2012-10-25_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - M1977348

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performed in the pits, and past infestations have decreased, but current observations are still showing small, but random plants throughout the pits and continue to need to be monitored. The west side of the quarry, running from South to North was where we focused roughly 75% of our time this year due to the amount of L.spurge, and C.thistle that showed re- growth, and due to the discovery of new infestations of L.spurge, C.thistle, Houndstongue, as well as a new, small infestation of Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium) and the return of D. toadflax. Working from the most southern end of the property on the west side, all the way to the northern boundary at the meadow had mixed results for past treatments and fresh re- growth. The heavy stand of Tamarisk at the southern end of the property showed no re- growth, but there was roughly 10 -12 new trees roughly 1 -2 years in age found growing just north of the there in a pit. A foliar treatment was performed, and will monitor for potential re- growth in the future. We have noticed some good control on the C.thistle on the west side of the property but have also noticed the re- growth of existing infestations in more low lying areas and along adjacent property fence lines. Most of these infestations are located on the west side of the berms along the wash, and north of the main ditch that runs through the property. Our crew performed an application of the C.thistle and treated a new infestation of Scotch thistle that was discovered this year. This infestation was roughly 25 -30 small to large size rosettes along with roughly 5 -6 plants that were near seeding. We revisited the location in the early fall and found 2 -3 rosettes growing, we treated them, and the rest appear to be eliminated. We will monitor this area closely as it is right in the wash on the west where it has been known to flood out in the spring season, and a hot spot for C.thistle and L.spurge as well. L. spurge on the west side was a priority during each and every visit. As mentioned before, L. spurge is prominent in the wash on the west side, as well as hill sides and on the flats, but one problem area we continue to heavily treat are the berms on both the east and west slopes. Re- growth on these berms has been heavy, but has also seen success controlling in certain areas where the infestations were small. We have attacked the berms with our John Deer Gator and the 30' hose reel, as well as individual applicators and backpack sprayers in an attempt to reach all plants from top to the bottom the berms, but weather and wind was not in our favor the last couple of treatments and therefore some plants were unobtainable . We made a return visit this fall to observe our most recent treatments on the berms and some a decent amount of kill, but also green plants were visible near the top and will most likely see a return in the spring. The Curtis Lake area was another area that had some heavy infestations in the past and is really showing good control this year. This area was treated 2 times, once in the mid spring, and again early this fall. L.spurge that was once prominent near the old pump house and the existing 2 track leading down to it is at this time under control, and the same goes for just SE of there along the base of the reclaimed tailing piles. There was less than a .5 acre of spurge just east of there, and a few scattered plants in this same area. Our main focus on the Curtis Lake side was the meadow due west of the lake. Last year this meadow was a heavily infested with L. spurge and this year's initial follow up showed good control. But, with the return visit this fall, more plants were appearing in new areas of the meadow, while areas where dead L.spurge skeletons existed, we showed no barely any re- growth. Continued monitoring of this area is a priority to assure proper control is maintained.