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RECEIVED <br />MAY 2 6 2005 <br />Division of Minerals and Geology <br />The goal of this part of the plan is to control the tamarisk/Russian Olive density to not <br />exceed the original density prior to mining and also not to exceed the density on near by <br />non-disturbed azeas, whether it be within the permit boundary or adjacent property. <br />There are two treatments that control tamarisk. <br />On small plants a branch and foliaz leaf surface spray treatment does have limited <br />favorable impact. Spray impacts all it touches. It takes time and effort to avoid spraying <br />desirable growth. Basal Bark treatment can be effective on smaller diameter plants with <br />smooth bark. It is time consuming to spray the bark surface being careful to avoid <br />spraying desirable growth. Should the spraying be neaz water the product needs to be <br />non toxic to fish and wildlife, such as Habitat herbicide. Additional herbicide <br />applications maybe necessazy. We monitor the success of our weed program a minimum <br />of three times a yeaz, spring, mid summer, and fall. It could take 3 to 4 yeazs to <br />successfully control the growth <br />For larger plants the best treatment is to cut the plant at the ground and treat the fresh cut <br />stump with Garlon 4 or Pathfinder within 10 minutes or so. Then gather, pile up, and <br />burn the cuttings or mulch them into nothing. Fall or winter seems is said to be the best <br />time for this treatment. <br />There aze experiments with the Chinese Leaf Beetle, sponsored by the USDA, to see how <br />these critters might control tamarisk. This reseazch continues and no beetles are available <br />to the public. Goats will eat knapweed and tamarisk. This method usually requires <br />fencing the area, moving the fence from time to time, providing water for the animals, <br />and in certain cases involve herd dogs for goat control. <br />Russian Olive is best handled by cutting the tree down and treating the cut stump similaz <br />to tamarisk. Resprouts need to be treated as well.. Some spraying is done on smaller <br />plants. <br />In conclusion, United Companies is committed to control of noxious weeds at all of our <br />locations. Sometimes it's harder to do knowing your neighbors aze not as committed to <br />control as you aze. We monitor the success of the weed control a minimum of three times <br />a year and follow suggestions from the weed specialists that handle the spraying. <br />Tamarisk and Russian Olive will be especially monitored to gain confidence and <br />experience as to what method and what chemical is most effective. <br />Brent W. Ken <br />Resource Manager <br />2 <br />