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Noxious weeds continue to persist at some reclaimed areas in the Basin near the <br /> confluence of Coal and Dutch Creeks. However, it does appear that weed control <br /> efforts are being successful, as smaller, less vigorous populations of weeds are being <br /> observed. In some areas, the weed population has been effectively controlled, while in <br /> other areas, it is being curtailed. New populations were observed at the upper most <br /> portion of the Old Refuse Pile in the late spring of 2001. -However, the population which <br /> previously thrived on the lower portions of the Old Refuse Pile in the Huntsman Project <br /> Area was severely impacted by the 2000 weed control efforts. <br /> Reclamation Projects <br /> 2001 was scheduled to be a year with little reclamation construction occurring at the <br /> site. Most of the reclamation to be accomplished at the Coal Basin Mine has been <br /> previously completed. The main goal of the 2001 construction season was to conduct <br /> some needed reclamation maintenance, and to observe site conditions in order to <br /> ascertain future reclamation and larger scale maintenance needs. <br /> Weed Control Project <br /> Noxious weed infestations continue to persist at Coal Basin, thus the need for on-going <br /> treatment of infestations continues. <br /> Noxious weeds have been treated at Coal Basin for four consecutive years. The <br /> relative success of the weed control effort is measured in a joint effort between the <br /> Division and Office of Surface Mining (OSM) personnel. A number of permanent study <br /> plots have been established within infestation areas. These areas are measured yearly <br /> for weed productivity. Most of the reference areas, particularly those along the <br /> Overland Conveyor Corridor, are experiencing a decline in weed activity. However, new <br /> weed infestations have been observed to be occurring in the lower portions of Coal <br /> Basin, most notably at the upper most portion of the Old Refuse Pile. Initial treatment of <br /> these areas began in 2000. Target species throughout the area include Canada thistle, <br /> Plumeless thistle, Houndstongue and Oxeye daisy. <br /> Weed control in 2001 consisted of an intensive chemical application. Tordon was <br /> applied to target species throughout the lower Coal Basin area. As an incentive to the <br /> Contractor, payment was partially based upon the rate of kill of target species, and the <br /> rate of survival of non-target species within the Project area. Target species were <br /> treated within an approximately 25 acre area for a cost of$14,900. <br /> Monitoring of reference areas should continue for at least the next four years. Chemical <br /> treatment will also continue for at least three years. The site is probably not conducive <br /> to the use of grazing in the future as a biologic control. <br /> Bear Creek Fence Project <br /> The Bear Creek Project Area vegetation was protected from grazing cattle by <br /> constructing a fence around the perimeter of the Project Area. Approximately 2,030 <br /> 4 <br />