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DIVISION OF MINERALS AND GEOLOGY <br />Department of Natural Resources <br />1313 Sherman St., Room 215 <br />Denver, Colorado 80203 <br />Phone: (303) 866 -3567 <br />FAX: (303) 832 -8106 <br />TO: Mined Land Reclamation Board <br />Minerals Staff <br />FROM: Bruce Humphries t <br />L <br />DATE: December 17, 2002 <br />STATE OF COLORADO <br />RE: Weed Control Policy <br />From July -17, 1998 (Revised February 14, 2002, October 28, 2002) <br />Bill Owens <br />Governor <br />Greg E. Watcher <br />Executive Director <br />The Govemor's Office has made it know to state agencies of the state's need to effectively control the spread <br />of noxious weeds. This policy is intended to address the management of noxious weeds that can occur at <br />mine sites. The question for the Division is what is an acceptable level of weeds at an active mining <br />operation, or on a reclaimed site at the time of financial warranty release request, in terms of the <br />requirements of the Act, Rules, and bond release? The following document is intended to provide the staff <br />and operators guidance on this issue. <br />Guideline for the Management of Noxious Weeds at Hard Rock and Construction Material <br />Minim, Operations <br />1. Introduction: <br />The infestation of noxious weeds on agricultural land and rangeland is a serious problem in Colorado <br />and other western states. Reduced productivity, loss of desirable plant species diversity and wildlife <br />habitat, and livestock health hazards can result from noxious weed infestations. Land disturbances <br />associated with mining provide conditions conducive to the invasion and spread of a number of <br />undesirable plant species. <br />This guide has been developed to provide guidance on the management the of noxious weeds on <br />reclaimed areas and other areas that may be affected by mining activities, due to the lack of specific <br />direction in the Act and Regulations. The purpose of the guideline is to set forth Board policy based on <br />the Board's interpretation of the Act, Regulations, and common sense, for the effective control of <br />noxious weeds at permitted mine sites. It is also intended to provide staff guidance as to when an <br />operator has established an acceptable type of plant cover so that the Office may consider financial and <br />performance warranty release. <br />D I V I S I O N O F <br />MINERALS <br />GEOLOGY <br />RECLAMATION <br />MI NING•SAFETY <br />Ronald W. Cattany <br />Acting Division Director <br />