2004-01-29_REVISION - M1987113 (2)

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Qrunh Ranch Huge 2 RoaEy FTats Pit - bf-]987-I13 January 29, 2004 and is being disturbed regularly. Because the area is dis- turbed regularly, the Diffused Rnapweed has a hard time getting a foot hold. Little or no vegetation existing on this area because of the active mining and stockpiling takes place year around. Scattered These areas are undisturbed area where the natural vegetation cover is still intact. These areas have few if any Diffused Rnapweed plants interspersed in the grasses. Our plan is to do selective spraying of the Rnapweed in the heavy and moderate areas starting in the spring of any given year, (around May 1). This will control the heavier populations of Diffused Rnapweed that spread into the light or scattered areas. The treat- ment will include using aquatically labeled 2-4-D or Rodeo® around ponds and ditch areas where water contamination is a concern. Away from the water areas, Tordonm or Curtailm will be used. The chemi- cals will be applied at the manufactures suggested rate. Spot spraying will be done in the light areas where needed. This spray- ing will take place each spring until we have the Diffused Rnapweed problem under control. It is possible that some aerial spraying may be done as part of an overall community control plan and we may participate if the cost are competitive. The sprayed areas will be monitored and records will be kept to determine the success of the proposed plan. Spraying will be on an annual basis unless our monitoring indicates that periodic late summer/fall treatment is necessary. We will be working with the Jeffco Weed Manager and to decide if additional spraying will be necessary or when it can be suspended because the weed problem is under control. We will also work with the landowners when beginning treatment, since this area is within the buffer zone around the Rocky Flats Plant. In 1997 a plan known as the Jefferson County Knapweed Master Plan (JCKMP) was in the works. This was a local group of landowners trying to put together a cooperative Master Plan to do aerial spraying of a large area on both sides of Highway 93 in this area. Church Ranch was the spearhead for this plan including initially spraying the area in 1998. The plan was never finalized and DOE has backed out of the group, instead choosing to use Biological controls such as the Rnapweed Beatles. Jeffco and the Department of Agriculture may still be working to introduce Bio controls such as the Rnapweed Beetle in this area. Charles McRay of Church Ranch has been in contact with the USDA insectary office in Palisades, CO and will continue with investiga- tion of the natural controls for use on Rnapweed at the mine. If a JCKMP is ever approved, we will be participates once it is imple- mented. We will carry out the site control plan described above until the aerial spraying begins.