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<br />26 | P a g e <br /> <br /> <br />but which also support a significant, spatially competitive weed community. <br />Generally, these treatments target annual, non-listed weed types. QB makes a <br />special effort to utilize mechanical weed management techniques in the early <br />stages of reclamation, so as not to disturb newly establishing native and <br />desirable plants. Additionally, QB will employ mechanical removal as a second <br />resort when chemical weed control means are not an effective option, such as on <br />dry roadsides or in areas where chemical resistance may be suspected. These <br />treatments are typically goaled towards the removal of weeds when the growth <br />stage of the target species is not compatible with chemical control (i.e. removal of <br />thistle seed heads following bolt and flower). Additionally, in the case of fuels <br />reduction for safety purposes, mechanical control is preferred because it not only <br />kills the plants but removes the biomass (fuel). Generally, mechanical weed <br />removal is conducted during the late summer and early fall. <br /> <br />4.4 Biological Weed Management <br />QB will consider the integration of biological weed control agents in highly <br />infested landscapes that are not good candidates for chemical or mechanical <br />control, alone, either based upon topography, infestation size, spatial relativity to <br />potentially impacted wildlife habitat or a combination of these factors. Informal <br />monitoring will be conducted and recorded. <br /> <br />5. Monitor for Success <br /> <br />QB will continue to check and conduct ocular monitoring on all weed <br />management projects. If deemed necessary, QB may utilize quantitative <br />monitoring as well. <br /> <br />6. Continue Adaptive Management <br /> <br />QB will review the objectives and how goals were met with field management <br />personnel and contractors annually. QB will take lessons learned from these <br />reviews and adjust goals and inputs, as needed. <br /> <br />7. Conclusion <br /> <br />Due to the highly fragmented, linear structure of many of the surfaces managed <br />by QB, successful weed management proves to be challenging and dynamic. A <br />great deal of communication and cooperation between landowners, county <br />representatives, and federal government agencies is necessary to effectively <br />manage weed infestations on a local, landscape basis. QB is committed to <br />maintaining this communication and cooperative work. <br /> <br />