2010-01-25_PERMIT FILE - C1981044A (4)

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BTU EC's integrated weed program consists of five interrelated components, as detailed in the following sections: 1) Prevention 2) Identification and mapping 3) Management planning and scheduling 4) Application of selected control method(s) 5) Evaluation of control effectiveness Prevention -Prevention is the most important component of BTU EC's weed program. In general terms, prevention focuses on timely stabilization and revegetation of disturbed and reclaimed areas and soil resources with desirable vegetation species, to prevent the establishment and spread of noxious weeds. This includes both temporary and permanent vegetative establishment using the seed-mixes and methods outlined in Section 2.05.4. Seed mixes have been selected to provide a reasonable balance of rapid germination and establishment and long- term viability. BTU EC uses several different seed mixes to address varying topographic, soil, and moisture conditions and to target specific postmining land uses. Certified (weed-free) seed is purchased from reputable suppliers, and weed-free straw or hay mulch is utilized where mulching is necessary. Once initial seeding has occurred, seeded areas are inspected and monitored on a periodic basis to verify effective vegetative establishment, provide for early identification of any noxious weed infestations, and assess the need for any supplemental management measures (ie: fertilization, reseeding, weed control, protection from wildlife, etc.). Identification and manoine -BTU EC utilizes a range of resources to identify and map any noxious weed infestations within the mine Permit Area. The Mine Environmental Staff aze trained in noxious weed identification • and, as a matter of practice, note any noxious weed occurrences observed any time they aze in the field. In addition, Mine Environmental Staff, assisted by [rained student and summer interns, conduct spring and fall Environmental Management surveys of all areas, specifically to assess the condition of mine drainage structures, identify any new noxious weed occurrences, assess the effectiveness of weed management activities, and note any environmental concerns that may require attention. BTU EC maintains a working weed program map and records both observed noxious weed occurrences by weed species, location, and extent of infestation; and treatment activities. Management nlannine and scheduling -Effective management and planning aze key elements in assuring the effectiveness of BTU EC's weed program. Any new information collected through the ongoing noxious weed identification and mapping efforts, along with treatment information from prior years is reviewed and evaluated. Based on this information, treatment strategies and schedules are developed during the early spring for the annual weed management program using the following steps: 1) For mapped weed infestations, treatment method is determined based on the weed species present using recommendations provided by the CSU Extension Service. Selection of treatment method(s) takes into consideration proximity to flowing water or water bodies, croplands, any livestock use, and historical response of identified weed species to prior treatment(s), based on review of control effectiveness. Treatment methods may include mechanical controls (tillage, mowing, burning, cutting/pulling), chemical controls (selective herbicides), biological controls (weed-specific insects or pathogens), or combinations of these methods. In general, treatment method(s) will be selected to achieve the most effective control with the resources available. As an example, where multiple weed species are present, the most effective overall control(s) will be applied, although the method(s) may not be optimal for each individual species. 2) Scheduling of weed management treatments will also be based on the CSU Extension Service • recommendations for specific weed species. For most species, control effectiveness can be significant enhanced by scheduling treatment at specific stages of vegetative growth (typically spring and/or fall). To MR06-47 2.05-32a 04/18/06