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Uecemhcr 1.2003 3.5.7.2 Noxious Weed Vegetation Fade 3-10 A number of noxious weed species exist in this region. These species are typically aggressive and highly • competitive with more desirable native plant and forage species. Newly disturbed and riparian areas are particularly susceptible to noxious weed infestations. Noxious weeds also aggressively invade areas disturbed by landslides. County, BLM and Forest Service policies require active control of noxious weeds in areas where new infestations occur. Typical control methods include biological controls, mechanical controls (chopping and hand-pulling), chemical controls (spraying with selective herbicides) and burning. 3.5.7.3 Threatened, Endangered, Candidate and Sensitive vegetation The Uinta Basin hookless cactus was eliminated from further evaluation because suitable habitat is not present in the LBA tract. There are no federally listed threatened or endangered plant species occurring in the lease tract area. There are thirteen "forest sensitive" species listed as potentially occurring on the GMUG National Forests; however, none of these Forest sensitive species are expected to occur within the West Flatiron LBA tract. There are also thirteen "BLM sensitive" species listed by the BLM for the Uncompahgre field area, but none of these BLM sensitive species are expected to occur within the LBA tract. 3.5.2 Environmental Consequences Alternative 1 -Proposed Action Since no surface facilities or surface construction are planned for the LBA tract area, there would be no direct impacts to the vegetation resources on the tract. The effects of subsidence on vegetation would be . negligible. Some vegetation could be affected by surface subsidence cracking, but that would be considered minimal considering the potential acreage involved and the natural ability of these cracks to revegetate. It is unlikely that a measurable acreage of vegetation would be lost given these considerations. Cumulative Impacts: Vegetation has been affected by surface activities and construction at the West Elk Mine, including roads and associated pads for coal methane drainage wells above the existing mining area. Coal extraction from the LBA tract would not add to the cumulative effects to vegetation in the region as no additional coal methane drainage wells are planned for installation on the surface of the LBA tract. Alternative 2 - No Action Vegetation communities on the LBA area would continue to be subject to low levels of use in the form of livestock grazing and wildlife habitat. Future impacts to vegetation would parallel historic impacts baring any unforeseen developments or changes in land use policy. Endemic vegetation communities would continue to mature at natural rates. 3.5.3 Potential Lease Stipulations 1) A 1 /8-mile buffer zone (660 feet) would be protected on either side of the riparian zones of Raven Creek (or a different buffer zone may be established in accordance with the SMA guidelines). i=nvirenm°ntal ,asessmen t1Vc:gt Fi~itircn ~6f~i ir.~ci G~.!nnison Cou,~~+j, C~ICr do