2012-07-13_REPORT - M1988044 (3)

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The intense stream flows in early June will undoubtedly have an impact on weed intensity and distribution. One of the areas heavily impacted was the location of the Tamarix population. It is beneficial that the population of Tamarix had been reduced prior to this flood event or this species would have likely been spread far down the riparian corridor and therefore even more difficult to control. However, if there were any remaining Tamarix and they were uprooted and carried downstream or dormant seed was in the soil, this species may have actually expanded its distribution. This is not likely, but because it is possible, this species should be watched for between the South Lowland and at least the confluence of Coal Creek and the East Valley drainage. Schmidt released a large number of flea beetles in early June just before the large precipitation event. These were intended to further reduce the spurge population. At this time it is not known how well the flea beetles survived the heat and dryness of the rest of June. B. New weed species: No new species have been noted. Thistle control has been effective in reducing that population. However, it has been so dry some growth may not have even occurred. It may appear later after the heavy moisture that arrived in early July. 2. Weed status on lessee responsibility lands: As described above. OTHER INFORMATION THAT MIGHT BE USEFUL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE: Nothing of special note. DESCRIPTION OF UNUSUAL CONDITIONS OR EVENTS: Over the last couple of years the increasing interest in oil and gas development, particularly gas, on this part of the Lowry Range is of some concern to the mining and the mine reclamation program. So far, conflicts have been very few and minor. A new procedure has been developed and approved by the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety to allow Schmidt to remove from the Reclamation Permit land that has been affected by oil and gas development and which Schmidt does not desire to assume responsibility for. Essentially, all of that acreage has been removed with one tiny piece left so Schmidt has access to the Lowland and Upland mining areas in the East Valley without having to cross a stream channel. If it is decided that channel crossing is feasible then this tiny piece of oil and gas development affected land will likely to removed. If removed now it can only be added back by means of an amendment process. The flood event in early June shows that the stream corridor is particularly susceptible to flash flooding and the associated damages. However, it does not appear that the primary effects on Coal Creek were due to runoff from the surrounding hills, but rather from discharge from developed lands in Elbert County. Certainly, the East Valley discharge did damage to the road crossing, but the rest of the drainage fared quite well. The actions to enhance growth in the riparian corridor helped attenuate the peak flows and undoubtedly protected the stream corridor further north. So the primary problem with flood damage events here are primarily due to increased discharges upstream where development has paved a good deal of land without fully adequate discharge control implemented. That is not an Status report for 2012 due July 15, 2012 Page 7 of 8