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Noxious Weed Management Fund Application <br /> 1. What local, regional, and/or statewide problem(s) does this project address? <br /> On a local level, this project addresses controlling the spread of noxious weeds on a <br /> reclamation site which was once an active coal mine. Heavily infested areas include old <br /> haul roads, coal refuse piles, and topsoil stockpiles which are to be used in the <br /> reclamation work. These areas are generally heavily disturbed as a result of mining <br /> activities, and thus host large populations of noxious weeds. As human use of this area <br /> increases,so will the spread of untreated weeds. On a regional level, noxious weeds are <br /> rapidly spreading on the White River National Forest, and recreation use,grazing, and <br /> motorized activities at this particular site could contribute to the proliferation of weeds <br /> on this region of the Forest if left untreated. The project has statewide significance since <br /> the reclamation project is being coordinated by the State of Colorado Division of <br /> Minerals and Geology. <br /> 2. Who will benefit from a solution to this problem beyond the immediate <br /> participants of the proposed project? <br /> Increasingly, Coal Basin is attracting many users,all of whom will benefit from this <br /> project. Although primarily located on public lands, Coal Basin has long been closed to <br /> the public due to mining operations. With the cessation of mining and the initiation of <br /> reclamation, the public is beginning to enjoy the beauty of the Basin. Mountain bikers, <br /> hikers, horse back riders and cross country skiers are increasingly using Coal Basin for <br /> recreational purposes. It is anticipated that these uses will increase over time as the <br /> reclamation process is completed. Further, the Coal Basin Cattlemen's Association uses <br /> the Basin for cattle grazing during the summer months.The control of noxious weeds in <br /> these areas will help in the establishment of an effective vegetative cover,and will <br /> benefit the experience of all users of Coal Basin. <br /> 3. Project need: describe the local and state weed management needs this <br /> project will help meet_ <br /> Noxious weeds are prevalent at this site that are listed on both Pitkin County's and the <br /> state's noxious weed list for control. Plumeless thistle (Carduus acanthoides), is one of <br /> the most rapidly spreading weeds in the state. For years this plant has been primarily <br /> limited to the upper Roaring Fork Valley, specifically the Aspen area. In recent years, <br /> the weed has been observed as far north as the Clinetop Road, north of New Castle, and <br /> as far east as State Highway 9, north of Breckinridge. The infestation of about 20 acres <br /> at Mid-Continent Mine is at the far,�restern edge of all recorded infestations in Pitkin <br /> County and it is located within 5 miles of both Gunnison and Mesa Counties. Therefore, <br /> the project is significant from a weed management perspective of managing an invasive <br /> species at its perimeter and outer reaches. This project is also important in that it <br /> recognizes the threat that noxious �k,eeds pose to successful mined land reclamation. <br /> 4. Attach a project abstract (one page maximum) that describes the proposed <br /> project (its goals, tasks, and timeline) and demonstrates that it is an efficient and <br /> effective approach to achieving project goals and objectives as well as resolving <br /> recognized problems and needs. <br />