treatments, this management plan is intended to retain the flexibility needed to meet future conditions and capabilities in the arena of weed management and control. Weed management will be under the supervision of a certified weed management specialist. All applicable requirements currently in force at the time will be adhered to. The primary species to be identified, mapped (if found), and treated will include those species on the State of Colorado noxious weed list, as updated. List A species will be eradicated and List B Species will be controlled. Weed management efforts will also attend to current guidance from the Weld County Department of Public Works. It should be noted that many weeds are sourced and vectored from adjacent lands and waterways. Weed management will see diminishing effects that may be beyond the capacities of the Operator to ameliorate if responsible weed management fails on those lands. Consideration of due diligence should apply respective of on-site efforts and limitations due to sources and vectors beyond the reach of the Operator.