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"Integrated weed management (IWM) is the selection and application of a variety of <br />management techniques that, in combination, shape the composition and structure of <br />the plant community to promote ecosystem health and function. The goal of IWM is <br />not specifically the elimination of undesirable species as much as the development and <br />maintenance of a healthy, desirable community of native species; the eradication and/or <br />reduction of invasive plant populations is merely one beneficial result of effective IWM. <br />The use of a combination of techniques makes it possible to alter site availability for <br />weeds and disturbances, control colonization events, and manipulate species <br />performance in order to transform the existing plant community into a healthy native <br />one. <br />Most successful weed management efforts include a combination of two or more <br />control methods. To develop an effective IWM plan, each site must be individually <br />evaluated to identify techniques that are feasible and the most appropriate for the site. <br />Every technique has positive and negative aspects that determine its appropriateness <br />for specific situations. <br />Site managers should select and utilize as many appropriate techniques as possible. <br />Reliance on any one particular method frequently results in failure. <br />Remember that most control techniques (mowing, herbicides, hand-pulling, etc.) are effective <br />only during certain periods of the target species' life cycle. Every effort should be made to utilize <br />techniques that suppress targeted weed populations throughout the season while promoting <br />desirable species."* <br />"This was taken from the following State of Colorado publication: <br />Please see next page.