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RULE 2 PERMITS <br /> <br />Rule 2 Permits 2.05-23 Revision Date: 3/7/25 <br /> Revision No.: TR-166 <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 /> <br />To manage these seven noxious weed species 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 /> <br />All Colowyo staff remain vigilant for pockets of noxious weeds in the reclamation. If larger <br />concentrations are observed, they will be mapped, recorded with GPS, or other means of <br />identification to facilitate control by weed spraying crews. Both the weed spraying crew and the <br />revegetation monitoring crews will be especially important in this regard. <br /> <br />In addition to revegetated areas, vigilance will be maintained for other locations conducive to <br />noxious weed populations. Such areas include: riparian areas, topsoil piles, major traffic areas, <br />road cuts and fill slopes, ditches, pond embankments, non-use areas, etc. <br /> <br />Weed control measures may include mowing, discing (conventional cultivation), burning, grazing, <br />or applying an approved herbicide. Weedy annual species (such as pennycress) with a single <br />season life cycle provide initial site stabilization and moisture conservation in newly seeded <br />reclamation sites; as such they will not be specifically targeted for control. Historically, seedings <br />on reclaimed sites have greatly out competed annual weed infestations within three or four growing <br />seasons. <br /> <br />Specific control measures will be selected by evaluating the location, growth characteristics and <br />vulnerability of each weed. Management efforts will begin after proper planning and evaluation <br />are performed. Proper use of chemicals applied during weed control is ensured by oversight of <br />weed spraying activities by individual(s) certified by the State of Colorado to handle and apply <br />herbicides. <br /> <br />Measures for Determining Success of Revegetation <br /> <br />Measures for determining successful revegetation are outlined in Section 4.15. <br /> <br />Soil Testing Plan <br /> <br />From conception to the mid-1990’s, Colowyo tested for topsoil fertility. In order to assure that the <br />reapplied topsoil would support the proposed post-mining land use of rangeland, a soil sampling <br />program wase implemented. Soil samples were taken randomly over each topsoiled area and were <br />analyzed for nitrate-nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Historical results indicated adequate