2006-09-22_REVISION - M1981202SG

Home Browse Search

FLAG RESOURCES, INC. PAGE 3 SILT PIT - TECHNICAL REVISION SEPTEMBER 1 9, 2006 Weed Control Plan This plan will be implemented as part of the normal opera- tion of the mine. This weed plan covers all noxious weeds identified by the SCS and Division but specifically addresses Russian Knapweed because it is our prevalent problem. Tamarisk is also present on the site and a control plan for it is in- cluded. We have been spraying yearly in the spring to control the Russian Knapweed and will continue that practice. We have found a moderate to light infestation of Russian Knapweed along the roads and critical disturbance areas. In other areas there is a scattering of Knapweed in the reclaimed and undisturbed areas. We did not use any particular scientific method to make the designations noted above, but did use common sense when comparing the various areas to arrive at the three descriptions listed below. Under each definition we explain how we arrived at that classification and the typical area where the problem occurs. Moderate These areas are typically on the edges of roads or around active mining areas. The road areas are all in this area but only the sides are infected since traffic tends to inhibit growth on the road surface. The Russian Knapweed appears to grow best along the perimeters where the seeds accumulate on newly disturbed area. In addition, old over- burden piles that have some vegetative cover and other areas include recent topsoil piles that have not been disturbed for a growing season. Light This area covers the majority of the site. It has product piles on it, is graded for storage or processing areas and is being disturbed regularly. Because the area is disturbed regularly, the Russian Knapweed has a hard time getting a foot hold. Little or no vegetation existing on these areas because of the active mining and stockpiling takes place year around. Scattered These areas are undisturbed area where the natural vegeta- tion cover is still intact. These areas have few if any Russian Knapweed plants interspersed in the native vegeta- tion. Our plan is to do selective spraying of the Knapweed in the moderate areas during the spring each year, shortly after germi- nation. This will control the heavier populations of Russian Knapweed that spread into the light or scattered areas. The