2010-07-15_REPORT - M1988044 (2)

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survival so long as the host survives. They can also survive by biochemically decomposing the root material in the event the host plant dies, but, of course, that is a path that ultimately leads to the death of the orchid. Hopefully, in the meantime, it can produce several million seeds, each of which is a little bit larger than a single particle of stoneground whole wheat flour, that can germinate and establish a partnership with new host plants. F. Description of animal impacts on revegetation: No significant animal impacts were noted. Pronghorn do graze the older revegetation, but the pronghorn population is small relative to the amount of land that produces food for them. Therefore, any impacts are negligible. Rodents, mainly prairie dogs, are not a problem in any of the revegetation areas. WEED STATUS: 1. 2. General overview of weed status on site: Weeds remain a serious problem throughout this site and that is not expected to change anytime soon. Many of the weed populations are deeply entrenched on this land and have become that way simply because of the long life they have had here and the continued presence of suitable habitat to enhance their persistence. A. Status of species that have been present in the past: Spurge density has continued to actually decrease some in the past few years due to robust expansion of grasses and the competition they provide. However, they are still a serious problem in many areas and have been found to be very difficult to control where they are living in a favorable habitat. Tamarix control begun four years ago continues as new plants are found. As discussed earlier, that is harder and harder to accomplish because the dense native woody growth tends to hide the Tamarix. But sufficient "beating the bushes" usually reveals some of those remaining individuals. Flowering was not seen last year and so additional seed, if it is being produced at all, is in extremely small quantities and not likely to present a lot of threat. Nevertheless, the goal is to achieve zero Tamarix because so long as it is there it presents a threat to the riparian corridor if there is a prolonged drought. B. New species: No new species have been noted. In a few places this year, the thistles appear to be stronger. Canada thistle has shown a large increase due to good moisture conditions. This species has been moved to the top of the list for control efforts over the next year or two. Most of the other thistles are annuals and some are natives. A few Scotch thistle have been found in the 2009 planting area. Although not nearly as bad as its evil cousin, Canada thistle, it is a large and very nasty looking plant that can reach heights of six to eight feet and looks like some medieval weapon. It is more of nuisance plant, but because of its huge, rigid and very sharp spines that are everywhere it is important to control if for no other reason than appearances. Weed status on lessee responsibility lands: As described above. Status report for 2009 due July 15, 2010 Page 10 of 11