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Goal #2). Filaree is a common invasive annual forb typically found on disturbed soils; filaree <br />was identified near the existing road (La Plata County 2006). <br />Two Group C noxious weed species were identified during the field surveys: common mullein <br />(Verbascum thapsus) and cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum). Common mullein, an exotic biennial, <br />was observed growing in scattered locations in the analysis area. Cheatgrass, an invasive, non- <br />native annual grass was observed throughout the project area. Neither of these species is listed <br />as priority nor enforceable weeds by La Plata County (La Plata County 2006). <br />Environmental Consequences <br />The Proposed Action would increase the potential for the establishment and spread of invasive, <br />non-native species. Because musk thistle, mullein, cheatgrass and filaree are already present in <br />some portions of the project area, it would be likely that some disturbed edges of the project area <br />and buffer zones may be invaded by these species following disturbance or during reclamation <br />efforts. Seeds of these and other species could be intr Recreation <br />The Grandview Ridge portion of the proposed project area is one of the primary recreation <br />destinations for residents of the City of Durango. The Grandview Ridge area includes a network <br />of trails that can be accessed from the northwest (Horse Gulch), the west (Carbon Junction, Big <br />Canyon and Sale Barn Canyon) and the east (Three Springs area). The network of trails through <br />the Grandview Ridge area provides numerous loops and connecting routes for casual recreation <br />including single-track trails for mountain biking, hiking and horse back riding. The Horse Gulch <br />trail area is listed by the official Durango web site (www.Durango_org) as an easily accessible <br />trail from the city. Off highway vehicles (OHVs) are not allowed to utilize the area for recreation <br />purposes. <br />The BLM lands section of the Grandview Ridge area includes approximately 17.46 miles of <br />recreation trails. The trails include single-track trails created by the BLM, and trails that travel <br />along existing natural gas well access roads. The trail network on BLM lands connects to <br />existing trails on adjacent public and private lands. The The environmental assessment for the <br />Grandview Management Plan estimated that approximately 20,000 visitors utilized the <br />Grandview Ridge trail system in 1999. The trail system is estimated to currently receive 30,000 <br />to 40,000 visitors annually (Richard Speegle, BLM, pers. comm.). <br />Environmental Consequences <br />The Proposed Action would increase the potential for the establishment and spread of invasive, <br />non-native species. Because musk thistle, mullein, cheatgrass and filaree are already present in <br />some portions of the project area, it would be likely that some disturbed edges of the project area <br />and buffer zones may be invaded by these species following disturbance or during reclamation <br />efforts. Seeds of these and other species could be introduced into the project area by vehicles <br />(i.e., tires), if these vehicles were exposed to areas infested with noxious weeds. <br />Mitigation <br />6. Interim and final reclamation must be initiated at the earliest economically and <br />technically feasible time. Interim reclamation will be initiated when an area will not be <br />used for a minimum of three years. Interim reclamation will consist of maintaining <br />Grandview Gravel Pit Expansion Environmental Assessment 20