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reliable seed production even in dry years. <br /> It appears unlikely that a successful revegetation stand will <br /> become established on RP-1 within a reasonable time period <br /> unless renovation treatments, including appropriate measures <br /> to minimize cheatgrass competition, are undertaken. It has <br /> been observed that a number of the topsoil stockpiles in the <br /> refuse disposal area are also dominated by cheatgrass, and it <br /> is recommended that treatments be applied to the stockpiles as <br /> well , to minimize the potential for future cheatgrass <br /> infestation via seed in respread topsoil . <br /> Site renovation will need to entail measures to eliminate live <br /> plants and prevent seed maturation and dispersal , and measures <br /> to control seed germination and seedling emergence. Two <br /> separate mechanical tillage treatments or a combination of <br /> tillage and herbicide treatments would appear to be warranted. <br /> Initial tillage should be completed around the first week of <br /> May, using a heavy offset disk, plow, or other implement which <br /> will result in burial of seedbank at least four to six inches <br /> deep. A pre-emergent herbicide such as Tupersan (Sidurol) , <br /> might be applied in conjunction with the initial tillage to <br /> control any late germinating seeds not sufficiently buried. <br /> A mid-October application of a non persistent, foliar active <br /> herbicide such as glyphosate (Roundup) , paraquat, or amitrole <br /> might be warranted, depending on the extent of fall cheatgrass <br /> germination, followed by seedbed preparation tillage and <br /> seeding in late October. <br /> Rio Blanco Extension Service and White River BLM should be <br /> contacted regarding selection of herbicides and application <br /> rates, and to ensure that the herbicides are registered for <br /> use on public rangelands. Documentation of this consultation <br /> should be provided if herbicides are to be used. <br /> Burning is not recommended as a renovation tool due largely to <br /> the fact that, without a woody fuel component, cheatgrass <br /> fires apparently do not reach temperatures sufficient to <br /> consume soil seed reserves. <br /> In summary, the application should be amended to address the <br /> following: <br /> a) What weed control treatments were employed prior to the fall , 1990 RP-1 permanent seeding to control annual <br /> plant competition? <br /> b) A site renovation plan to be implemented in 1997 on <br /> the RP-1 reclaimed area, and selected refuse area topsoil <br /> stockpiles. <br /> c) Consultation with appropriate BLM and Rio Blanco <br /> County extension weed control specialists regarding use <br /> of specified herbicides. <br />