HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.2 Weed Mgmt Plan
Article 7-202.C.3
Noxious Weed Plan
Ursa Operating Company LLC
Speakman A Injection Well
OA Project No. 013-3151
792 Buckhorn Dr.
Rifle, CO 81650
Noxious Weed
Management
Plan
U.S. Operations
Piceance Basin
June 2013 – Rev #0
Ursa Operating Company Noxious Weed Management Plan i
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 1
2. Site Characterization ............................................................................................................ 1
3. Weeds of Concern ................................................................................................................. 2
4. Weed Inventory ..................................................................................................................... 2
5. Treatment Methods .............................................................................................................. 3
5.1 Preventative Methods ......................................................................................................... 3
5.3 Physical and Mechanical Methods ........................................................................................ 3
5.4 Biological Control Methods .................................................................................................. 3
5.5 Chemical Control .................................................................................................................. 3
6. Treatment Recommendations .............................................................................................. 4
6.1 Pad Surfaces .......................................................................................................................... 4
6.2 ROWs and Surrounding Lands ............................................................................................. 4
6.3 Special Requirements............................................................................................................ 4
7. Management Strategies ........................................................................................................... 4
7.1 Prevention ............................................................................................................................. 4
7.2 Revegetation and Rehabilitation ........................................................................................... 4
8. Conclusion ............................................................................................................................. 5
9. Amendments .......................................................................................................................... 6
10. Noxious Weed Management Resource Guide ..................................................................... 7
11. References ........................................................................................................................... 8
List of Figures
Figure 1………………………………………………………………........Overview Map
Figure 2…………………………………………………………………………Soils Map
Ursa Operating Company Noxious Weed Management Plan i
List of Appendices
Appendix A Asset Locations (PLSS)
Appendix B NRCS Soil Descriptions
Appendix C Colorado Noxious Weed List
Appendix D Garfield County Noxious Weed List
Appendix E Mesa County Noxious Weed List
Appendix F Pitkin County Noxious Weed List
Appendix G Annual Weed Survey Maps
Appendix H Noxious Weed Inventory Form
Appendix I Noxious Weed Summary Documents
Ursa Operating Company Noxious Weed Management Plan 1
1. Introduction
The Colorado Noxious Weed Act (C.R.S. Title 35, Article 5.5) declares that certain undesirable
plants constitute a threat to the “continuous economic and environmental value of lands of the
state” and requires that these “noxious weeds” be managed on private and public lands. The Act
further declares that control of noxious weeds should use methods that are least damaging to the
environment but also practicable and economically reasonable. Ursa Operating Company, LLC
(Ursa) started operations in the Piceance on April 1, 2013 and will be responsible for
management of noxious and undesirable species identified on land leased associated with these
assets. The local government(s) management of noxious weeds for Ursa assets (known as
Battlement, Castle Springs, Gravel Trend, North Gravel Trend, Roan, and Wolf Creek), are
Garfield County, Mesa County, and Pitkin County which requires that land owners or persons or
entities leasing the land within the county manage noxious weed infestations on their respective
land.
By implementing a Noxious Weed Management Program, adverse economic and environmental
impacts will be minimized for Ursa and surrounding stakeholders. Maintaining control of
noxious weed populations within Ursa assets is important to keep the cost of noxious weed
abatement, storm water, and revegetation to a minimum. Since the three (3) elements are
intertwined; improvement in one (1) area will facilitate improvements in the other areas of
concern. It is also vital that the expansion of noxious weeds from Ursa assets to private land not
associated with oil and gas exploration is monitored closely to ensure weed abatement measures
are effective. For the most successful management of noxious weeds, regular communication
between Ursa and property owners with adjacent land should be developed.
This plan is intended to provide Ursa with a noxious weed management outline for the area of
concern – in this instance, the assets known as Battlement, Castle Springs, Gravel Trend, North
Gravel Trend, Roan, and Wolf Creek. The objectives of the plan include: providing basic
environmental information about the sites, locating and mapping of noxious weed populations,
outlining and evaluating possible treatment methods, and establishing preventative measures to
minimize noxious weed expansion. This plan will also provide an amendable document for
current and future Ursa land managers.
2. Site Characterization
Ursa assets are located in Garfield, Mesa and Pitkin Counties in western Colorado (refer to
Figure 1 for a map and Appendix A for listed locations). The Castle Springs and Wolf Creek
assets are grouped together and the Roan and North Gravel Trend assets have also been
combined. The assets can be found using the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) in Appendix A
or by reviewing the map in Figure 1.
The vegetative communities that characterize these sites include: sagebrush, rubber rabbitbrush,
snakeweed, Gambel oak, bunch grasses and pinyon-juniper. This highland is characterized by
moderate moisture levels, moderate temperatures and a moderate growing season. Snow is
typically present on site from mid-November to late-March, with an average of 80-90 frost days
per year. The soil type varies across assets. For more information on soil type, refer to Appendix
B and Figure 2.
Ursa Operating Company Noxious Weed Management Plan 2
The potential treatment area with regards to noxious and undesirable species will include
appropriate and applicable pads, right of ways (ROWs) including access roads and pipeline
ROWs, topsoil stockpile if applicable, and land surrounding the Ursa assets that has been
disturbed by related Ursa activity.
3. Weeds of Concern
To meet the requirements of the Colorado Noxious Weed Act (ACT), the operator shall conduct
prescribed management techniques for noxious weeds control and prevention. Species
warranting prescribed management control and prevention are included within the Colorado
Noxious Weed Lists: List A – designated for statewide eradication; List B – managed to prevent
further spread and, for selected species, designated for eradication in large areas; and List C – of
more localized concern, but for which the State will provide education, research, and biological
control assistance to jurisdictions that choose to manage the species. The complete Colorado
Noxious Weed List can be found in Appendix C. In addition to the state wide weed list,
individual counties have their own noxious weed lists. The county lists are comprised of noxious
weeds from the state list that are more specific to the area of concern.
Garfield County has designated twenty (21) of the seventy four (74) species from the Colorado
Noxious Weed List to be likely species found in the vicinity of their jurisdiction. Appendix D
contains the Garfield County Weed List, and specific details can be acquired through the
Garfield County Noxious Weed Management Plan available online.
Mesa County has designated nineteen (19) species as noxious and present within their
jurisdiction. Appendix E contains the complete list, and descriptions can be found in the Mesa
County Noxious Weed Management Plan available online.
Pitkin County has designated thirty five (35) species to be noxious and of concern within its
jurisdiction, with an additional five (5) species on their so-called “Watch List” as they have
spread to and within neighboring counties. Appendix F contains the Pitkin County Noxious
Weed List, and details can be obtained through the Pitkin County Noxious Weed Management
Plan available online.
4. Weed Inventory
Noxious weed surveys are currently being conducted on Ursa assets. For a visual representation
of the survey please refer to Appendix G. The respective appendix will be updated annually to
monitor the spread and or minimization of infestations. Additional surveys will be conducted
annually by qualified individuals to ensure noxious weed treatments and noxious weed
populations. Populations of noxious weed infestations will be mapped by qualified individuals
using global positioning units (GPS) units. The Noxious Weed Inventory Form, Appendix H,
can be used to provide supplemental survey information if the surveyor deems it appropriate.
The surveys will provide a way to identify new noxious weed populations as well as an
assessment tool for previously treated populations. The inventory is to be updated as the surveys
are performed. There will be an annual review to assess the overall noxious weed populations
and success of treatments applied.
Ursa Operating Company Noxious Weed Management Plan 3
5. Treatment Methods
The treatment methods and descriptions listed below were obtained from the Mesa County
Noxious Weed Management Plan (Mesa County, 2009). Management techniques include
preventative, cultural, physical/mechanical methods, biological and chemical approaches.
Optimal noxious weed management methods will vary with the environmental variables of the
area of interest. Soil type and stability, grade, moisture regimes, growing season, pre-existing
noxious weed populations, land use, water availability, weed type and stage of growth as well as
the intensity of the infestations should all be taken into account when preparing a noxious weed
management plan.
The management methods should have minimal impact on the environment and be economically
fitting for the Operator in charge of implementing the noxious weed management program.
When assessing weed management on a property, it is important to evaluate possible modes of
transportation for the noxious species. Areas to take into account include; waterways, roads,
game trails, areas with livestock and equipment storage sites to name a few possibilities. The
transportation of noxious species is a problem shared by all the stakeholders in the affected area.
Good communication should be established between the affected parties for proper management
of the noxious weed populations. Most management plans utilize a combination of the treatments
outlined below.
5.1 Preventative Methods
Preventative methods include practices involving good land stewardship. These practices
include, but are not limited to; using weed free certified products, erosion control
measures, and regularly cleaning equipment.
5.2 Cultural Methods
Cultural methods facilitate competition from desirable plants through actions such as;
dense seeding, irrigation, carefully monitored grazing practices and fertilization.
5.3 Physical and Mechanical Methods
Physical and mechanical methods include mowing, disking, hand removal, plowing,
burning and solarization. The goal of these methods is predominantly to prevent seed
production. Roots should be severed at least two (2) inches below the soils surface for
optimal control.
5.4 Biological Control Methods
Biological control methods involve the introduction of living organisms that are
deleterious to the noxious weed species. This method is only applicable for infestations
larger than five (5) acres in size, and rarely provides complete control of the noxious
species. Frequent monitoring must be carried out with this method.
5.5 Chemical Control
Chemical control can offer the most effective means of noxious weed control when
applied at the appropriate time. Not all herbicides are equally effective against all weeds,
nor can every herbicide be used in all settings. The respective herbicide applicator should
consult with a weed manual before applying any herbicide to the land.
Ursa Operating Company Noxious Weed Management Plan 4
6. Treatment Recommendations
6.1 Pad Surfaces
It is recommended that the area directly adjacent to structures be treated with a bare
ground herbicide. The bare ground treatment will be applied once a year or as needed to a
ten (10) foot perimeter around the structures located on Ursa developments. All other
areas are to be spot treated with an appropriate herbicide.
6.2 ROWs and Surrounding Lands
Ursa assets should be treated with a selective herbicide appropriate for the species where
the noxious weed is found. The appropriate chemical to be applied will be determined by
the licensed herbicide applicator. The specific herbicide applied will vary depending on
the landowner, time of year and the stage of growth the plant has obtained at the
proposed treatment date. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) must be contacted
prior to treatment on Federal lands.
6.3 Special Requirements
At this point in time there are not any special requirements for Ursa assets or the
associated ROWs with regards to management of noxious weeds or other undesirable
species. Any and all special requirements will be amended to the document as soon as
practicable.
7. Management Strategies
7.1 Prevention
Taking preventative measures to abate the spread of noxious weeds is critical for proper
land management. Noxious weeds can become established on or near disturbed land very
rapidly and have the capacity, capability and potential to spread quickly to other areas.
Noxious weed seeds and vegetative matter can be transported by means of animals,
vehicles, shoes, and hay to name a few examples of transportation. Operators should be
aware of established noxious weed populations and the possible transport mechanisms on
their property and surrounding properties.
7.2 Revegetation and Rehabilitation
After an area has been successfully eradicated of noxious species, or before establishment
has taken place, actions to revegetate the disturbed area should be taken to minimize the
chance of noxious weed establishment. If the disturbed land has desired species growing
as a result of revegetation efforts, competition with noxious species will be increased.
Therefore, the potential and capability of the noxious weed to establish in the disturbed
area is limited.
Noxious weed management strategies for Ursa will include a monitoring program.
Surveys will be carried out between the months of April and October. Noxious weed
populations will be monitored at this point through qualitative visual interpretation as
well as mapping.
Ursa Operating Company Noxious Weed Management Plan 5
8. Conclusion
This noxious weed management plan provides an outline for the treatment and management of
noxious weeds. Please refer to Appendix I for the Noxious Weed Summary Documents which
provide contact information as well as general information pertaining to Ursa assets. An annual
report will be compiled to assess the overall management program.
Noxious weed control is critical to guarantee the environment is preserved for future generations
to enjoy and utilize. Adhering to this management guide will aid Ursa in managing noxious
weeds encountered during active involvement at developed sites.
These recommendations are not intended to be used as a definitive guide for noxious weed
management. Herbicide recommendations are available from both the state and local
governments and/or licensed applicators.
Ursa Operating Company Noxious Weed Management Plan 6
9. Amendments
Please make note of any supplemental information as it becomes available in this section.
Date Notes and Initials
Ursa Operating Company Noxious Weed Management Plan 7
10. Noxious Weed Management Resource Guide
Garfield County Vegetation Management
Steve Anthony – Garfield County Vegetation Manager
P.O. Box 426, 0298 Cr 333A
Rifle, CO 81650
Phone: 970.945.1377 ext. 4305
Fax: 970.625.8627
Email: santhony@garfield-county.com
Mesa County Division of Pest Management
Judith Sirota – Weed & Pest Inspector
P.O. Box 20,000
Grand Junction, CO 81502
Phone: 970.255.7120
Fax: 970.244.1700
Email: judith.sirota@mesacounty.us
Pitkin County Land Management Department
Melissa Sever – Public Works Administrator
76 Service Center Road
Aspen, CO 81611
Phone: 970.920.5390
Fax: 970.920.5374
Email: melissa.sever@co.pitkin.co.us
Colorado Weed Management Association
Phone: 303.779.7939
http://www.cwma.org
Colorado Department of Agriculture
Division of Plant Industry- Biological Control Section
P.O. Box 400
Palisade, CO 81526
Phone: 970.464.7916
Colorado Department of Agriculture
Steve Ryder, State Weed Coordinator
Noxious Weed Program
Division of Conservation Services
700 Kipling Street, Suite 4000
Lakewood, CO 80215
Phone: 303.239.4173
www.ag.state.co.us/dpi/weeds/weed.html
Ursa Operating Company Noxious Weed Management Plan 8
11. References
Colorado Department of Agriculture. (May 2013). Noxious Weed Species. Retrieved from
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/ag_Conservation/CBON/1251618874438
Garfield County. (May 2001). Garfield County Noxious Weed Management Plan. Retrieved
from http://www.garfield-county.com/vegetation-management/documents/
weed_management_plan_adopted_.pdf
Mesa County, Division of Pest Management. (November 2009). Mesa County Noxious Weed
Management Plan. Retrieved from http://www.mesacounty.us/mcweb/pestcontrol/
weeds.pdf
Pitkin County. (March 2010). Pitkin County Noxious Weed Management Plan. Retrieved from
http://www.aspenpitkin.com/Departments/Public-Works/Land-Management/Weed-Management-
Plan/
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. (2008). Soil Survey
Information. Retrieved from: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx
Whitson, T. D., Burrill, L.C., Dewey, S.A., Cudney, D.W., Nelson, B.E., Lee, R.D., & Parker, R.
(2006). Weeds of the West (9th ed.). Laramie, WY: University of Wyoming
Figure 1: Overview Maps
Figure 2: Soil Map
Appendix A: Asset Locations within the Public Land Survey System (PM 6)
Battlement Mesa Asset
Sixth Central Meridian:
T6S, R95W, Sections 25* and 32-36*
T7S, R95W, Sections 1-4, 5*, 6*, and 7-30
T7S, R96W, Sections 12, 13, 23*, 24*, 25 and 26
Castle Springs Asset
Sixth Central Meridian:
T6S, R91W, Sections 31-36
T6S, R92W, Sections 36
T7S, R91W, Sections 1-36
T7S, R92W, Sections 1, 12, 13, 24, 25 and 36
Gravel Trend Asset
Sixth Central Meridian:
T6S, R90W, Sections 3-6*, 7-10, 15-22 and 27-34
T6S, R91W, Sections 1-3, 4-6* and 7-30
T6S, R92W, Sections 7-12* and 13-30
T6S, R93W, Sections 11-12*, 13-14, 15-18* and 19-30
North Gravel Trend Asset
Sixth Central Meridian:
T5S, R91W, Sections 19-35 and 36**
T5S, R92W, Sections 7-9 and 15-36
T6S, R91W, Sections 4-6**
T6S, R92W, Sections 1-12**
T6S, R93W, Sections 1-3, 7-9, 10-12** and 15-18**
Roan Asset
Sixth Central Meridian:
T4S, R93W, Sections 31 and 32
T4S, R94W, Sections 35 and 36
T5S, R93W, Sections 5-9 and 13-36
T5S, R94W, Sections 1-2, 11-12, 13-14, 24-25 and 36
T6S, R93W, Sections 4-6
T6S, R94W, Sections 1-4
Wolf Creek Asset
Sixth Central Meridian:
T7S, R89W, Sections 30 and 31
T7S, R90W, Sections 25-36
T8S, R89W, Sections 6-7, 18-19 and 30-31
T8S, R90W, Sections 1-36
T9S, R89W, Section 6
T9S, R90W, Sections 1-6
* South of U.S. Route 6 ** North of U.S. Route 6
Appendix B: National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Descriptions
Appendix B-1
Battlement Mesa
B.1.1 Site Location
Battlement Mesa starts in Township 7 South Range 96 West along the west boundary of sections
23 and 26 to the east boundary of Township 7 South Range 95 West and from Interstate 70 south
to the south boundary of sections 25-30 in Township 7 south Range 95 west and sections 25-26
in Township 7 south Range 96 west. Locations are on private property located within Garfield
County.
B.1.2 Soil Characteristics
According to the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), the project area of Battlement
Mesa consists of the following soils:
• Arvada loam, (6-20%): This deep, well drained, sloping soil is on fans and high
terraces. Elevation ranges from 5,100 to 6,200 feet. Average annual precipitation is 12
inches. Average annual air temperature is about 48 degrees F and the average frost free
period is 120 days. Permeability is very slow and available water capacity is high. The
effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff is moderately rapid and the hazard of
water erosion is severe.
• Bucklon-Inchau loams, (25-50%): These moderately sloping to very steep soils are on
ridges and mountainsides. Elevation ranges from 7,000 to 9,500 feet. The average annual
precipitation is about 18 inches, the average annual air temperature is about 40 degrees F,
and the average frost-free period is less than 75 days. The Bucklon soil is shallow and
well drained. Permeability of the Bucklon soil is slow and available water capacity is
very low. The effective rooting depth is 10 to 20 inches. Runoff is medium and the
hazard of water erosion is severe. The Inchau soil is moderately deep and well drained.
Permeability of the Inchau soil is moderate and available water capacity is moderate. The
effective rooting depth is 20 to 40 inches. Runoff is medium and the hazard of water
erosion is severe.
• Ildefonso stony loam, (6-25%): This deep, well drained, moderately sloping to hilly soil
is on mesas, benches, and sides of valleys. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 6,500 feet. The
average annual precipitation is about 14 inches, the average annual air temperature is
about 46 degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 125 days. Permeability is
moderately rapid and available water capacity is low. The effective rooting depth is 60
inches or more. Runoff is medium and the hazard of water erosion is moderate.
• Idefonso stony loam, (25-45%): This deep, well drained, hilly to steep soil is on mesa
breaks, sides of valleys, and alluvial fans. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 6,500 feet. The
average annual precipitation is about 14 inches, the average annual air temperature is
about 46 degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 125 days. Permeability is
moderately rapid and available water capacity is low. The effective rooting depth is 60
inches or more. Runoff is medium and the hazard of water erosion is moderate.
• Morval loam, (3-12%): This deep, well drained, gently sloping to rolling soil is on
mesas and sides of valleys. Elevation ranges from 6,500 to 8,000 feet. The average
annual precipitation is about 15 inches, the average annual air temperature is about 44
degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 100 days. Permeability is moderate and
available water capacity is moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more.
Runoff is slow and the hazard of water erosion is slight.
• Morval-Tridell complex, (6-25%): These moderately sloping to hilly soils are on
alluvial fans and sides of mesas. Elevation ranges from 6,500 to 8,000 feet. The average
annual precipitation is about 15 inches, the average annual air temperature is about 44
degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 100 days. The Morval soil is deep and well
drained. Permeability of the Morval soil is moderate and available water capacity is
moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff is slow and the hazard
of water erosion is slight. The Tridell soil is deep and well drained. Permeability of the
Tridell soil is moderately rapid and available water capacity is low. The effective rooting
depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff is medium and the hazard of water erosion is
moderate.
• Nihill channery loam, (1-6%): This deep, well drained, nearly level to gently sloping
soil is on alluvial fans and sides of valleys. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 6,500 feet.
The average annual precipitation is about 13 inches, the average annual air temperature is
about 48 degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 125 days. Permeability is
moderately rapid and available water capacity is low. The effective rooting depth is 60
inches or more. Runoff is slow and the hazard of water erosion is moderate.
• Potts loam, (3-6%): This deep, well drained, moderately sloping soil is on mesas,
benches, and sides of valleys. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 7,000 feet. The average
annual precipitation is about 14 inches, the average annual air temperature is about 46
degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 120 days. Permeability is moderate and
available water capacity is high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff
is slow and the hazard of water erosion is moderate.
• Potts loam, (6-12%): This deep, well drained, moderately sloping to rolling soil is on
mesas, benches, and sides of valleys. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 7,000 feet. The
average annual precipitation is about 14 inches, the average annual air temperature is
about 46 degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 120 days. Permeability is
moderate and available water capacity is high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or
more. Runoff is medium and the hazard of water erosion is severe.
• Potts-Ildefonso complex, (12-25%): These strongly sloping to hilly soils are on mesas,
alluvial fans, and sides of valleys. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 6,500 feet. The average
annual precipitation is about 14 inches, the average annual air temperature is about 46
degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 120 days. The Potts soil is deep and well
drained. Permeability of the Potts soil is moderate and available water capacity is high.
The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff is medium and the hazard of
water erosion is moderate. The Ildefonso soil is deep and well drained. Permeability is
moderately rapid and available water capacity is low. The effective rooting depth is 60
inches or more. Runoff is medium and the hazard of water erosion is moderate.
• Torriorthents-Camborthids-Rock outcrop complex, (steep): This broadly defined unit
consists of exposed sandstone and shale bedrock, loose stones, and soils that are shallow
to deep. Torriorthents are shallow to moderately deep. Camborthids are shallow to deep.
The Rock outcrop is mainly Mesa Verde sandstone and Wasatch shale. Elevation ranges
from 5,000 to 8,500 feet. The average annual precipitation is about 10 to 15 inches, the
average annual air temperature is 39 to 46 degrees F, and the average frost-free period is
80 to 105 days.
• Torriorthents-Rock outcrop complex, (steep): This broadly defined unit consists of
exposed sandstone and shale bedrock, and stony soils that are shallow to moderately
deep. Torriorthents are shallow to moderately deep. The Rock outcrop is mainly Mesa
Verde sandstone and Wasatch shale. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 8,500 feet. The
average annual precipitation is about 10 to 15 inches, the average annual air temperature
is 39 to 46 degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 80 to 105 days.
• Wann sandy loam, (1-3%): This deep, somewhat poorly drained, nearly level to gently
sloping, low-lying soil is on terraces and bottom land in valleys. Elevation ranges from
5,000 to 6,500 feet. The average annual precipitation is about 12 inches, the average
annual air temperature is about 48 degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 120
days. Permeability is moderately rapid and available water capacity is high. The effective
rooting depth varies with the level of the water table but is about 2 feet. Runoff is slow
and the hazard of water erosion is moderate.
Appendix B-2
North Gravel Trend/ Roan
B.2.1. Site Location
North Gravel Trends, which includes the Roan, starts in Township 5 South Range 94 West along
the west boundary of sections 02, 11, 14, 24, 25, and 36 to the east boundary of Township 5
South Range 91 West and from the north boundary of Township 4 South Ranges 94 Sections 35-
36 and Range 94 Sections 31-32 to Interstate 70. The north boundary steps towards the south to
end in Township 5 South Range 91 West Sections 19-24. Locations are located on
B.2.2 Soil Characteristics
According to the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), the project area of North
Gravel Trend and Roan consists of the following soils:
• Arvada loam, (1-6%): This deep, well drained, sloping soil is on fans and high terraces.
Elevation ranges from 5,100 to 6,200 feet. Average annual precipitation is 12 inches.
Average annual air temperature is about 48 degrees F and the average frost free period is
120 days. Permeability is very slow and available water capacity is moderate. The
effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff is medium and the hazard of water
erosion is moderate.
• Arvada loam, (6-20%): This deep, well drained, sloping soil is on fans and high
terraces. Elevation ranges from 5,100 to 6,200 feet. Average annual precipitation is 12
inches. Average annual air temperature is about 48 degrees F and the average frost free
period is 120 days. Permeability is very slow and available water capacity is high. The
effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff is moderately rapid and the hazard of
water erosion is severe.
• Ascalon-Pena complex, (6-25%): These moderately sloping to hilly soils are on sides of
valleys and alluvial fans. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 6,500 feet. Average annual
precipitation is 14 inches. Average annual air temperature is about 48 degrees F and the
average frost free period is 120 days. The Ascalon soil is deep and well drained.
Permeability of the Ascalon soil is moderate and available water capacity is moderate.
The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff is medium and the hazard of
water erosion is moderate. The Pena soil is deep and well drained. Permeability of the
Pena soil is moderate and available water capacity is low. The effective rooting depth is
60 inches or more. Runoff is slow and the hazard of water erosion is moderate.
• Begay sandy loam, (6-12%): This deep, well drained, moderately sloping to rolling soil
is on alluvial fans and sides of valleys. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 6,500 feet.
Average annual precipitation is 15 inches. Average annual air temperature is about 48
degrees F and the average frost free period is 120 days. Permeability is moderately rapid
and available water capacity is low. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more.
Runoff is moderate and the hazard of water erosion is severe.
• Cushman-Lazear stony loams, (15-65%): These hilly to very steep soils are on
mountainsides and mesa breaks. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 7,000 feet. The average
annual precipitation is about 13 inches, the average annual air temperature is about 48
degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 125 days. The Cushman soil is moderately
deep and well drained. Permeability is moderate and available water capacity is low. The
effective rooting depth is 20 to 40 inches. Runoff is medium and the hazard of water
erosion is severe. The Lazear soil is shallow over bedrock and well drained. Permeability
is moderate and available water capacity is low. The effective rooting depth is 10 to 20
inches. Runoff is moderately rapid and the hazard of water erosion is severe.
• Dollard-Rock outcrop, shale, complex, (25-65%): This complex consists of moderately
steep to steep Dollard soil and shale outcrop on hills and mountainsides. Elevation ranges
from 6,000 to 7,500 feet. The average annual precipitation is about 17 inches, the average
annual air temperature is about 43 degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 95 days.
The Dollard soil is moderately deep and well drained. Permeability is slow and available
water capacity is moderate. The effective rooting depth is 20 to 40 inches. Runoff is rapid
and the hazard of water erosion is severe. The rock outcrop is soft, weathered shale.
Permeability is very slow. The effective rooting depth is very shallow. Runoff is rapid
and the hazard of water erosion is severe.
• Halaquepts, nearly level: This broadly defined unit consists of deep, somewhat poorly
drained to poorly drained, nearly level and gently sloping, salt affected soils in narrow
foothill valleys, on fans, and on low terraces. The water table is at or near the surface at
times, mainly during spring and summer.
• Heldt clay loam, (1-3%): This deep, well drained, nearly level soil is on alluvial fans
and sides of valleys. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 6,000 feet. The average annual
precipitation is about 14 inches, the average annual air temperature is about 48 degrees F,
and the average frost-free period is 120 days. Permeability is slow and available water
capacity is moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff is medium
and the hazard of water erosion is slight.
• Ildefonso stony loam, (25-45%): This deep, well drained, hilly to steep soil is on mesa
breaks, sides of valleys, and alluvial fans. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 6,500 feet. The
average annual precipitation is about 14 inches, the average annual air temperature is
about 46 degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 125 days. Permeability is
moderately rapid and available water capacity is low. The effective rooting depth is 60
inches or more. Runoff is medium and the hazard of water erosion is moderate.
• Ildefonso-Lazear complex, (6-65%): These moderately sloping to very steep soils are
on hillsides and mesa breaks. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 6,500 feet. The average
annual precipitation is about 14 inches, the average annual air temperature is about 48
degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 125 days. Permeability of the Ildefonso
soil is moderately rapid and available water capacity is low. The effective rooting depth
is 60 inches or more. Runoff is medium and the hazard of water erosion is moderate. The
Lazear soil is shallow over shale bedrock and is well drained. Permeability of the Lazear
soil is moderately and available water capacity is low. The effective rooting depth is 10 to
20 inches. Runoff is rapid and the hazard of water erosion is severe.
• Kim loam, (3-6%): This deep, well drained, gently to sloping soil is on alluvial fans and
benches. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 6,000 feet. The average annual precipitation is
about 12 inches, the average annual air temperature is about 46 degrees F, and the
average frost-free period is 125 days. Permeability is moderate and available water
capacity is high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff is slow and the
hazard of water erosion is moderate.
• Kim loam, (6-12%): This deep, well drained, moderately sloping to rolling soil is on
alluvial fans and benches. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 6,000 feet. The average annual
precipitation is about 12 inches, the average annual air temperature is about 46 degrees F,
and the average frost-free period is 125 days. Permeability is moderate and available
water capacity is high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff is slow
and the hazard of water erosion is moderate.
• Olney loam, (1-3%): This deep, well drained, nearly level soil is on alluvial fans and
sides of valleys. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 6,500 feet. The average annual
precipitation is about 14 inches, the average annual air temperature is about 48 degrees F,
and the average frost-free period is 125 days. Permeability is moderate and available
water capacity is moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff is
slow and the hazard of water erosion is slight.
• Potts loam, (1-3%): This deep, well-drained soil is on mesas, benches, and sides of
valleys. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 7,000 feet. The average annual precipitation is
about 14 inches, the average annual air temperature is about 46 degrees F, and the
average frost-free period is 120 days. Permeability is moderate and available water
capacity is high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff is slow and the
hazard of water erosion is moderate.
• Potts loam, (3-6%): This deep, well drained, moderately sloping soil is on mesas,
benches, and sides of valleys. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 7,000 feet. The average
annual precipitation is about 14 inches, the average annual air temperature is about 46
degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 120 days. Permeability is moderate and
available water capacity is high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff
is slow and the hazard of water erosion is moderate.
• Potts loam, (6-12%): This deep, well drained, moderately sloping to rolling soil is on
mesas, benches, and sides of valleys. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 7,000 feet. The
average annual precipitation is about 14 inches, the average annual air temperature is
about 46 degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 120 days. Permeability is
moderate and available water capacity is high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or
more. Runoff is medium and the hazard of water erosion is severe.
• Potts-Ildefonso complex, (3-12%): These gently sloping to rolling soils are on mesas
and sides of valleys. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 6,500 feet. The average annual
precipitation is about 14 inches, the average annual air temperature is about 46 degrees F,
and the average frost-free period is 120 days. The Potts soil is deep and well drained.
Permeability of the Potts soil is moderate and available water capacity is high. The
effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff is slow and the hazard of water
erosion is moderate. The Ildefonso soil is deep and well drained. Permeability is
moderately rapid and available water capacity is low. The effective rooting depth is 60
inches or more. Runoff is slow and the hazard of water erosion is moderate.
• Potts-Ildefonso complex, (12-25%): These strongly sloping to hilly soils are on mesas,
alluvial fans, and sides of valleys. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 6,500 feet. The average
annual precipitation is about 14 inches, the average annual air temperature is about 46
degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 120 days. The Potts soil is deep and well
drained. Permeability of the Potts soil is moderate and available water capacity is high.
The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff is medium and the hazard of
water erosion is moderate. The Ildefonso soil is deep and well drained. Permeability is
moderately rapid and available water capacity is low. The effective rooting depth is 60
inches or more. Runoff is medium and the hazard of water erosion is moderate.
• Potts-Ildefonso complex, (25-45%): These hilly to very steep soils are on alluvial fans
and sides of valleys. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 6,500 feet. The average annual
precipitation is about 14 inches, the average annual air temperature is about 46 degrees F,
and the average frost-free period is 120 days. The Potts soil is deep and well drained.
Permeability of the Potts soil is moderate and available water capacity is high. The
effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff is medium and the hazard of water
erosion is severe. The Ildefonso soil is deep and well drained. Permeability is moderately
rapid and available water capacity is low. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or
more. Runoff is medium and the hazard of water erosion is severe.
• Torriorthents-Camborthids-Rock outcrop complex, (steep): This broadly defined unit
consists of exposed sandstone and shale bedrock, loose stones, and soils that are shallow
to deep. Torriorthents are shallow to moderately deep. Camborthids are shallow to deep.
The Rock outcrop is mainly Mesa Verde sandstone and Wasatch shale. Elevation ranges
from 5,000 to 8,500 feet. The average annual precipitation is about 10 to 15 inches, the
average annual air temperature is 39 to 46 degrees F, and the average frost-free period is
80 to 105 days.
• Torriorthents-Rock outcrop complex, (steep): This broadly defined unit consists of
exposed sandstone and shale bedrock, and stony soils that are shallow to moderately
deep. Torriorthents are shallow to moderately deep. The Rock outcrop is mainly Mesa
Verde sandstone and Wasatch shale. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 8,500 feet. The
average annual precipitation is about 10 to 15 inches, the average annual air temperature
is 39 to 46 degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 80 to 105 days.
Appendix B-3
Gravel Trend
B.3.1 Site Location
Gravel Trend starts at the west boundary of Township 6 Range 93 to the east boundary of
Township 6 South Range 90 West Sections 03, 10, 15, 22, 27, and 34 and from Interstate 70 to
the south boundary Township 6 South Ranges 91-93 Sections 25-30 and Range 90 Sections 31-
34.
B.3.2 Soil Characteristics
According to the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), the project area of Gravel
Trend consists of the following soils:
• Arvada loam, (6-20%): This deep, well drained, sloping soil is on fans and high
terraces. Elevation ranges from 5,100 to 6,200 feet. Average annual precipitation is 12
inches. Average annual air temperature is about 48 degrees F and the average frost free
period is 120 days. Permeability is very slow and available water capacity is high. The
effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff is moderately rapid and the hazard of
water erosion is severe.
• Bucklon-Inchau loams, (25-50%): These moderately sloping to very steep soils are on
ridges and mountainsides. Elevation ranges from 7,000 to 9,500 feet. The average annual
precipitation is about 18 inches, the average annual air temperature is about 40 degrees F,
and the average frost-free period is less than 75 days. The Bucklon soil is shallow and
well drained. Permeability of the Bucklon soil is slow and available water capacity is
very low. The effective rooting depth is 10 to 20 inches. Runoff is medium and the
hazard of water erosion is severe. The Inchau soil is moderately deep and well drained.
Permeability of the Inchau soil is moderate and available water capacity is moderate. The
effective rooting depth is 20 to 40 inches. Runoff is medium and the hazard of water
erosion is severe.
• Ildefonso stony loam, (6-25%): This deep, well drained, moderately sloping to hilly soil
is on mesas, benches, and sides of valleys. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 6,500 feet. The
average annual precipitation is about 14 inches, the average annual air temperature is
about 46 degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 125 days. Permeability is
moderately rapid and available water capacity is low. The effective rooting depth is 60
inches or more. Runoff is medium and the hazard of water erosion is moderate.
• Idefonso stony loam, (25-45%): This deep, well drained, hilly to steep soil is on mesa
breaks, sides of valleys, and alluvial fans. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 6,500 feet. The
average annual precipitation is about 14 inches, the average annual air temperature is
about 46 degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 125 days. Permeability is
moderately rapid and available water capacity is low. The effective rooting depth is 60
inches or more. Runoff is medium and the hazard of water erosion is moderate.
• Morval loam, (3-12%): This deep, well drained, gently sloping to rolling soil is on
mesas and sides of valleys. Elevation ranges from 6,500 to 8,000 feet. The average
annual precipitation is about 15 inches, the average annual air temperature is about 44
degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 100 days. Permeability is moderate and
available water capacity is moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more.
Runoff is slow and the hazard of water erosion is slight.
• Morval-Tridell complex, (6-25%): These moderately sloping to hilly soils are on
alluvial fans and sides of mesas. Elevation ranges from 6,500 to 8,000 feet. The average
annual precipitation is about 15 inches, the average annual air temperature is about 44
degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 100 days. The Morval soil is deep and well
drained. Permeability of the Morval soil is moderate and available water capacity is
moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff is slow and the hazard
of water erosion is slight. The Tridell soil is deep and well drained. Permeability of the
Tridell soil is moderately rapid and available water capacity is low. The effective rooting
depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff is medium and the hazard of water erosion is
moderate.
• Nihill channery loam, (1-6%): This deep, well drained, nearly level to gently sloping
soil is on alluvial fans and sides of valleys. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 6,500 feet.
The average annual precipitation is about 13 inches, the average annual air temperature is
about 48 degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 125 days. Permeability is
moderately rapid and available water capacity is low. The effective rooting depth is 60
inches or more. Runoff is slow and the hazard of water erosion is moderate.
• Potts loam, (3-6%): This deep, well drained, moderately sloping soil is on mesas,
benches, and sides of valleys. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 7,000 feet. The average
annual precipitation is about 14 inches, the average annual air temperature is about 46
degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 120 days. Permeability is moderate and
available water capacity is high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff
is slow and the hazard of water erosion is moderate.
• Potts loam, (6-12%): This deep, well drained, moderately sloping to rolling soil is on
mesas, benches, and sides of valleys. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 7,000 feet. The
average annual precipitation is about 14 inches, the average annual air temperature is
about 46 degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 120 days. Permeability is
moderate and available water capacity is high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or
more. Runoff is medium and the hazard of water erosion is severe.
• Potts-Ildefonso complex, (12-25%): These strongly sloping to hilly soils are on mesas,
alluvial fans, and sides of valleys. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 6,500 feet. The average
annual precipitation is about 14 inches, the average annual air temperature is about 46
degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 120 days. The Potts soil is deep and well
drained. Permeability of the Potts soil is moderate and available water capacity is high.
The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff is medium and the hazard of
water erosion is moderate. The Ildefonso soil is deep and well drained. Permeability is
moderately rapid and available water capacity is low. The effective rooting depth is 60
inches or more. Runoff is medium and the hazard of water erosion is moderate.
• Torriorthents-Camborthids-Rock outcrop complex, (steep): This broadly defined unit
consists of exposed sandstone and shale bedrock, loose stones, and soils that are shallow
to deep. Torriorthents are shallow to moderately deep. Camborthids are shallow to deep.
The Rock outcrop is mainly Mesa Verde sandstone and Wasatch shale. Elevation ranges
from 5,000 to 8,500 feet. The average annual precipitation is about 10 to 15 inches, the
average annual air temperature is 39 to 46 degrees F, and the average frost-free period is
80 to 105 days.
• Torriorthents-Rock outcrop complex, (steep): This broadly defined unit consists of
exposed sandstone and shale bedrock, and stony soils that are shallow to moderately
deep. Torriorthents are shallow to moderately deep. The Rock outcrop is mainly Mesa
Verde sandstone and Wasatch shale. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 8,500 feet. The
average annual precipitation is about 10 to 15 inches, the average annual air temperature
is 39 to 46 degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 80 to 105 days.
• Wann sandy loam, (1-3%): This deep, somewhat poorly drained, nearly level to gently
sloping, low-lying soil is on terraces and bottom land in valleys. Elevation ranges from
5,000 to 6,500 feet. The average annual precipitation is about 12 inches, the average
annual air temperature is about 48 degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 120
days. Permeability is moderately rapid and available water capacity is high. The effective
rooting depth varies with the level of the water table but is about 2 feet. Runoff is slow
and the hazard of water erosion is moderate.
Appendix B-4
Castle Springs/Wolf Creek
B.4.1 Site Location
Castle Springs starts at the west boundary of Township 7 South 90 West Section 01, 12, 13, 24,
25, and 36 to the east boundary of Township 7 South 91 West and from the south boundary of
Township 6 South Range 91 West Sections 325-30 to the south boundary of Township 7 South
Range 91 West. Wolf Creek starts from the west boundary of Township 8 South Range 90 West
to the east boundary of Township 8 South Range 89West and from the north boundary of
Township 7 South Range 90 West Sections 25-30 to the south boundary of Township 9 South
Range 90 West Sections 01-06.
B.4.2 Soil Characteristics
According to the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), the project area of Castle
Springs and Wolf Creek consists of the following soils:
• Bucklon-Inchau loams, (25-50%): These moderately sloping to very steep soils are on
ridges and mountainsides. Elevation ranges from 7,000 to 9,500 feet. The average annual
precipitation is about 18 inches, the average annual air temperature is about 40 degrees F,
and the average frost-free period is less than 75 days. The Bucklon soil is shallow and
well drained. Permeability of the Bucklon soil is slow and available water capacity is
very low. The effective rooting depth is 10 to 20 inches. Runoff is medium and the
hazard of water erosion is severe. The Inchau soil is moderately deep and well drained.
Permeability of the Inchau soil is moderate and available water capacity is moderate. The
effective rooting depth is 20 to 40 inches. Runoff is medium and the hazard of water
erosion is severe.
• Morval loam, (3-12%): This deep, well drained, gently sloping to rolling soil is on
mesas and sides of valleys. Elevation ranges from 6,500 to 8,000 feet. The average
annual precipitation is about 15 inches, the average annual air temperature is about 44
degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 100 days. Permeability is moderate and
available water capacity is moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more.
Runoff is slow and the hazard of water erosion is slight.
• Morval-Tridell complex, (6-25%): These moderately sloping to hilly soils are on
alluvial fans and sides of mesas. Elevation ranges from 6,500 to 8,000 feet. The average
annual precipitation is about 15 inches, the average annual air temperature is about 44
degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 100 days. The Morval soil is deep and well
drained. Permeability of the Morval soil is moderate and available water capacity is
moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff is slow and the hazard
of water erosion is slight. The Tridell soil is deep and well drained. Permeability of the
Tridell soil is moderately rapid and available water capacity is low. The effective rooting
depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff is medium and the hazard of water erosion is
moderate.
• Potts loam, (3-6%): This deep, well drained, moderately sloping soil is on mesas,
benches, and sides of valleys. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 7,000 feet. The average
annual precipitation is about 14 inches, the average annual air temperature is about 46
degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 120 days. Permeability is moderate and
available water capacity is high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff
is slow and the hazard of water erosion is moderate.
• Potts loam, (6-12%): This deep, well drained, moderately sloping to rolling soil is on
mesas, benches, and sides of valleys. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 7,000 feet. The
average annual precipitation is about 14 inches, the average annual air temperature is
about 46 degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 120 days. Permeability is
moderate and available water capacity is high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or
more. Runoff is medium and the hazard of water erosion is severe.
• Torriorthents-Camborthids-Rock outcrop complex, (steep): This broadly defined unit
consists of exposed sandstone and shale bedrock, loose stones, and soils that are shallow
to deep. Torriorthents are shallow to moderately deep. Camborthids are shallow to deep.
The Rock outcrop is mainly Mesa Verde sandstone and Wasatch shale. Elevation ranges
from 5,000 to 8,500 feet. The average annual precipitation is about 10 to 15 inches, the
average annual air temperature is 39 to 46 degrees F, and the average frost-free period is
80 to 105 days.
• Torriorthents-Rock outcrop complex, (steep): This broadly defined unit consists of
exposed sandstone and shale bedrock, and stony soils that are shallow to moderately
deep. Torriorthents are shallow to moderately deep. The Rock outcrop is mainly Mesa
Verde sandstone and Wasatch shale. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 8,500 feet. The
average annual precipitation is about 10 to 15 inches, the average annual air temperature
is 39 to 46 degrees F, and the average frost-free period is 80 to 105 days.
• Villa Grove-Zoltay loams, (15-30%): These moderately steep to hilly soils are on
mountainsides and alluvial fans. Elevation ranges from 7,500 to 7,600 feet. The average
annual precipitation is about 16 inches, the average annual air temperature is 43 degrees
F, and the average frost-free period is 100 days. The Villa Grove soil is deep and well
drained. Permeability of the Villa Grove is moderately slow, and available water capacity
is high. Effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Surface runoff is slow, and the
erosion hazard is slight. The Zoltay soil is deep and well drained. Permeability of the
Zoltay soil is slow, and available water capacity is high. Effective rooting depth is 60
inches or more. Surface runoff is medium, and the erosion hazard is moderate.
Appendix C: Colorado Noxious Weed Lists
List A Noxious Weed Species
In accordance with the revised Colorado Noxious Weed Act, 35-5.5-101-119 rev. 2003, which re-
categorized the State noxious weed list into three lists, all populations of List A species in Colorado are
designated by the Commissioner for eradication.
African Rue Peganum harmala
Camelthorn Alhagi pseudalhagi
Common Crupina Crupina vulgaris
Cypress Spurge Euphorbia cyparissias
Dyer’s Woad Isatis tinctoria
Elongated Mustard Brassica elongata
Giant Reed Arundo donax
Giant Salvinia Salvinia molesta
Hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata
Japanese Knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum
Giant Knotweed Polygonum sachalinense
Bohemian Knotweed Polygonum x bohemicum
Meadow Knapweed Centaurea pratensis
Mediterranean Sage Salvia aethoiopis
Medusahead Taeniatherum caput-medusae
Myrtle Spurge Euphorbia myrsinites
Orange Hawkweed Hieracium aurantiacum
Purple Loosestrife Lythrum salicaria
Rush Skeletonweed Chondrilla juncea
Squarrose Knapweed Centaurea virgata
Tansy Ragwort Senecio jacobaea
Yellow Starthistle Centaurea solstitialis
List B Noxious Weed Species
List B noxious weeds are species for which the Commissioner, in consultation with the state noxious
weed advisory committee, local governments, and other interested parties, develop and implements state
noxious weed management plans designed to stop the continued spread of these species.
Absinth Wormwood Artemisia absinthium
Black Henbane Hyoscyamus niger
Bouncingbet Saponaria officinalis
Bull Thistle Cirsium vulgare
Canada Thistle Cirsium arvense
Chinese Clematis Clematis orientalis
Common Tansy Tanacetum vulgare
Common Teasel Dipsacus fullonum
Corn Chamomile Anthemis arvensis
Cutleaf Teasel Dipsacus laciniatus
Dalmatian Toadflax, broadleaved Linaria dalmatica
Dalmatian Toadflax, narrow-leaved Linaria genistifolia
Dame’s Rocket Hesperis matronalis
Diffuse Knapweed Centaurea diffusa
Eurasian Watermilfoil Myriophyllum spicatum
Hoary Cress Cardaria draba
Houndstongue Cynoglossum officinale
Jointed Goatgrass Aegilops cylindrica
Leafy Spurge Euphorbia esula
Mayweed Chamomile Anthemis cotula
Moth Mullein Verbascum blattaria
Musk Thistle Carduus nutans
Oxeye Daisy Chrysanthemum leucanthemum
Perennial Pepperweed Lepidium latifolium
Plumeless Thistle Carduus acnathoides
Quackgrass Elytrigia repens
Russian Knapweed Acroptilon repens
Russian Olive Elaeagnus angustifolia
Salt Cedar* Tamarix chinensis, T. parviflora, and T. ramosissima
Scentless Chamomile Matricaria perforate
Scotch Thistle Onopordum acanthium, O. tauricum
Spotted Knapweed Centaurea maculosa
Spurred Anoda Anoda cristata
Sulfur Cinquefoil Potentilla recta
Venice Mallow Hibiscus trionum
Wild Caraway Carum carvi
Yellow Nutsedge Cyperus esculentus
Yellow Toadflax Linaria vulgaris
* Tamarisk is a noxious weed “preferred to be controlled” rather than mandatory
List C Noxious Weed Species
List C noxious weeds are species for which the Commissioner will develop and implement state noxious
weed management plans designed to support the efforts of local governing bodies to facilitate more
effective integrated weed management on private and public lands. The goal of such plans will not be to
stop the continued spread of these species but to provide additional education research, and biological
control resources to jurisdictions that choose to require management of List C species. Source: From the
Department of Agriculture, Plant Industry Division, 8 CCR 1203-19, Rules Pertaining to the
Administration and Enforcement of the Colorado Noxious Weed Act.
Bulbous Bluegrass Poa bulbosa
Chicory Cihorum intybus
Common Burdock Arctium minus
Common Mullein Verbascum thapsus
Common St. Johnswort Hypericum perforatum
Downy Brome Bromus tectorum
Field Bindweed Convolvulus arvensis
Halogeton Halogeton glomeratus
Johnsongrass Sorghum halepense
Perennial Sowthistle Sonchus arvensis
Poison Hemlock Conium maculatum
Puncturevine Tribulus terrestris
Redstem Filaree Erodium cicutarium
Velvetleaf Abutilon theophrasti
Wild Proso Millet Panicum miliaceum
Colorado Noxious Weed “Watch List” Species
Species in the following “Watch List” are those that the state of Colorado has identified has potential
threats to environmental and agricultural health and productivity. For these species, early identification
and reporting is recommended as prevention is considered the best way of preventing these species from
joining the preceding noxious weed lists and warranting more intensive treatment.
Asian Mustard Brassica tournefortii
Baby’s Breath Gypsophilia paniculata
Bathurst Burr / Spiney Cocklebur Xanthium spinosum
Common Bugloss Anchusa officinalis
Common Reed Phragmites australis
Flowering Rush Butomus umbellatus
Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata
Hairy Willow-herb Epilobium hirsutum
Himalayan Blackberry Rubus armeniacus
Japanese Blood Grass / Cogongrass Imperata cylindrica
Meadow Hawkweed Hieracium causpitosum
Onionweed Asphodelus fistulosus
Pampas Grass Cortideria jubata
Scotch Broom Cytisus scoparius
Sericea Lespedeza Lespedeza cuneata
Swainsonpea Sphaerophysa salsula
Syrian Beancaper Zygophyllum fabago
Water Hyacinth Eichhornia Crassipes
Water Lettuce Pistia stratiotes
White Bryony Bryonia alba
Woolly Distaff Thistle Carthamus lanatus
Yellow Flag Iris Iris pseudacorus
Appendix D: Garfield County Noxious Weed List, taken from the Garfield
County Noxious Weed Management Guide, 2002
Leafy Spurge
Euphorbia esula
Russian Knapweed Acroptilon repens
Yellow Starthistle Centaurea solstitalis
Plumeless Thistle Carduus acanthoides
Houndstongue Cynoglossum officinale
Common Burdock Arctium minus
Scotch Thistle Onopordum acanthium
Canada Thistle Cirsium arvense
Spotted Knapweed Centaurea maculosa
Diffuse Knapweed Centaurea diffusa
Dalmatian Toadflax Toadflax Linaria dalmatica
Yellow Toadflax Linaria vulgaris
Hoary Cress Cardaria draba
Salt Cedar Tamarix parviflora; Tamarix ramosissima
Oxeye Daisy Chrysanthemum leucantheum
Jointed Goatgrass Aegilops cylindrica
Chicory Cichorium intybus
Musk Thistle Carduus nutans
Purple Loosestrife Lythrum salicaria
Russian Olive Elaeagnus angustifolia
Appendix E: Mesa County Noxious Weed List, taken from the Mesa County
Noxious Weed Management Plan, 2009
Bull Thistle
Cirsium vulgare
Canada Thistle Cirsium arvense
Dalmatian Toadflax Linaria dalmatica
Diffuse Knapweed Centaurea diffusa
Dyer’s Woad Isatis tinctoria
Goatshead / Puncturevine Tribulus terrestris
Hoary Cress / Whitetop Cardaria draba
Houndstongue Cynoglossum officianale
Leafy Spurge Euphorbia esula
Musk Thistle Carduus nutans
Oxeye Daisy Chrysanthemum leucanthemum
Plumeless Thistle Carduus acanthoides
Purple Loosestrife Lythrum salicaria
Russian Knapweed Acroptilon repens
Scotch Thistle Onopordum acanthium
Spotted Knapweed Cantaurea maculosa
Tamarisk Tamarix parviflora; Tamarix ramosissima
Yellow Starthistle Centaurea solstitialis
Yellow Toadflax Linaria vulgaris
Appendix F: Pitkin County Noxious Weed List, taken from the Pitkin County
Noxious Weed Management Plan, 2010
Absinth Wormwood Artemisia amsinthium
Black Henbane Hyoscyamus niger
Bull Thistle Cirsium vulgare
Canada Thistle Cirsium arvense
Chicory Cichorium intybus
Chinese clematis Clematis orientalis
Common Burdock Articum minus
Common Mullein Verbascum thapsus l.
Common Tansy Tanacetum vulgare
Cypress Spurge Euphorbia cyparissias
Dalmatian Toadflax Linaria dalmatica
Dame’s Rocket Hesperis matronalis
Diffuse Knapweed Centaurea diffusa
Downy Brome Bromus tectorum
Field Bindweed Convolvulus arvensis
Hoary Cress Cardaria draba
Houndstongue Cynoglossum officinale
Leafy Spurge Euphorbia esula
Meadow Knapweed Centaurea pratensis
Musk Thistle Carduus nutans
Myrtle Spurge Euphorbia myrsinites
Oxeye Daisy Chrysanthemum leucanthemum
Perennial Pepperweed Lepidium latifolium
Plumeless Thistle Carduus acanthoides
Poison Hemlock Conium maculatum
Russian Knapweed Centaurea repens
Russian Olive Elaeagnus angustifolia
Salt Cedar Tamarix chinensis; Tamarix ramosissima
Scentless Chamomile Matricaria perforata
Scotch Thistle Onopordum acanthium
Spotted Knapweed Centaurea maculosa
Sulfur Cinquefoil Potentilla recta
Wild Caraway Carum carvi
Yellow Toadflax Linaria vulgaris
Appendix G: Annual Weed Survey Maps
7S 96W 7S 95W
87 9
9 11
23
12
13
26
20 21
28
24 19
17
27
1814
29
22
16
25 30
4
3435
10
15
5
36
16
31 32
6
33
3 1
21
28
2
33
4
27
22
15
34
10
3
Noxious Weed MapNoxious Weed Map
T:\Client_Specific\2014\Ursa Resources\Locations\Speakman A\Site Assessment\UIC Maps\Nox Weeds Map 1-29-2014.mxd HCSI_mspinelli
Site Vicinity
DISCLAIMER : This Geographic Information System (GIS) and its
components are designed as a source of reference for answering
inquiries, for planning and for modeling. GIS is not intended, nor does it
replace legal description information in the chain of title and other
information contained in official government records such as the County
Clerk and Recorders office or the courts. In addition, the representations
of locations in this GIS cannot be substituted for actual legal surveys.012
Miles±Author: M Spinelli
Revision: 0
Date: 1/30/2014
Speakman UIC39.42079 -108.06023
0200400Feet
Pad Extent
Appendix I: Noxious Weed Summary Documents
Date: June 2013
Project Name:
Field Wide to incorporate Battlement Mesa, Gravel Trend, North Gravel Trend/Roan, Castle
Springs/Wolf Creek fields.
Permittee Name:
Ursa Operating Company, LLC
Permittee Corporate Address:
Ursa Operating Company, LLC
792 Buckhorn Drive
Rifle, CO 81650
Permittee Contact:
Mr. Robert W. Bleil
Permittee Contact Phone Number(s):
970-625-9922
Permittee Contact email address:
rbleil@ursaresources.com
Property Owner:
Private and Public lands
County Assessor’s Parcel No.:
Multiple
Address/Location of Property:
Property Owner Phone Number(s):
Property Owner email address (optional):
Name & Address of Qualified Individual or Company Submitting Weed Plan:
HRL Compliance Solutions, Inc.
2385 F ½ Road,
Grand Junction, CO 81505
Kay Lambert
Phone Number(s): 970.243.3271 Email: klambert@hrlcomp.com
Authorized Signature: ________________________________________
Print Authorized Name: Kay Lambert
Land Use Objectives: __________________________________________
All noxious weeds, as defined in the Garfield County or List A and List B species slated for
eradication or suppression in Garfield County by State Law (CRS 35-5.5), will be managed in all
disturbed areas of the proposed project using recommendations in Garfield County or other biologically-
based recommendations.
All State List A and List B populations to be eradicated and any other species slated by the County for
eradication will be reported upon discovery to the County Weed and Pest Inspector.
The applicant/permittee and their designees agree to respond to landowner complaints about noxious
weeds during development of the project site and take action to control such weeds when there is a
complaint.
Where do the weed(s) occur? (check all that apply)
Ditch, waterway, roadside or corral Rangeland
Irrigated Non-irrigated pasture Pipeline
SVCS pad/perimeter Easement, utility corridor or other right-of-way
Well pad, compressor/pump station, etc. Access road
Other (describe): ___________________________________________
Proposed method(s) of management: (check all that apply)
Herbicide Cultural Revegetation
Mechanical Preventive Biological
Alternative (describe): _______________________________
We plan to use the services of a professional weed control company.
Company name: _____________________________________
Spray application records will be retained by and be available for inspection from: _______________
Preventative Measures to be used during the active phase of development
a) Track pad gravel bed or rumble strips will be installed at ingress/egress points.
b) Certified Weed-Free mulch erosion control seed will be used to prevent new
weed infestations (check all that apply).
c) Vehicles and equipment entering the project site will be clean of mud and weed parts.
d) Soil from infested areas of the project site:
Will not be moved off site.
Will be moved off site to: (indicate site location)
Soil moved off site will be treated to control weeds at the new site.
Soil stockpiled on site and left in place for 90 days or more will be treated to control weeds.
Soil stockpiled on site and left in place for one year or more will be planted with to
prevent weeds from establishing.
e) Noxious weed infestations on specified access road(s) to the project site will be treated.
Exceptions: ___________________________________________________________________
f) Weeds in adjacent properties will be mapped.
g) Weeds in adjacent properties will be treated with permission of landowner.
h) Other: __________________________________________________________________
Monitoring
Who will monitor the weed treatments, HRL Compliance Solutions, Inc. or another qualified
entity/person?
Monitoring will be done at least time(s) per year in the (enter approximate time(s) of year).
Monitoring will be done for – months years until site is deemed restored.
Mapping
A map of the property showing the GPS locations of weed infestation(s) is attached. (Infestations
adjacent to or crossing borders of the property should be included)
Mapping will be conducted times per year until area is deemed restored complete.
A revegetation plan is included as a separate document.
Speakman A Injection Well
Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed Management Plan
Garfield County, Colorado
Cover photo: View across the Colorado River to the Speakman A well pad location.
Prepared for:
Ursa Operating Company, LLC.
Prepared by:
WestWater Engineering
2516 Foresight Circle #1
Grand Junction, CO 81505
In cooperation with:
Olsson Associates, Inc.
Nicholas Jaramillo, Biologist/Environmental Scientist
February 2014
WestWater Engineering Page 1 of 10 February 2014
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Project Description
At the request of Olsson Associates, Inc. (Olsson), on behalf of Ursa Operating Company, LLC. (Ursa),
WestWater Engineering (WestWater) has prepared an Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed
Management Plan for the proposed Speakman A Injection Well project. The proposed injection well
would be located on the existing Speakman A well pad location, and no new surface disturbance would be
required.
This project would be located on private lands in Section 24, Township 7 South, Range 96 West; Sixth
Principal Meridian in Garfield County, Colorado (Figure 1). The purpose of the well is to dispose of
produced water and flow-back water from Ursa’s drilling operations. The current primary uses of the
project area are rural residential, rangeland, natural gas development, and wildlife habitat.
1.2 General Survey Information
Pedestrian surveys of the project area were conducted on January 31, 2014. The site had active drilling
operations during the survey and snowy conditions prevented an accurate survey of the area immediately
adjacent to the pad. Identification of plant species was aided by using pertinent published field guides
(Kershaw et al. 1998, Whitson et al. 2001, CWMA 2007, Weber and Wittmann 2012). Noxious weed
locations were recorded with the aid of handheld global positioning system (GPS) receivers using NAD83
map datum, with all coordinate locations based on the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinate
system in Zone 12. Mapped soil types, as published by the Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), were reviewed to determine the soil types and
vegetation characteristics at the project site (NRCS 2013).
2.0 LANDSCAPE SETTING
2.1 Terrain
The terrain near the injection well consists primarily of gently rolling foothills flattening into bottom
valleys and then a riparian corridor. Elevation in the project area is approximately 5,100 feet.
2.2 Vegetation
Native vegetation near the pad site is consistent with sagebrush communities and pinyon/ juniper
woodlands that occur in the Colorado River valley corridor. Below the site much of the area is
pastureland that leads into a riparian plant community. Common plant species observed or expected near
the site are included in Table 1.
Table 1. Common plant species observed or expected near the site.
Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name
Bottlebrush squirreltail Elymus elymoides ssp.
elymoides
Pinyon pine Pinus edulis
Brittle pricklypear
cactus
Opuntia fragilis Prairie junegrass Koeleria macrantha
Broom snakeweed Gutierrezia sarothrae Rayless tansyaster Machaeranthera
grindelioides
Crested wheatgrass Agropyron cristatum Rubber rabbitbrush Ericameria nauseosa
Eaton's fleabane Erigeron eatonii Sandberg bluegrass Poa secunda
Hood's phlox Phlox hoodii Utah juniper Juniperus osteosperma
Indian ricegrass Achnatherum
hymenoides
Utah serviceberry Amelanchier utahensis
Low pussytoes Antennaria dimorpha Wyoming big sagebrush Artemisia tridentata var.
wyomingensis
WestWater Engineering Page 2 of 10 February 2014
3.0 NOXIOUS WEEDS
3.1 Introduction to Noxious Weeds
Most noxious weed species in Colorado were introduced, mostly from Eurasia, either unintentionally or
as ornamentals that established wild populations. These plants compete aggressively with native
vegetation and tend to spread quickly because the environmental factors that normally control them are
absent. Disturbed soils, altered native vegetation communities, and areas with increased soil moisture
often create prime conditions for weed infestations. The primary vectors that spread noxious weeds
include humans, animals, water, and wind.
The Colorado Noxious Weed Act (State of Colorado 2005) requires local governing bodies to develop
noxious weed management plans. Both the State of Colorado and Garfield County maintain a list of
plants that are considered to be noxious weeds. The State of Colorado noxious weed list segregates
noxious weed species based on priority for control:
1. List A species must be eradicated whenever detected.
2. List B species’ spread should be halted; may be designated for eradication in some counties.
3. List C species are widespread and the State will assist local jurisdictions which choose to manage
those weeds.
The Garfield County Weed Advisory Board has compiled a list of 21 plants from the State list considered
to be noxious weeds within the county (Garfield County 2013) (Appendix A). The Garfield County Weed
Advisory Board has duties to:
1. Develop a noxious weed list;
2. Develop a weed management plan for designated noxious weeds; and,
3. Recommend to the Board of County Commissioners that identified landowners submit an
integrated weed management plan for their properties (Garfield County 2002).
3.2 Observations
Due to the timing of the survey only one noxious weed species was observed (tamarisk [Tamarix spp.] –
State List B and Garfield County List). The several inches of snow and active drilling operations
prevented the surveyors from observing any forb or grass species within 100 ft. of the wellpad. Based on
the results of previous surveys conducted near the injection well, the following species are expected to
occur near the site: cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum – State List C), redstem filaree (Erodium cicutarium –
State List B), and field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis – State List C). Since the pad is existing, weed
management in the form of a bareground treatment should be used on the pad and selective weed control
used within 100 feet around the pad.
In areas where soil disturbances have created growing conditions that favor non-native vegetation, several
unlisted nuisance weed species most likely grow near the site. These plants can negate revegetation
efforts and cause financial losses due to decreased seeding success and associated costs of replanting. The
presence of these plants creates increased competition for resources and can negatively affect desirable
native plant species. Plants in this category include, clasping pepperweed (Lepidium perfoliatum),
flixweed (Descurania sophia), kochia (Bassia scoparia), and Russian thistle (Salsola spp.).
3.3 Integrated Weed Management
Control of invasive species is a difficult task and requires intensive on-going control measures. Care must
be taken to avoid negatively impacting desirable plant communities and inviting infestation by other
pioneer invaders. Weed management is best achieved by employing varied methods over several growing
seasons, including inventory (surveys), direct treatments, prevention through best management practices,
monitoring of treatment efficacy, and subsequent detection efforts. Weed management is often limited to
WestWater Engineering Page 3 of 10 February 2014
controlling existing infestations and prevention of further infestations, rather than eradication, but through
effective weed management practices eradication can be possible in small to medium sized weed
populations.
Assessment of the existence and extent of noxious weeds in an area is essential for the development of an
integrated weed management plan. This report provides an initial assessment of the occurrence of noxious
weeds for the project area. In order to continue effective management of noxious weeds, further inventory
and analysis is necessary to 1) determine the effectiveness of the past treatment strategies; 2) modify the
treatment plan, if necessary; and 3) detect new infestations early, which would result in more economical
and effective treatments.
3.4 Prevention of Noxious Weed Infestations
Weed management can be costly, and heavy infestations may exceed the economic threshold for practical
treatment. Prevention is an especially valuable and economical strategy for noxious weed management.
Several simple practices should be employed to prevent weed infestations. The following practices will
prevent infestation and thereby reduce costs associated with noxious weed control:
Prior to delivery to the site, all equipment and vehicles, including maintenance vehicles, should
be thoroughly cleaned of soils from previous sites which may be contaminated with noxious
weeds.
If working in sites with weed-seed contaminated soil, equipment should be cleaned of potentially
seed-bearing soils and vegetative debris at the infested area prior to moving to uncontaminated
terrain.
Avoid driving vehicles through areas where weed infestations exist.
Use of weed free materials such as mulch and seed.
3.5 Treatment and Control of Noxious Weed Infestations
The treatment method and timing will be determined by the company and their contracted licensed
pesticide applicators. The recommendations provided in this report will be considered when developing
annual treatment plans.
General control methods for the species detected in the project area are provided for reference in Table 2.
Table 2. General noxious weed control methods for species in the project area.
Common Name
Scientific Name
USDA Symbol Type* Control Methods
Downy brome, cheatgrass
Bromus tectorum
BRTE
A
Prevent seed production. Apply herbicides in fall and
spring in large monocultures where there are few if any
desirable grasses. Till when plants are in the seedling
stage followed by seeding with native cool-season
grasses. Avoid overgrazing. Best management practices
are most effective in preventing and controlling
infestations.
Field bindweed
Convolvulus arvensis
COAR4
P
Deplete energy reserves in roots. Herbicide treatment
when plants are beginning to flower. Biological controls
are available and fairly effective for large populations
growing in sunny dry conditions. Tillage is not effective
and will result in denser populations.
Redstem filaree A Prevent seed production. Apply herbicides in the fall or
WestWater Engineering Page 4 of 10 February 2014
Table 2. General noxious weed control methods for species in the project area.
Common Name
Scientific Name
USDA Symbol Type* Control Methods
Erodium cicutarium
ERCI
spring when plants are in rosette stage. Hand digging in
the rosette stage when soil is moist can be effective for
small, isolated populations. Preventing introduction of
seeds through clean vehicles and careful management of
soil stocks can help reduce introductions. Seeding with
competitive grasses and avoiding creation of open, bare
areas aids in control.
Salt cedar, Tamarisk
Tamarix ramosissima
TARA
P
Deplete energy reserves in roots. Cut mature trees
and treat cut stump immediately with herbicide.
Spray bark of smooth-barked immature trees with
herbicide. Treat resprouts for at least 2 years.
Biological agents available for large infestations.
* Type: A = annual; B = biennial; P = perennial; Bold = Garfield County List
3.6 Recommended Treatment Strategies
The following treatment strategies are presented for reference. It is important to know whether the weed
species being managed is an annual, biennial, or perennial to select strategies that effectively control and
eliminate the target. Treatment strategies vary depending on plant type, which are summarized in Tables 3
and 4. Herbicides should not always be the first treatment of choice when other methods can be
effectively employed.
Table 3. Treatment Strategies for Annual and Biennial Noxious Weeds
Target: Prevent Seed Production
1. Hand grub (pull), hoe, till, cultivate in rosette stage and before flowering or seed maturity. If flowers
or seeds develop, cut and bag seed heads.
2. Cut roots with a spade 2”-3” below soil level.
3. Treat with herbicide in seedling, rosette or bolting stage, before flowering.
4. Mow biennials after bolting stage but before seed set. Mowing annuals will not prevent flowering but
can reduce total seed production.
(Sirota 2004)
Table 4. Treatment Strategies for Perennials
Target: Deplete nutrient reserves in root system, prevent seed production
1. Allow plants to expend as much energy from root system as possible. Do not treat when first
emerging in spring but allow growth to bud/bloom stage. If seeds develop cut and bag if possible.
2. Herbicide treatment at bud to bloom stage or in the fall (recommended after August 15 when natural
precipitation is present). In the fall plants draw nutrients into the roots for winter storage. Herbicides
will be drawn down to the roots more efficiently at this time due to translocation of nutrients to roots
rather than leaves. If the weed patch has been present for a long period of time another season of seed
production is not as important as getting the herbicide into the root system. Spraying in fall (after
middle August) will kill the following year’s shoots, which are being formed on the roots at this time.
WestWater Engineering Page 5 of 10 February 2014
Table 4. Treatment Strategies for Perennials
Target: Deplete nutrient reserves in root system, prevent seed production
3. Mowing usually is not recommended because the plants will flower anyway, rather, seed production
should be reduced. Many studies have shown that mowing perennials and spraying the regrowth is not
as effective as spraying without mowing. Effect of mowing is species dependent therefore it is
imperative to know the species and its basic biology. Timing of application must be done when
biologically appropriate, which is not necessarily convenient.
4. Tillage may or may not be effective or practical. Most perennial roots can sprout from pieces only 0.5
inch – 1.0 inch long. Clean machinery thoroughly before leaving the weed patch.
5. Hand pulling is generally not recommended for perennial species unless you know the plants are
seedlings and not established plants. Hand pulling can be effective on small patches but is very labor
intensive because it must be done repeatedly.
(Sirota 2004)
Some weeds, particularly annuals and biennials, can develop resistance to herbicides. The ability to
quickly develop immunity to herbicides, especially when they are used incorrectly, makes it imperative to
use the proper chemicals at the correct time in the specified concentration according to the product label.
Excessive application, either in frequency or concentration, can result in top kill without significantly
affecting the root system. Repeated excessive applications may result in resistant phenotypes.
3.7 Noxious Weed Management – Best Management Practices
Construction: The following practices should be adopted for any construction project to reduce the costs
of noxious weed control and aid in prevention efforts. Any new disturbance for this project is unlikely,
however these practices will help prevent spread of noxious weeds. The practices include:
Prior to delivery to the site, equipment should be cleaned of soils remaining from previous
construction sites which may be contaminated with noxious weeds.
Equipment and material handling should be done on established sites to reduce the area and
extent of soil compaction.
In all cases, temporary disturbance should be kept to an absolute minimum.
Top soil, where present, should be segregated from deeper soils and replaced as top soil on the
final grade, a process known as live topsoil handling.
If stored longer than one growing season, topsoil stockpiles should be seeded with non-invasive
sterile hybrid grasses.
Wetland vegetation, if encountered, should be live handled like sod, temporarily watered if
necessary, and placed over excavated sub-soil relative to the position from which the wetland sod
was removed.
Cut-off collars should be placed on all wetland and stream crossings to prevent back washing
(seed vector) and to ensure that soil moisture conditions are not impacted after construction so
that native plants can re-establish from the existing seed bank.
If working in weed infested sites, equipment should be cleaned of potentially seed-bearing soils
and vegetative debris prior to moving to uncontaminated terrain.
After construction, disturbed areas outside the footprint of the development should be
immediately reseeded with an appropriate seed mix.
WestWater Engineering Page 6 of 10 February 2014
Herbicides: Many of the listed noxious weed species in Colorado can be controlled with commercially
available herbicides. Annual and biennial weeds are best controlled at the pre-bud stage after germination
or in the spring of the second year. Selective herbicides are recommended to minimize damage to
desirable grass species.
It is important that applicators adhere to concentrations specified on herbicide containers. Herbicides
generally do not work better at higher concentrations. Herbicide failures are frequently related to high
concentrations that result in top kill before the active ingredient can be transported to the roots through
the nutrient translocation process. If directed on the herbicide label, a surfactant or other adjuvant should
be added to the tank.
Grazing: In the event grazing is allowed in the project area, it should be deferred in reclaimed areas until
revegetation of desirable species has been successfully established and seeded plants have had the
opportunity to reproduce.
Monitoring: Areas where noxious weed infestations are identified and treated should be inspected over
time to ensure that control methods are working to reduce and suppress the identified infestation. The
sites should be monitored until the infestations are eliminated. These inspections can then be used to
prioritize future weed control efforts.
3.8 Commercial Applicator Recommendations
A certified commercial pesticide applicator licensed in rangeland and/or right-of-way/industrial weed
control (depending on site characteristics) is a necessary choice for herbicide control efforts. An
applicator has the full range of knowledge, skills, equipment, and experience desired when dealing with
tough noxious weeds. In addition, the purchase and use of restricted use herbicides requires a Colorado
pesticide applicator license.
4.0 REVEGETATION – RECLAMATION
The following sections provide project specific details for reclamation of this site.
Based on the types of soils present and quantitative vegetative analysis, the following reclamation
recommendations are provided.
Soil Preparation
Special soil preparation techniques may be needed as soil compaction may be an issue on the well pad.
Compaction can reduce water infiltration and also hinder the penetration of the sprouting seed. Practices
that will reduce compaction and prepare the seedbed include: scarification, tillage, or harrowing
(Colorado Natural Areas Program et al. 1998).
Soil Amendments
WestWater does not recommend the use of soil amendments for reclamation for this project due to the
likelihood that fertilizer containing nitrogen will disproportionately benefit undesirable annual plants
(Perry et al. 2010). If the company determines the use of soil amendments to be beneficial, the type and
rate should be based on soil samples near the site.
With proper topsoil handling, these soils should revegetate well with native plant species included in the
seed mix recommended below. The addition of soil amendments in rangeland reclamation projects can
create more optimal growing conditions for non-native or invasive plant species, with which native plants
compete poorly.
A potentially beneficial alternative method to enhance reclamation success, particularly where there is
poor or destroyed topsoil, is the application of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). These
fungi, mostly of the genus Glomus, are symbiotic with about 80 percent of all vegetation. Endo-
mycorrhizal fungi are associated mostly with grasses and forbs and could be helpful in reclamation. In
WestWater Engineering Page 7 of 10 February 2014
symbiosis, the fungi can increase water and nutrient transfer capacity of the host root system (Barrow and
McCaslin 1995). Over-the-counter commercial products are available, and the best products should
contain more than one fungus species.
Seed Mixture
The recommended seed mix (Table 5) is adapted from the Bureau of Land Management’s Colorado River
Valley Field Office seed menu recommendations (BLM 2012). This seed mix is well suited for pinyon
and juniper woodlands and Wyoming big sagebrush shrublands typical of the foothill region of the
Colorado River corridor and includes perennial native grasses and forbs that should establish well, protect
topsoil, and provide a basis for rehabilitation for the site upon reclamation.
Table 5. Pinyon-juniper woodland and/or Wyoming big sagebrush shrubland.
Common Name Scientific Name Variety Season Form
PLS
lbs/acre*
Plant Both of the Following (15% Each, 30% Total)
Bottlebrush
Squirreltail
Elymus elymoides, Sitanion
hystrix
VNS
Cool
Bunch
2.0
Bluebunch
Wheatgrass
Pseudoroegneria
spicata, Agropyron
spicatum
Secar, P-7,
Anatone,
Goldar
Cool
Bunch
2.8
and Two of the Following (20% Each, 40% Total)
Thickspike
Wheatgrass
Elymus lanceolatus ssp.
lanceolatus,
Agropyron
dasystachyum
Critana,
Bannock,
Schwendimar
Cool
Sod-
forming
3.4
Slender Wheatgrass Elymus trachycaulus,
Agropyron trachycaulum
Revenue,
Pryor
Cool
Bunch
3.3
Western Wheatgrass Pascopyrum [Agropyron]
smithii
Rosana,
Arriba
Cool Sod-
forming
4.8
and Three of the Following (10% Each, 30% Total)
Indian Ricegrass Achnatherum [Oryzopsis]
hymenoides
Paloma,
Rimrock
Cool
Bunch
1.9
Arizona Fescue Festuca arizonica Redondo Cool Bunch 0.5
Galleta Pleuraphis [Hilaria] jamesii
Viva florets
Warm Bunch/Sod-
forming
1.7
Muttongrass Poa fendleriana VNS Cool Bunch 0.3
Sandberg Bluegrass Poa sandbergii, Poa
secunda
VNS
Cool
Bunch
0.3
Sand Dropseed Sporobolus cryptandrus VNS Warm Bunch 0.1
OPTIONAL: Any combination from the following species may be substituted for up to 10% of the
above grasses.
Rocky Mountain
Beeplant
Cleome serrulata
VNS
Annual Sunflower Helianthus annuus VNS
Arrowleaf
Balsamroot
Balsamorhiza sagittata
VNS
Sulfur Flower Eriogonum umbellatum VNS
Utah sweetvetch Hedysarum boreale VNS
Scarlet
Globemallow
Sphaeralcea coccinea
VNS
WestWater Engineering Page 8 of 10 February 2014
Table 5. Pinyon-juniper woodland and/or Wyoming big sagebrush shrubland.
Common Name Scientific Name Variety Season Form
PLS
lbs/acre*
Four-Wing Saltbush Atriplex canescens VNS
White Sagebrush Artemisia ludoviciana VNS
*Based on 60 pure live seeds (PLS) per square foot, drill-seeded. Double this rate (120 PLS per square foot) if
broadcast or hydroseeded.
Seeding Methods
Drill seeding would be the most appropriate and economical method for seeding the majority of the
project area. Hydroseeding or hand-broadcast seeding at twice the recommended drill seed rate is
recommended for steep slopes or for smaller areas where drill seeding would be impractical or dangerous.
Mulching
Crimped straw mulch would be the most cost effective and practical method of mulching areas prone to
erosion after drill seeding this site. No mulching is recommended for areas that are hydroseeded. Potential
detrimental effects of mulching include the introduction of weed species and the establishment of non-
native cereal grains. Use of a certified weed-free sterile wheat hybrid would limit these effects.
BMPs
Excelsior wattles or straw bales at the toe of steep slopes and water discharge points are appropriate to
help control water velocity flowing off the alignment during storm runoff. Terracing slopes near or
exceeding 3:1 will reduce erosion, benefitting topsoil and seed retention and thereby improving
revegetation success.
5.0 REFERENCES
Barrow, J. R., and B. D. McCaslin. 1995. Role of microbes in resource management in arid ecosystems.
In: Barrow, J. R., E. D. McArthur, R. E. Sosebee, and Tausch, R. J., comps. 1996. Proceedings:
shrubland ecosystem dynamics in a changing environment. General Technical Report, INT-
GTR-338, Ogden, Utah: U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service, Intermountain
Resource Station, 275 pp.
BLM. 2012. Revised Revegetation Seed Mix Menus, CRVFO Energy Team. U.S. Bureau of Land
Management, Colorado River Valley Field Office. Silt, Colorado.
Colorado Natural Areas Program, Colorado State Parks, Colorado Department of Natural Resources.
1998. Native Plant Revegetation Guide for Colorado. Available online:
http://www.parks.state.co.us/SiteCollectionImages/parks/Programs/CNAP/CNAPPublications/Re
vegetationGuide/revegetation.pdf. Accessed February 4, 2014
CWMA. 2007. S. Anthony, T. D’Amato, A. Doran, S. Elzinga, J. Powell, I. Schonle, K. Uhing. Noxious
Weeds of Colorado, Ninth Edition. Colorado Weed Management Association, Centennial.
Garfield County. 2002. Garfield County Vegetation Management and Garfield County Weed Advisory
Board. Garfield County Noxious Weed Management Plan, Resolution #2002-94, October 21.
Garfield County. 2013. Vegetation Management Section – Noxious Weed List. Available online:
http://www.garfield-county.com/vegetation-management/noxious-weed-list.aspx. Accessed
Feburary 4, 2014
Kershaw, L., A. MacKinnon, and J. Pojar. 1998. Plants of the Rocky Mountains. Lone Pine Publishing,
Auburn, Washington.
WestWater Engineering Page 9 of 10 February 2014
NRCS. 2013. Web Soil Survey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service,
URL: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov
Perry, L.G., D.M. Blumenthal, T.A. Monaco, M.W. Paschke, and E.F. Redente. 2010. Immobilizing
nitrogen to control plan invasion. Oecologia: 163:12-24.
Sirota, J. M. 2004. Best management practices for noxious weeds of Mesa County. Colorado State
University, Cooperative Extension Tri River Area, Grand Junction, Colorado. URL:
http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/TRA/Weeds/weedmgmt.html
State of Colorado. 2005. Rules pertaining to the administration and enforcement of the Colorado Noxious
Weed Act, 35-5-1-119, C.R.S. 2003. Department of Agriculture, Plant Industry Division,
Denver, 78 pp.
Weber, W.A., and R.C. Wittmann. 2012. Colorado Flora, Western Slope. Fourth Edition, University Press
of Colorado, Boulder.
Whitson, T. D. (editor), L. C. Burrill, S. A. Dewey, D. W. Cudney, B. E. Nelson, R. D. Lee and R.
Parker. 2001. Weeds of the West – 9th edition. Western Society of Weed Science in cooperation
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WestWater Engineering Page 1 of 10 February 2014
• Tamarisk
CJ Pad Disturbance
c:::J 100 Foot Weed Survey Area
--County Road
--Rivers and Streams
LJBLM
Figure 1
Ursa Operating Company
Speakman A Injection Well
Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed
0
Management Plan
Noxious Weed Locations
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400
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800
WestWater Engineering Appendix A February 2014
Appendix A
Garfield County Noxious Weed List
Species Common name
Species
Code
Growth
Form Life History
State
Listing
Acroptilon repens Russian knapweed ACRE3 Forb Perennial B
Aegilops
cylindrica Jointed goatgrass AECY Grass Annual B
Arctium minus Common (Lesser)
burdock ARMI2 Forb Biennial C
Cardaria draba Hoary cress, Whitetop CADR Forb Perennial B
Carduus
acanthoides
Spiny plumeless
thistle CAAC Forb Biennial / Winter
Annual B
Carduus nutans Musk (Nodding
plumeless) thistle CANU4 Forb Biennial B
Centaurea diffusa Diffuse knapweed CEDI3 Forb Perennial B
Centaurea
maculosa Spotted knapweed CEMA4 Forb Perennial B
Centaurea
solstitialis Yellow starthistle CESO3 Forb Annual A
Chrysanthemum
leucanthemum Oxeye daisy CHLE80 Forb Perennial B
Cichorium
intybus Chicory CIIN Forb Perennial C
Cirsium arvense Canada thistle CIAR4 Forb Perennial B
Cynoglossum
officinale
Houndstongue,
Gypsyflower CYOF Forb Biennial B
Elaeagnus
angustifolia Russian olive ELAN Tree Perennial B
Euphorbia esula Leafy spurge EUES Forb Perennial B
Linaria
dalmatica
Dalmatian toadflax,
broad-leaved LIDA Forb Perennial B
Linaria vulgaris Yellow toadflax LIVU2 Forb Perennial B
Lythrum salicaria Purple loosestrife LYSA2 Forb Perennial A
Onopordum
acanthium Scotch thistle ONAC Forb Biennial B
Tamarix
parviflora Smallflower tamarisk TAPA4 Tree Perennial B
Tamarix
ramosissima Salt cedar, Tamarisk TARA Tree Perennial B
WestWater Engineering Appendix B February 2014
Appendix B
Noxious Weed Locations
Species Northing Easting Quantity
Tamarisk 4367405 752850 10-50