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