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<br />WEED CONTROL PLAN <br />Typically a weed control plan should include the following components: <br />1. Target species- The Division's primary area of concern here are listed "Noxious <br />Weeds", such as those contained in the policy. However, some towns, cities, <br />counties, etc., contain weed ordinances concerning the height of weeds and <br />requiring lots to be mowed. This office normally ignores "common" annual <br />weeds on mine sites unless they have impacted desirable vegetative <br />establishment, in which case we may require some abatement of the weed concern <br />followed by additional efforts to establish desirable perennial vegetation (ie: re- <br />seeding with the approved seed mix). <br />In addition to identifying the target species, the size of the infestation would be <br />useful information so that a baseline can be established for monitoring purposes. <br />2. Control methods and treatment windows- This section should contain any and <br />all methods that will be used to control noxious weeds. This could include <br />mowing, plowing, handpulling, spraying, grazing, biological controls etc. etc. In <br />fact an "integrated' approach to overall weed control on mine sites is desirable. <br />The Division is not asking for this information to restrict the operator in their <br />choice of control methods, however, we do need to know that your intended <br />control method will: (a) actually control the target species initially and in follow- <br />up treatments. For instance, mowing Canada thistle each year in August after it <br />has seeded would not be considered an acceptable control method. Mowing <br />throughout the growing season or mowing in early June followed by a fall <br />herbicide treatment would be considered an acceptable method. (b) not cause an <br />off-site or long lasting problem. For instance, if there are sensitive plants (such as <br />an orchard) adjacent to the treatment area, we would want to know what <br />chemicals are being used in case off-site damage occurs or, if there is an irrigation <br />canal nearby that could receive runoff from a treated area or, if the post-mining <br />land use is cropland and the application rates are too high, etc., etc. This section <br />simply allows the Division to ascertain that the treatment methods are reasonable <br />and prudent. <br />3. Monitoring and Follow-up- Since noxious weeds are usually very persistent, this <br />section advises the Division of how and when the operator will monitor treatment <br />results and implement follow-up treatments as necessary. The annual report could <br />be a useful tool for reporting results and future intentions to the Division. <br />Attached is a weed control plan that was accepted for a surface clay mine in Elbert <br />County. Hopefully, this information will be useful when developing your weed control <br />plan(s). If you have any questions, please contact me at (303) 866-4926.