2012-06-20_PERMIT FILE - C2010089A (22)

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with respect to forage quality for this evaluation. For example, Quackgrass is found on List B and thus due to its known deleterious properties, would have to be considered to be an "undesirable species" with respect to forage quality. The fourth series of references consulted in this determination of forage quality corresponds to the Vegetation Guideline issued by the Division in June of 1987 and includes both the original hard copy and the on -line version of this document revised in October 1988. As contained therein, 18 species are identified as "prohibited or primary noxious weeds" and 10 species are designated as "restricted or secondary noxious weeds." The second CDRMS reference consulted was the 1990 Guideline for the Management of Noxious Weeds on Coal Mine Permit Areas, which contains a list of 14 species which "are considered to be noxious weeds for the purposes of this guideline and the Coal Regulations." This definition of "desirable forage quality" will be used in the production sampling of all Dryland Pasture, Intensively Managed Irrigated Pasture and Irrigated Pasture areas on the reclaimed areas corresponding to these proposed post- mining land use types located on the NHN Mine. According to Appendix B of the Vegetation Guideline and the Noxious Weed Guideline, Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) is classified as a "prohibited or primary noxious weed" while according to Appendix B of the Vegetation Guideline, both Quackgrass and Buckhorn Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) are listed as "restricted or secondary noxious weeds." All of these three species are routinely found growing on the reclaimed and reference areas evaluated in this sampling effort, but none are currently listed as such on the Montrose County noxious weed list. In the on -line version of the Vegetation Guideline, Appendix B is missing from the on -line version of this document found on the Division's website. However the text of this document clearly states that "Appendix B is the current listing of noxious plant species in Colorado" and requires that "measures should be taken to control such plants when they are observed on reclaimed lands." Therefore, for purposes of "forage quality" in this evaluation, all species listed in Appendix B of the Vegetation Guideline, regardless of whether or not they are currently listed on the state noxious weed lists are considered as "undesirable species" with respect to forage quality. Section 2.05.4(2)(e) Page 20 January 2012