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3.2 DIFFUSE KNAPWEED <br />Diffuse knapweed is a short -lived perennial, a biennial, or occasionally an annual that reproduces <br />and spreads from seeds. During the winter, the plant stems break off and the dead plants become <br />tumbleweeds, spreading seeds to large areas. Diffuse knapweed is shade and flood intolerant, <br />thriving in sunny, dry, disturbed land. Overgrazing promotes excessive growth of diffuse <br />knapweed. <br />3.3 MUSK THISTLE <br />Musk thistle is a biennial weed that reproduces only from seed. Successful management is <br />achieved in preventing seed production. Seeds develop into rosettes the first year and bolt the <br />second year, producing multiple flowering seed heads; the plant dies after it sets seed. Up to <br />20,000 seeds can be produced on one plant. Seeds are frequently transmitted by wind, water, <br />heavy equipment, farming machinery, vehicles, livestock, and wildlife. Musk thistle has a <br />taproot that, if severed, will kill the plant. <br />3.4 KOCHIA <br />Kochia is an annual broadleaf weed that produces thousands of seeds per plant. Seeds are short <br />lived but have a very high germination rate, up to 93 percent ( %). Seed dispersal occurs as the <br />plant dies during fall and winter and the stem detaches from the base and is blown by the wind as <br />a tumbleweed. Mechanical methods that disrupt the contact between the plant roots and soil are <br />effective at controlling both seedling and larger plants. Mowing can be effective on smaller <br />plants and tillage and hand hoeing can control both seedlings and larger plants. Pre -and post - <br />emergent herbicides can be used for season -long control and are frequently mixed together to <br />provide control of established weeds and control of seed germination. Livestock grazing, <br />especially of smaller plants, is also effective at controlling kochia. <br />4.1 LAND MANAGEMENT GOALS <br />4.0 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES <br />Land management goals for the Site include creation of an aesthetically - pleasing, family - <br />friendly, gathering and recreational area centered at the two lakes that includes formally <br />landscaped areas that transition into riparian and native prairie habitats. The more formally <br />landscaped areas will not be developed for two or more years. However, the short -term goal is <br />to establish the riparian and native prairie vegetation in 2012 -2013 in order to provide for <br />wildlife forage and habitat. <br />4.2 WEED MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES <br />Short -term objectives for salt cedar and musk thistle are 100% elimination of all existing plants <br />and treatment of all new growth. Long -term objectives for salt cedar and musk thistle are 100% <br />eradication from the property. <br />Weed Management Plan 3 <br />szV <br />