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1999 ANNUAL REPORT <br /> COAL BASIN MINE NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL PROJECT <br /> PTTKIN COUNTY,COLORADO <br /> P: The primary purpose of the Coal Basin Noxious Weed Control Project is to control the <br /> infestations of thistle and other noxious weeds within the lower portions of the Coal Basin Mine site. The <br /> Coal Basin Mine is being reclaimed by the Division of Minerals and Geology(Division). Noxious weeds <br /> exist primarily on lands disturbed as a result of mining operations. As the reclamation process occurs, <br /> control of the noxious weed species is highly desirable for the purposes of advancing the success of <br /> revegetation and in order to successfully achieve the desired post-mining land uses. The Project was jointly <br /> conceived by the Division and Pitkin County in order to enhance the reclamation potential at the site,and to <br /> control the noxious weed seed source area in western Pitkin County. <br /> Partners: Partners included the Division of Minerals and Geology,the Office of Surface Mining <br /> Reclamation and Enforcement,Pitkin County,Aspen Wilderness Workshop and the U. S.Forest Service. <br /> Users of Coal Basin and interested local citizens groups provided letters of support during the Grant <br /> application process. <br /> The Division of Minerals and Geology provided project management services,administrative support, <br /> contracting services,personnel for data acquisition and analysis,and financial support. <br /> The Office of Surface Mining provided personnel for data acquisition. <br /> The U. S.Forest Service provided materials for use in herbicide application. <br /> Pitkin County provided financial support and personnel for data acquisition. <br /> The Aspen Wilderness Workshop provided personnel services. <br /> Specific Use of Funds: One hundred percent of the grant funds were utilized to treat the infestations. None <br /> of the money was used for administrative support The donations of personnel time by the Grant Partners <br /> allowed for on-the-ground use of the grant funds,thus maximizing the effectiveness of the funding <br /> provided. <br /> Pro rgres : Treatment was accomplished in both 1998 and 1999. Following the 1998 treatment,the <br /> reference areas were evaluated. This evaluation indicated the need for additional treatment. A brief <br /> summary of the reference area evaluation is attached for your convenience. An Invitation for Bid was <br /> issued to interested contractors,and the low bidder was selected to accomplish the 1999 treatment. <br /> Treatment of the infestation was conducted over a three day period in July, 1999. Casual observation of the <br /> treated areas indicates that the program was successful. However,follow up evaluation will be <br /> accomplished in the early summer of 2000. It is anticipated that additional treatment will be accomplished <br /> in 2000. <br /> Project Status: All grant monies have been expended,therefore,the project will be administratively <br /> reorganized. It is anticipated that the Division,in conjunction with the Office of Surface Mining will <br /> continue to monitor the reference areas in 2000 and 2001. It is also anticipated that treatment will occur in <br /> 2000 and possibly in 2001. Ongoing treatment in 2000 and 2001 will likely be funded through reclamation <br /> funds which have been made available to the Division. Evaluation and treatment beyond 2001 may <br /> require partial funding and assistance from other sources. When the Division completes reclamation at the <br /> Coal Basin Mine,weed control responsibilities will transfer to the U.S.Forest Service for the lands which <br /> it manages,and to the private land owners within Coal Basin. <br />