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<br />3. Weed Control <br /> <br />`~(~ <br />Although weeds are a portion of the current vegetation on the site, the operator will take measures to <br />ensure that the reclaimed land is free of weed infestations. Problem weeds will be monitored closely <br />each spring for the first two years after reclamation to determine if they are invading the area. Weed <br />control will be initiated if the problem becomes serious. The Division will be consulted regarding <br />any weed infestation area and any control measures prior to their initiation. It may be necessary to <br />control weeds by mowing after the first year; the feasibility of chemical weed control methods will <br />be studied should it be necessary. The plan does not contemplate total weed removal on the prop- <br />er[y. Pas[ experience shows that some initial weed cover in the first year following retopsoiling is <br />beneficial to the reclamation effort. Weeds tend to provide shade for new grasses, are a means of <br />holding snow on the seedbed longer and protect i[ from wind and water erosion until the planted <br />species have taken hold. <br />4. Reve~etation Success Criteria <br />It is suggested that revegetation should be deemed successful when the perennial vegetation in the <br />reclaimed area is self-sustaining and comparable in cover and productivity to the original site. The <br />SCS report shows a high existing cover (60%) for the proposed disturbed lands but a low productiv- <br />ity due to the high percentage of blue grams. In speaking with the head of the Walsenburg SCS of- <br />fice, their revegetation seed mix was designed to provide better diversity and productivity over the <br />existing conditions. It is felt by SCS and the operator that the reclaimed community will provide <br />better range than the current existing vegetation, better diversity for wildlife and still have more <br />than adequate cover to control erosion. <br />The revegetated area will be monitored for success of reclamation until accepted by the Division. If <br />revegetation failures occur prior to release, an analysis of the site will be made and the area will be <br />revegetated again as necessary. <br />Ferrero Pit 2100 24 <br />