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S. What public and staff education/izformation will be incorporated as a part of <br /> the project? <br /> The Division of Minerals and Geology has actively pursued development of many <br /> community based educational efforts regarding the Coal Basin:Mine Reclamation Project <br /> over the past several years. The Division provides tours of the site and speaks to many <br /> local organizations regarding the reclamation process. The Division has also hosted <br /> work days at the site for State and Federal employees, as well as for local schools and <br /> special interest groups. <br /> The Division is committed to continuing its public educational outreach efforts in the <br /> future. As part of this ongoing effort, discussions regarding the impact of noxious <br /> weeds to the local environment will be provided. We will describe the extent of the <br /> problem, treatment of the weed species, and post treatment monitoring. Tours of the <br /> treated areas will be included during site visits by the public. The entire process will be <br /> photo documented so that it may be included in slide presentations to the public, other <br /> agencies, and staff. <br /> Minerals and Geology,in conjunction with its partners in this project, will issue a press <br /> release describing the noxious weed problem, and the proposed treatment program <br /> following announcement of awards by the Agricultural Commission. <br /> 9. Describe in detail the nature of the partnerships formed by this project, the <br /> responsibilities and contributions for which each will be responsible,and any formal <br /> or informal agreements among partners. Attach documentation. <br /> A number of partnerships have been formed during the development of this project. The <br /> Division of Minerals and Geology has formed partnerships with Pitkin County, the U.S. <br /> Forest Service, the Office of Surface Mining, and the Aspen Wilderness Workshop. <br /> Letters of support from these agencies are attached as documentation. <br /> Pitkin County, within which the project area is located, has a vested interest in <br /> controlling noxious weeds. Pitkin County and Minerals and Geology have formed a <br /> partnership in the interest of addressing local environmental needs by committing to <br /> control noxious weeds at the Coal Basin Mine. Pitkin County has demonstrated its <br /> commitment to the project by becoming a co-applicant with Minerals and Geology in this <br /> Grant Application. Additionally,Pitkin County has committed to providing funding in <br /> the amount of$1,500. <br /> The U.S. Forest Service manages the property which surrounds the project area and the <br /> Forest Service has expressed an interest in acquiring the land which encompasses the <br /> project area. The Forest Service recognizes the potential for the infestation to spread <br /> onto current or future Forest System lands. In demonstration of its support for the <br /> project, the Forest Service has committed to providing either funding in the amount of <br /> $1,000, or materials in the form of herbicide to be used by contractors. <br /> A local environmental organization, the Aspen Wilderness Workshop, actively <br /> participates in monitoring weed infestations on Forest Service lands and they have also <br /> offered to monitor the site on an annual basis to provide information relevant to the <br /> need for treatment in the future. This in-kind service is valued at$200. <br />