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1998 ANNUAL REPORT/COAL BASIN NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL PROJECT <br /> This report provides a summary of the activities which were conducted at the Coal Basin Mine in <br /> 1998 in order to initiate appropriate weed control measures as described in our grant application. <br /> A brief accounting is included in the report, as well as a description of work anticipated to be <br /> accomplished in 1999. <br /> 1998 Accomplishments <br /> The following activities were accomplished in 1998: <br /> Field Mapping: Mapping of the general areas observed to be infested by noxious weeds was <br /> conducted. General areas of infestation were recorded on the map, which is on file. <br /> Field Sampling: Sampling of three representative areas of the infestation was accomplished in <br /> June, 1998. The sampling was conducted by personnel representing three of the grant partners; <br /> Minerals and Geology, Office of Surface Mining and Pitkin County. The sampling areas were <br /> staked and recorded so that the same areas may be re-sampled in 1999. A copy of the data report <br /> generated from the sampling is enclosed. <br /> Treatment: Minerals and Geology issued a request for bids for spraying of the infested areas by a <br /> certified applicator. The low bidder was awarded the job, which was scheduled to begin in early <br /> July. However, the contractor who was awarded the bid did not report to work, or accomplish <br /> the initial goals specified in the contract. Therefore the contract was terminated, and the second <br /> lowest bidder was contacted and ultimately awarded the project. <br /> After a field evaluation of the infestation by the Division and the contractor, it was mutually <br /> agreed that the best method of treatment would involve spot spraying of the infested areas using <br /> truck mounted hose line,tractor mounted hose line and a sprayer mounted on an all terrain <br /> vehicle. Specific species to be targeted for treatment included Plumeless Thistle, Canada Thistle <br /> and Houndstongue. It was agreed that the most effective method of applying the Tordon would <br /> be to spot spray individual plants of the target species. This method, rather than a broadcast <br /> application, was chosen due to the fact that the majority of the infestation had occurred on <br /> previously reclaimed lands. These areas had been planted with reclamation species which <br /> include a fair number of broad leaf plants. It was deemed desirable to minimize, to the extent <br /> possible, the impact of the weed control effort to these species. <br /> Prior to treatment, the areas were flagged and signed to inform the public that treatment would be <br /> occurring. Treatment of the infestation occurred on July 18, 19, 21 and 31, 1998. Tordon 22k <br /> was applied at a rate of 1 to 3 quarts per acre, dependent upon degree of infestation, site <br /> conditions and species present. A total of 1,010 gallons of water containing the appropriate <br /> amount of Tordon were applied. The Tordon was supplied by the Sopris Ranger District of the <br /> White River National Forest, another grant partner. <br /> Public Outreach: Minerals and Geology staff conducted a number of reclamation site tours for <br />