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the surface by removal of the gravels and creating a more protected basin, it is likely that shrubs <br />will invade the area over time. This will likely have more impact on increasing habitat value <br />than the richer, more diverse grass growth. The pit slopes, on the other hand, will not add much <br />to the wildlife habitat. <br />Signs and Markers <br />1. Permit notification signs will be placed and maintained at the entrance to the operation. <br />2. The permit boundary will be identified where it is not already identified by fences or <br />suitable markers. Most of the boundary is already marked by fences. <br />Weed Control Plan <br />Weeds have not been a major problem at the currently permitted Fountain Pit. A few patches of <br />Canada Thistle have been found and treated in the main pit, but even tumbleweeds are rarely <br />abundant. This could change however. Knapweed, in particular, has been moving southward <br />from northern El Paso County and the introduction of knapweed is a distinct possibility. <br />Effective weed control is best done with the "treat early and often" approach. When weeds are <br />found they will be promptly controlled by appropriate measures. Most noxious weeds in this <br />area, particularly Canada Thistle which is often abundant on Fort Carson, is best controlled with <br />chemical treatment. Control of this species mechanically is rarely successful and more likely to <br />cause additional spreading. Knapweed is especially important to control while the population is <br />small because once the population becomes entrenched it is very difficult to eradicate or control. <br />In both cases, even the presence of a few plants can quickly expand into a major infestation that <br />will be difficult if not impossible to control. <br />Periodic inspection for noxious weeds, at least once a year early in the season, will be done. The <br />weed inspection will search for not only the expected species but also any new List A or B <br />species introductions. It is likely that non - noxious and List C species will also be found. Non - <br />noxious weeds, which are often native invaders, should not be controlled, but if the population of <br />a List C species is controllable then it will be included in the control program. List C noxious <br />species are problematic but are usually not as serious as List B species. All List A species must <br />be eradicated by law. The current list of noxious weed species is available from El Paso County <br />as well as the Colorado Department of Agriculture. <br />Fountain Pit M- 1982 -155 <br />DRMS 112 Permit Amendment Page 16 <br />