Laserfiche WebLink
which contains a list of 14 species which "are considered to be noxious weeds for the purposes <br />of this guideline and the Coal Regulations." <br />According to Appendix B of the Vegetation Guideline and the Noxious Weed Guideline, Field <br />Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) is classified as a "prohibited or primary noxious weed" while <br />according to Appendix B of the Vegetation Guideline, both Quackgrass and Buckhorn Plantain <br />(Plantago lanceolata) are listed as "restricted or secondary noxious weeds." All of these three <br />species are routinely found growing on the reclaimed and reference areas evaluated in this <br />sampling effort, but none are currently listed as such on the Montrose County noxious weed list. <br />In the on -line version of the Vegetation Guideline, Appendix B is missing from the on -line <br />version of this document found on the Division's website. However the text of this document <br />clearly states that "Appendix B is the current listing of noxious plant species in Colorado" and <br />requires that "measures should be taken to control such plants when they are observed on <br />reclaimed lands." Therefore, for purposes of "forage quality" in this evaluation, all species listed <br />in Appendix B of the Vegetation Guideline, regardless of whether or not they are currently listed <br />on the state noxious weed lists are considered as "undesirable species" with respect to forage <br />quality. <br />Statistical sample adequacy will be tested during field sampling using the formula in DRMS <br />Regulation 4.15.11(2)(a). During field sampling for cover and production, at least 15 samples <br />(observational units) will be made at each site. Sample adequacy will be tested after 15 cover or <br />30 production samples are taken. Sampling may continue if necessary to reach sample adequacy, <br />or sampling may be terminated before sample adequacy is reached if an alternative statistical <br />method (approved by DRMS) can be used that does not require demonstration of sample <br />adequacy. Because dry- weight production data will not be available until samples are dried, <br />sample adequacy will initially be calculated on green weights of clipped material, then <br />recalculated later for air -dried material and additional field samples will be taken if necessary. <br />Reclaimed area cover and production will be compared to a standard equal to the mean values <br />measured at the reference area, as described below. Revegetation will be considered successful <br />if the mean value for the reclaimed site can be demonstrated to equal or exceed Q (Q =90% of the <br />standard). One of the four methods found in the CDRMS regulations in Rule 4.15.11(2) will be <br />Section 2.05.4(2)(e) Page 20 April 2011 <br />