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Mulching Techniques in amended Section 2.05.4 <br />17. Narrative on page 2.05-59 notes that south facing slopes at Colowyo would likely benefit from use of <br />mulch. In the South Taylor revision area, there are extensive areas of long, south facing slopes, up to <br />3:1 gradient, where use of mulch may be warranted. Benching, as applied on previous 3:1 slopes at <br />Colowyo is not proposed, and the seedmix does not include the aggressive introduced rhizomatous <br />grasses. Lesser gradient slopes seeded with the sagebrush steppe seedmix might also benefit from use <br />of mulch, given the lower grass component utilized and anticipated longer period of time for <br />development of perennial ground cover. Given the extent of such slopes, and the significant changes in <br />the seedmixes and grading treatments as compared to earlier steep slope revegetation at Colowyo, the <br />Division believes inclusion of more specific mulching plans or mulching field trials on slopes <br />comparable to the South Taylor areas may be warranted. Comparison of approaches/products such as a <br />sterile stubble mulch (e.g. "Quickguard"), certified noxious weed-free straw, and a 100% weed free <br />wood-strand type mulch, to control (non-mulched) plots, on slopes representative of the South Taylor <br />slopes, is recommended. <br />Please give consideration to this concern and amend the pertinent sections as appropriate. <br />Colowyo's Response: <br />Comment noted - corrections to text made as appropriate. <br />Pest and Disease Control in amended Section 2.05.4 <br />18. There is a very brief (one sentence) reference to noxious plant control on amended page 2.05-60. The <br />narrative does not provide the specificity required by Rule 4.15.1(5), with respect to inclusion of a weed <br />management plan in the permit. <br />Please provide a weed management plan that will meet the requirements of Rule 4.15.1(5). Please <br />include strategies for management/control of "noxious weeds" as defined in Rule 1.04(78) (include <br />species currently listed as noxious by Moffat and Rio Blanco County, as well as State "List All and <br />"List B" species that have been observed or reported on the Colowyo permit area or adjacent <br />areas). The plan will also need to address management of other species that threaten the <br />continued development of desired vegetation (including specifically the species of annual brome <br />present on the permit area). <br />Colowyo's Response: <br />Comment noted - additional text added as appropriate.