Laserfiche WebLink
Projects were scheduled to be completed sequentially (Ponds first, followed by the <br /> Road Project), it was fortunate that the same Contractor had both jobs, thus eliminating <br /> the many potential problems of having two Contractors working in overlapping work <br /> areas. This also allowed for logical sequencing of construction across the Basin. <br /> In all, twenty ponds were converted to wetlands areas, and approximately 12.5 acres <br /> were seeded during completion of this Project for a total cost of $ 38,073.00. <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 three consecutive years. The <br /> relative success of the weed control effort is measured in a joint effort between the <br /> Division and OSM personnel. A number of permanent study plots have been <br /> established within infestation areas. These areas are measured yearly for weed <br /> productivity. Most of the reference areas, particularly those along the Overland <br /> Conveyor Corridor, are experiencing a decline in weed activity. However, new weed <br /> infestations have been observed to be occurring in the lower portions of Coal Basin. <br /> New infestations are observed to be establishing in parts of the Huntsman Project Area <br /> and at the upper most portion of the Old Refuse Pile. Preliminary treatment of these <br /> areas began in 2000. Target species throughout the area include Canada thistle, <br /> Plumeless thistle, Houndstongue and Oxeye daisy. <br /> In order to try to minimize seed production from the 2000 weed crop, two different <br /> control approaches were employed. A commercial weed control company was hired to <br /> spray identified noxious weeds twice during the growing season, in early July, prior to <br /> seed being produced, and again in August. This is the third year that a commercial <br /> sprayer has been employed at the site. Typically, treatment consists of spot spraying <br /> Tordon at two quarts per acre on the target species. Treatment in this manner has <br /> been successful in controlling the infestations of thistle, as a decline in these species is <br /> apparent where treated. Continued treatments will be necessary for at least three more <br /> years. <br /> Biologic controls were employed at the Huntsman Project Area and at the lower most <br /> portions of the Sutey Refuse Pile. Approximately 500 goats were brought onto the <br /> property and were allowed to graze in a controlled manner through these areas in early <br /> July. The goats stripped the thistle of its leaves and flower heads as they grazed <br /> through the areas. This method was used primarily due to the inaccessibility of these <br /> areas to equipment, and because of the substantial weed seed production which occurs <br /> here. The goats were grazed in these areas while the plants were still in a flowering <br /> stage, therefore it is thought that seed production was severely curtailed. <br /> Prior to grazing, the north facing Huntsman area was hand seeded so that the goats <br /> could work the newly distributed seed into the ground. Due to the hot summer, the <br /> south facing Sutey grazing area was not seeded until the fall, because it was felt that <br /> 9 <br />