2013-04-09_REPORT - M1980244 (4)

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following year. Additionally, the fall treatment will kill the biennial musk thistle which sprouts in the fall allowing it to seed early the following spring before most other species. Due to high densities of noxious weeds over a relatively large area, a significant portion of the 2013 weed control budget should be allocated to treatment efforts for all topsoil stockpiles. Musk thistle, Canada thistle and yellow toadflax are present throughout the stockpiles, and it is likely that these populations will serve as vectors spreading noxious species throughout the reclamation areas where the soil is placed. Further, since these areas appear to have been left untreated for several years, intensive herbicide application efforts will be needed over the next two to three growing seasons to bring the existing weed populations under control. The intensive herbicide applications should include one day per stockpile for both spring and fall treatment. In addition to the herbicide treatment, a native seed mix should be broadcasted over the topsoil stockpiles to enhance native species establishment and competition with noxious weeds. While infestations of concern persist on slopes above the crusher, this area should be considered a high priority for 2013 treatments. The moderate to heavy patches of yellow toadflax and Canada thistle encountered on the slope in 2012 should be treated each year to reduce the population and seed bank storage. This area also has small patches of musk thistle which should be treated before they expand. This area is a high priority in 2013 and time should be allocated for one and half days of application for both fall and spring. Despite the fact that the Victor Trails were not observed to contain significant noxious weed infestations in 2012, their proximity to County Road 81 and the roads leading up to the Head Frame and South Mine entrance presents an ongoing opportunity for infestation from nearby weed populations. Habitat Management recommends that a dialogue be opened with CDOT and possibly neighboring property owners in the interest of initiating a combined effort to control the large infestations of Canada thistle, yellow toadflax and musk thistle which currently inhabit roadsides, right -of -ways and adjoining private land. In the event that CC &V continues to assume responsibility for these areas, it is recommended that at least one and a half days be allocated for 2013 herbicide 6