2013-04-05_PERMIT FILE - C1981019 (10)

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RULE 2 PERMITS For the most part, noxious weeds observed on or near Colowyo reclamation do not achieve "infestation" levels. By infestation, Colowyo means: 1) relative cover contribution of one noxious weed species or a combination of noxious weed species exceeding three percent in a revegetated stand; or 2) a "patch" of any listed species in which the noxious weed component exceeds 25% relative cover and occupies an area larger than 100 square feet on any disturbed area. Rather, noxious weeds tend to occur as scattered individuals or small pockets of individuals. This distribution suggests that spot control will be the only effective procedure that can be utilized. To manage these six noxious weed specie populations, Colowyo will either perform itself, or contract out, annual weed control activities. Weed control will typically involve herbicide application at the appropriate rates and during the appropriate life stages (as possible) to effect control. Spot applications will be preferred over "blanket" applications to prevent loss of desirable reclaimed taxa such as seeded forbs and shrubs, however, blanket application may be necessary if any infestation areas are observed. All Colowyo environmental staff, state inspectors, consultants, or contractors will be requested to remain vigilant for pockets of noxious weeds in the reclamation. If larger concentrations are observed, they will be mapped, recorded with GPS, or other means of identification to facilitate control by weed spraying crews. Both the weed spraying crew and the revegetation monitoring crews will be especially important in this regard. In addition to revegetated areas, vigilance will be maintained for other locations conducive to noxious weed populations. Such areas include: riparian areas, topsoil piles, major traffic areas, road cuts and fill slopes, ditches, pond embankments, non -use areas, etc. Weed control measures may include mowing, discing (conventional cultivation), burning, grazing, or applying an approved herbicide. Weedy annual species (such as pennycress) with a single season life cycle provide initial site stabilization and moisture conservation in newly seeded reclamation sites; as such they will not be specifically targeted for control. Historically, seedings on reclaimed sites have greatly out competed annual weed infestations within three or four growing seasons. Specific control measures will be selected by evaluating the location, growth characteristics and vulnerability of each weed. Management efforts will begin after proper planning and evaluation are performed. Proper use of chemicals applied during weed control is ensured by oversight of weed spraying activities by individual(s) certified by the State of Colorado to handle and apply herbicides. Colowyo reserves the right to change and modify the practices and materials it utilizes within the weed management program to achieve compliance with all applicable state and federal rules and regulations. Colowyo will evaluate each infestation on an individual basis in order to ensure proper methods, timing, materials and manpower are utilized for maximum effectiveness. Measures for Determining Success of Revegetation The success of revegetation will be determined as explained in subsection 4.15. Soil Testing Plan Rule 2 Permits 2.05 -35 Revision Date: 10/23/12 Revision No.: RN -06