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WEED CONTROL PLAN Typically a weed control plan should include the following components: 1. Target species- The Division's primary azea of concem here aze listed "Noxious Weeds", such as those contained in the policy. However, some towns, cities, counties, etc., contain weed ordinances concerning the height of weeds and requiring lots to be mowed. This office normally ignores "common" annual weeds on mine sites unless they have impacted desirable vegetative establishment, in which case we may require some abatement of the weed concem followed by additional efforts to establish desirable perennial vegetation (ie: re- seeding with the approved seed mix). In addition to identifying the target species, the size of the infestation would be useful information so that a baseline can be established for monitoring purposes. 2. Control methods and treatment windows- This section should contain any and all methods that will be used to control noxious weeds. This could include mowing, plowing, handpulling, spraying, grazing, biological controls, etc., etc. In fact an "integrated' approach to overall weed control on mine sites is desirable. The Division is not asking for this information to restrict the operator in their choice of control methods, however, we do need to know that your intended control method will: (a) actually control the tazget species initially and in follow- uptreatments. For instance, mowing Canada thistle each yeaz in August after it has seeded would not be considered an acceptable control method. Mowing throughout the growing season or mowing in early June followed by a fall herbicide treatment would be considered an acceptable method. (b) not cause an off-site or long lasting problem. For instance, if there are sensitive plants (such as an orchazd) adjacent to the treatment azea, we would want to know what chemicals aze being used in case off-site damage occurs or, if there is an irrigation canal neazby that could receive runoff from a treated azea or, if the post-mining land use is cropland and the application rates aze too high, etc., etc. This section simply allows the Division to ascertain that the treatment methods aze reasonable and prudent. 3. MonitorinE and Follow-uu- Since noxious weeds aze usually very persistent, this section advises the Division of how and when the operator will monitor treatment results and implement follow-up treatments as necessary. The annual report could be a useful tool for reporting results and future intentions to the Division. Attached is a weed control plan that was accepted for a surface clay mine in Elbert County. Hopefully, this information will be useful when developing your weed control plans}. If you have any questions, please contact me at (303} 866-4926.