HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.0 Conditions of Approvalmemo
encana
To: Glenn Hartmann
cc:
From: Kathy Friesen
Subject: Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc., Wildlife Mitigation Plan, North Parachute Ranch
Date: August 13, 2013
Attached, please find Encana's Wildlife Mitigation Plan (WMP) for the North Parachute Ranch area of operation.
Included in this packet is the initial document, dated September 2009, with modifications dated December 2009
and November 2010. This combined packet is consistent with the document referenced as the Wildlife Mitigation
Plan (Encana Oil & Gas 2011) in the Hunter Ridge Energy Services, Wolf Ranch Compressor Station Impact
Analysis.
Please note that this document is currently under further revision with CPW to re -structure the document to a
more user friendly, streamlined format, and to make appropriate updates related to current status and actions
completed. CPW is in agreement with the revisions being made and is in the process of finalizing their review of
the document. The intent of the language in the revised document, including the subsequent modifications has
been retained. We will provide a copy of the final, signed revision to Garfield County as it becomes available.
Should you have any questions or require any clarification regarding the attached document, please feel free to
contact me at 970-285-2665 or kathy.friesenaencana.com
Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc.
143 Diamond Road Parachute CO 81635 USA 970.285.2600 encana.corn
ENCANA OIL & GAS (USA) INC.
WILDLIFE MITIGATION PLAN
NORTH PARACHUTE RANCH
EnCana Oil & Gas (IDSA) Inc. (EnCana) and the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) agree to the
attached Wildlife Mitigation Plan (WMP) for EnCana's proposed oil and gas operations on EnCana's
North Parachute Ranch (NPR) property. The purposes of this WMP are to identify best practices for
natural gas development on the NPR to protect wildlife and to document that consultation on wildlife
issues has occurred. I?nCana agrees to implement and otherwise conform its operations to the terms and
conditions of this WMP as rnodified by agreement of the parties. This WMP does not apply to the
operations of other oil and gas companies on the NPR; however, certain of these companies are required
to adhere to EnCana's environmental stewardship standards. EnCana will provide this WMP to
contractors engaged in EnCana's operations on the NPR.
CDOW acknowledges that it has consulted with EnCana regarding proposed oil and gas operations in
areas of Sensitive Wildlife I-labitat (SWH) and in Restricted Surface Occupancy (RSO) areas within the
NPR, and agrees that the best practices are incorporated into this WMP. Accordingly, within five days
of electronic notice of the posting ofa Form 2A on the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission
(COGCC) website, the CDOW shall inform the COGCC in writing that the CDOW waives consultation
on the Form 2A. If the Form 2A includes a RSO area, the information submitted to the COGCC by the
CROW shall state that operations within the RSO are exempted pursuant to Rule 1205.a.(4). If the
information is not provided to the COGCC within five days of posting of the Form 2A, the CDOW shall
be deemed to have waived consultation.
The conditions of approval (COAs) listed in Appendix 0 shall be attached to all Forms 2A submitted to
the COUCC by EnCana for oil and gas locations covered by this WMP.
The COGCC has authority over EnCana's operations on the NPR. If EnCana is not in material
compliance with this WMP, then Forms 2A filed by EnCana will be subject to the consultation
requirements of Rule 306.c in accordance with such rule.
The parties agree that the terms and conditions of this WMP shall inure to the benefit of and be binding
upon the parties hereto and the parties' respective successors and assigns. No party may assign its rights
or obligations under this WMP without the express written consent of the other party and such consent
may not be unreasonably withheld.
This WMP may be modified by agreement of both CDOW and EnCana. Any such modification of this
WMP shall not be effective unless agreed to in writing by the parties in an approved Record of
Modification (see Appendix F). In addition, this WMP is subject to such modifications as may be
required by changes in Federal or State law, or their implementing regulations. Any such required
modification shall automatically be incorporated into and be part of this WMP on the effective date of
such change as if fully set forth herein and the parties agree to take all actions necessary to comply with
the changes to Federal or State law, or their implementing regulations.
The term of this WMP expires on the date indicated below. Either parry may terminate its agreement to
this WMP upon 30 days written notice to the other party. Upon expiration of the 30 days, all future
obligations of the parties under this WMP are terminated. However, and notwithstanding such
termination, the parties remain obligated and are required to continue to comply with the terms and
conditions of this WMP for operations conducted pursuant to an approved Form 2A or associated permit
that was approved during the effective period of this WMP.
It is expressly understood and agreed by the parties that, except for rights of enforcement by the
COGCC set forth above, nothing in this WMP shall give or allow any claim or right of action by any
other third party.
The waiver of any breach of a term or condition of this WMP by a party shall not be construed or
deemed a waiver ofany subsequent breach of a term or condition, nor shall it impact in any way the
rights of enforcement by the COGCC.
This WMP is the complete integration of all understandings between the parties. No prior or
contemporaneous addition, deletion, or any other amendment thereto shall have any force or effect
unless embodied herein in writing.
The signatories hereto warrant that they possess the legal authority to enter into this WMP and that they
have taken all actions required by the respective parties' procedures, by-laws or applicable law to
exercise that authority, and to lawfully authorize the undersigned signatory to execute this WMP and
bind the party to its terms and conditions. The persons executing this WMP on behalf of the parties
warrant that such person have full authorization to execute this WMP.
EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc.
il '--
7 -.? (2._
By 1
Darn ri Henke
Vice President South Rockies
Colorado Division of Wildlife
By 6-7072. C/ivetitee
Ron Velarde, NW Regional Manager
Effective Date:
Expiration Date:
Date
WILDLIFE MITIGATION PLAN FOR THE NORTH PARACHUTE RANCH
1. Introduction
This Wildlife Mitigation Plan (WMP) was developed in consultation with the Colorado Division of
Wildlife (CROW) for the North Parachute Ranch (NPR). This WMP satisfies the consultation
requirement of Rule 1202 for new and reoccupied oil and gas locations within Sensitive Wildlife Habitat
(SWI -l) and Restricted Surface Occupancy (RSO) areas. The general operating requirements in Rule
1203 are incorporated by reference into this WMP. For purposes of presenting the applicable wildlife
practices, the NPR is described in four Subgroups based on topography, habitat, and existing surface use
agreements with third parties: Old Mountain, Northwest NPR, East and Central Girls' Claims, and
Canyons (see Appendix C, Figure 1).
EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. (tnCana) and CDOW will review this WMP annually. However,
discussions of development activity or changes in species and habitats considered in this WMP may
occur prior to or during the annual review. Records related to reclamation, weed control, on-site
biological reports and wildlife matrix forms, biological and pre -construction surveys, and grazing
management will be made available by EnCona for review by CDOW during the annual WMI' meeting
with CDOW. However, EnCana will not relinquish to CDOW or Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation
Commission (COGCC) any data or report related to the NPR that is not public information. EnCana
will contract with a third -party to audit EnCana's operations pursuant to this WMP for the prior two-
year period, starting from the effective date of this WMP, and will provide the audit results to CDOW
during the annual review.
11. Development Plan to Protect Wildlife
A. Development Activity
Projection of EnCana's future development on the NPR is based on a combination of 40 -acre, 20 -acre,
and l0 -acre down -hole spacing and well density. The map included in Appendix A depicts EnCana's
proposed development for the term of this WMP and certain of EnCana's operations (i.e., wel 1pads,
facilities, roads, and pipelines) on the NPR to date. EnCana will consult with CDOW regarding any
changes to its proposed development (i.e., drilling operations, facilities, roads, and pipelines) depicted in
Appendix A that would affect RSO or SWH areas. This WMP includes 18 new well pads, 23 reoccupied
well pads, and 1 compressor station (see Figure 1).
For the duration of this WMP, EnCana will place a priority on conducting its drilling operation in the
NPR from existing pads rather than from newly constructed pads. In addition, during the winter months
(Le., from, January 1 through April 15) EnCana will endeavor to geographically consolidate the location
of its drilling rigs within the Canyons Subgroup.
The Northwest NPR Subgroup is divided into six regions for which the development pattern will be
based on temporal restrictions, due to the sensitivity of the habitat. A detailed description of the
development plan for this Subgroup is in Section IV of this WMP.
°fhe Old Mountain Subgroup is divided into the following three Subunits (see Appendix C, Figure 1)
based on habitat: 1) North Old Mountain (as divided by Granlee Gulch/Rulison Gulch); 2) South Old
Mountain; and 3) Long Ridge. FnCana will develop South Old Mountain and North Old Mountain in a
staged manner from south to north.
If EnCana wishes to operate more than twenty drilling rigs at one time in the NPR, EnCana will consult
with CI)OW.
13. Development Practices
The following technologies and practices will be used by EnCana in all Subgroups where appropriate
and feasible, as determined by EnCana, to minimize impacts to SWH and RSO areas during
development.
1. Three-phase gathering systems to reduce footprint remaining during production phase, eliminate
traffic, and reduce venting and potential spills.
2. Remote well control and monitoring to reduce traffic and increase emergency response
efficiency.
3. Solar panels as an alternate energy source for on -location production equipment.
4. New directional drilling technology, such as longer reaches, shorter total depth times, and natural
gas powered -rigs, wherever economically and technically feasible.
5. Simultaneous drilling and completions activities to shorten the disturbance time necessary to
drill, complete, and hring the pad to production.
6. Green completions to reduce venting of natural gas to atmosphere during new well completions.
7. Secondary spill containment for trucks, tanks, pumps and other equipment on all active
cotnpletions operations (portable containment, not an earthwork berm).
8. Temporary surface water delivery lines to reduce truck traffic.
9. Remote frac-ing to reduce the size of pad needed for simultaneous operations.
10. Average minimal well pad surface disturbance of 0.5 acres or fewer per well (well pad
disturbance does not include associated pipelines, access roads, or facilities) wherever possible.
11. Electric power at existing and future compressor stations to reduce emissions.
12. Appropriate fencing and netting on temporary fluid pits for the purpose of excluding wildlife,
and treatment of fresh water storage pits with biological mosquito controls (from June through
September) when water quality may allow propagation of mosquitoes.
13. Pipeline Construction
a. Gathering line placement adjacent to roads wherever possible, unless the existing road is
adjacent to waterways.
b. Multiple gathering lines placed in a single trench to minimize disturbance and construction
times for multiple lines.
c. Trench plugs (sloped to allow wildlife or livestock to exit the trench should they enter) at
known wildlife or livestock trails to allow safe crossing on long spans of open trench.
d. Pipelines installed at right angles to the drainages, wetlands, and perennial water bodies.
e. Fquipmenl bridges for pipeline construction made from either clean rock and flume pipes or
timber equipment mats with fltune pipes.
f. Horizontal directional drill techniques at perennial water bodies and wetland complexes.
g. In -stream construction activity limited to 24 -hours for water bodies less than ten feet wide
and to 48 -hours for water bodies greater than ten feet wide at locations where horizontal
boring is not feasible.
h. A minimum of live feet of soil cover maintained between the pipeline and the lowest point of
the drainage or water body channel.
i. Refueling equipment will not be installed or handled within 100 feet of a drainage, stream, or
wetland during pipeline construction.
14. Road and Pad Construction
a. Existing roads used in lieu of new construction wherever feasible.
b. Toe berms of adequate size on all fill slopes facing and or adjacent to potential water to
contain any erosion from the fill slope.
c. Storm water perimeter control(s) on all new facility construction adequate to contain a 100 -
year storm event.
d. Topsoil windrows on all new facility construction for perimeter control to divert to terminal
discharge points.
e. Hydraulic erosion control mulch or armoring on all exterior slopes adjacent to waterways.
f All access roads and facilities other than well pads seeded in a timely manner ager
construction has been completed and seeding of all topsoil on pact construction.
g. Reclamation plans will be in place prior to construction of well pads.
IIII.Environmental and Wildlife Best Management practices and Mitigation for All Subgroups
A. Best Management Practices for Phases of Construction
EnCana will follow the best management practices described below for EnCana operations on the
NPR.
1. Perform biological site surveys (on-site) for each new development, using the most recent data
sets for wildlife and aquatic resources (the report format is based upon Federal on-site surveys).
2. Perform pre -disturbance surveys when the on-site inspection and commencement of disturbance
occur in different field seasons (e.g., new raptor nests). using the most recent data sets for
wildlife and aquatic resources.
3. Utilize the Wildlife Resources Matrix (Appendix 0) and EnCana's wildlife resources database
and maps to identify and document (where appropriate) potential impacts or concerns during the
project planning phase for proposed drilling operations and construction of roads, pads and
pipelines. The Wildlife Resources Matrix reflects a prioritization of species habitat sensitivity as
agreed upon by (DOW and EnCana.
4. Follow the North Parachute Ranch Integrated Vegetation Management Guidance (2009)
(Appendix E) as a guidance for interim and final reclamation practices, including identifying
appropriate seed mixes and invasive weer) control measures. Selection of seed mixes will be
based upon the type of ecosystem affected. Implementation of the North Parachute Ranch
Integrated Vegetation Management Guidance will be documented on Form 4 (Sundry Notice for
Reclamation).
13. Best Management Practices for Operations
EnCana will follow the best management practices described below during operations on the NPR.
1 Manage all grazing lease agreements for the NPR under a consistent monitoring program to
ensure livestock utilization does not negatively impact other natural resources. Monitoring will
include fence inspections, periodic range checks for trespass cattle or unexpected issues; and
grazing utilization baskets to determine percentage of use so that livestock may be timely
removed from an area. Existing and new lease agreements include provisions to: 1) limit animal
unit months; 2) prevent overgrazing; 3) apply the grazing standards of the BLM for public
domain; 4) manage the use of salt blocks to protect vegetation; 5) conduct spraying operations
consistent with good range management practices as employed and recommended in the area;
and 6) utilize sound aminal management practices. EnCana will develop a long term grazing
management guideline for the NPR within two years of the effective date of this WMP. The
grazing management guideline will include grazing lease deferrals as a habitat protection
strategy.
2. Prohibit EnCana employees and contractors from carrying projectile weapons (including bows)
on EnCana property, except during company -organized events.
3. Prohibit pets on EnCana property,
4. Strategically apply fugitive dust control measures on the NPR to reduce coating of vegetation
and deposition in water sources, including enforcing established speed Limits on private EnCana
roads.
5. Use temporary living quarters, where feasible, to reduce the amount of traffic to and from
drilling and completion locations.
6. Dedicate at least one full-time EnCana employee for oversight of the application of the
environmental considerations in this WMP starting in 2010.
7. In the West Fork Resource Area, as depicted in Appendix C, Figure 2, restrict residential and
commercial development during the period of oil and gas development and production.
C. Studies, Best Management Practices, and Mitigation for Aquatic Resources in the NPR
1. Studies and Sampling
EnCana will continue the studies and sampling efforts described below on the NPR.
a. Biannual macro -invertebrate sampling.
b. Water sampling to monitor for changes in water quality. Sampling will occur quarterly at
low elevations and biannually at higher elevations. Existing and new water sampling data
will be maintained by EnCana and the US Geological Survey (USGS).
c. Continue to cooperate with CDOW to allow fish sampling, taking into consideration safety
and operational concerns.
2. Best Management Practices and Mitigation
EnCana will implement the following best management practices and mitigation measures for
EnCana's operations on the NPR.
a. Conduct operations consistent with the Master Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) for
the North Parachute Ranch Permit # COR -037689, revised May 2008, which will continue to
be implemented and updated in accordance with applicable state regulations.
b. Use two or more storm water best management practices to control sediment runoff and
control or contain any potential spills, wherever surface disturbance must occur within a
riparian habitat, as defined by the presence of riparian associated vegetation.
c. Relocate temporary travel routes necessary for development (such as secondary access
routes) and long-term travel routes, wherever feasible, away from riparian habitat (as defined
by vegetation) at the time of interim reclamation,
d. Maintain spill response kits at strategic locations adjacent to riparian areas.
e. Use engineering controls at all water draw points from Parachute Creek (i.e., overhead
loading, one-way valves, install stationary draw hoses with screened intakes) to prevent
contamination of the Parachute Creek drainage.
f. Inspect all equipment that will contact a stream, spring or water body for cleanliness before
commencing work to prevent the spread of disease, aquatic parasites, and invasive species.
If heavy equipment arrives from offsite, ensure that the owner/operation provides EnCana
with documentation that the equipment was cleaned in accordance with one of the following
CDOW standards:
1) Remove mud and debris from equipment and wet the equipment for a miriimuin of ten
minutes with a solution containing: dialkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (5-10% by
weight), alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (5-10% by weight), nonyl phenol
ethoxylate (5-10% by weight), sodium sesquicarbonatc (1-5%), ethyl alcohol (1-5%), and
tetrasodium ethylene diaminetetraacetate (1-5%), and water, or
2) Remove mud and debris from equipment and wet the equipment for a minimum of ten
minutes with water at a temperature greater than 1400 F.
D. Best Management Practices, Studies and Mitigation for Wildlife in the NPR
EnCana will implement the following best management practices, studies and other mitigation
efforts to minimize impacts of EnCana's operations to wildlife on the NPR.
1. Black Bear
a. Conduct regular contractor and employee training with respect to wildlife awareness.
b. Reinforce training at worksite tailgate meetings, monthly safety meetings, and the
Environmental Ilealth and Safety (EHS) hazard identification program, and through the use
of signs.
c. Use enclosed, locking garbage receptacles or implement a strict daily trash removal regime
on each temporary or permanent work location.
2. Mule Deer and American Elk
a. Avoid disturbance of big game production areas and winter range wherever possible, but this
will be a secondary consideration to preserving sage grouse habitat.
b. Prior to construction of new surface structures within five primary migratory corridors
(Appendix C, Figure 3) EnCana will consult with CDOW consistent with the Wildlife
Resources Matrix in Appendix D.
c. Only essential traffic will be permitted to access sites throughout the NPR where no active
operations are occurring.
3. Raptors
a. Conduct annual surveys for occupied nests and unoccupied nests.
b. Apply the disturbance buffers represented in Appendix D prior to commencing new
construction and drilling or completion operations near occupied nests.
c. Schedule the commencement of disturbance for the time of year outside of average breeding
seasons for the species of concern, if the duration of operations on a location prevents
seasonal avoidance (e.g., during drilling and completion operations that exceed 12 months
per location).
IV. Northwest NPR Specific Environmental and Wildlife Best Management Practices
The below practices apply to EnCana's operations in the Northwest NPR Subgroup. These restrictions
do not apply to the operations of ConocoPhillips (CoP), but CoP is required to cooperate with B;nCana in
its compliance with environmental requirements on the NPR.
EnCana will follow the following practices for EnCana operations on the Northwest NPR Subgroup.
A. Aquatic Resources
1. Install engineering controls (one-way valves, installed draw hoses with screened intakes,
overhead loading, and loading from tanks) on all water draw points from Parachute Creek to
prevent contamination of the Parachute Creek.
2. Use two or more storm water best management practices to control sediment runoff and
control/contain any potential spills, wherever surface disturbance occurs within the topographical
watershed feeding into occupied and potential Colorado River Cutthroat Habitat in the West
Fork of Parachute Creek. This encompasses disturbance in the Northwest NPR Subunit south of
Divide Road.
B. Greater Sage Grouse
1. Continue to provide access to CDOW research personnel for ongoing sage grouse population
research.
2. Install raptor perch deterrents on cross arms of power poles and other documented raptor
perches, such as radio towers where birds are noted perching. Monitor all structures exceeding
six feet in height f"or the presence of perching raptors or ravens. Perch deterrents need not be
installed if they pose a safety issue (e.g.. on the handrails of a tank battery).
3. Development Pattern
a. Definitions of 'Terms
1) "Critical Habitat Season" means the time period from approximately April 15`x` to August
1'` each year.
2) "Development Area" means one of the six regions within the Northwest NPR Subgroup.
Each such Development Area is outlined in Appendix C, Figure 4, and the Development
Areas are named "Double Willow Unit," "Barnes Ridge," "Story Gulch," "North
Central," "Central," and "Red Point." A portion of the Development Areas incorporates
EnCana lease acreage outside the boundary of this WMP to allow flexibility in
development planning. The Development Pattern section of this WMP (Section IV.B.3)
is the only portion of this WMP that applies to the additional areas outside the property
boundary of the NPR.
3) "New i )isturbance" means any new activity that will cause or leave a long term and
noticeable change to the landscape, specifically construction of access roads, gathering
facilities and pipelines, and any drilling or completion activities.
4) "No Disturbance" includes, but is not limited to, noise, lights, vehicle traffic and New
Disturbance.
5) "Vacated Period" means that period of time spanning a minimum of two, and preferably
three, full sage -grouse Critical Habitat Seasons during which New Disturbance will not
be conducted.
b. EnCana will schedule New Disturbance activity by EnCana within Development Areas on
the Northwest NPR as described below.
1) New Disturbance will be concentrated within a Development Area, and preferably
confined to a ridgeline, to reduce the duration of development activity within such
Development Area to the extent practicable. No new disturbance activities will occur
within a Development Area during more than three consecutive Critical Habitat Seasons
between Vacated Periods.
2) Reasonable efforts will be used to organize transportation and access routes that
minimize traffic volumes and avoid suitable sagebrush habitats to the greatest extent
practicable.
3) Upon completion of all New Disturbance within a particular Development Area, such
Development Area will be left undisturbed for the Vacated Period. The restriction on
disturbance includes any opportunity for increased mineral access or well density which
may occur during such Vacated Period.
4) After the Vacated Period has ended with respect to a particular Development Area, New
Disturbance may resume for a maximum of three consecutive Critical Habitat Seasons,
followed by the next Vacated Period.
c. EnCana will implement the following practices in the Northwest NPR Subgroup:
1) Apply a 0.6 mile radius No Disturbance buffer around active leks sites (documented
activity in the last five years) from 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM, March 15th through May 15'x'.
Where practicable, traffic and other disturbances will be restricted after sunset when sage
grouse are congregating around the lek until 9:00 AM the following morning when birds
depart the lek.
2) Apply a RSO 0.6 mile radius buffer to active lek sites (documented activity in the last
five years) at all times. Apply the RSO buffer to all forms of New Disturbance that
would alter the vegetative structure or topography or would result in the addition of
surface structures. BLM will be notified on any New Disturbance within the RSO buffer.
3) Site new disturbance so as to use topographic features to shield leks from new
disturbance whenever feasible.
4) Restrict well site visitation in occupied habitat to between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00
PM during lekking season (March 15th to May
15th).
5) Schedule cross-country pipeline construction and installation (not including lines along
roads) outside of the Critical Habitat Season.
6) Restrict New Disturbance within nesting and brood -rearing habitat (occupied habitat as
mapped by EnCana until more concise mapping is available) as much as possible from
April 15th to July I st.
7) Use interim reclamation to redevelop, as quickly as possible, ground cover that provides
for secure ground movements of sage grouse and is an effective precursor to the
reestablishment of appropriate sagebrush cover. Detailed guidelines and practices for
interim and final reclamation are outlined in EnCana's North Parachute Ranch Integrated
Vegetation Management Guidance (Appendix E).
8) Reseed disturbances exceeding 15 feet in width in mapped occupied sage grouse habitat
with local sage brush seed, where topography and weather conditions allow safe access to
do so.
d. The following are approved exceptions to the above described schedules and practices:
1) Each construction activity listed below is recognized and approved as a project that may
occur during the Vacated Period within a Development Area, as long as the activities are
scheduled outside of the Critical Habitat Season:
- EnCana Southern Pipeline Loop, and
- EnCana Story Gulch Compressor Station.
2) Well maintenance within a Development Area during the Vacated Period will not be
considered New Disturbance, but will be minimized to the extent practicable during the
Critical Habitat Season. EnCana will give the CDOW, and the BLM if applicable, notice
dwell maintenance and will maintain records of these operations.
3) Response to emergencies (an immediate threat to life, property, or the environment)
within a Development Area during the Vacated Period will not be considered New
Disturbance and will he permitted without timing limitations. EnCana will notify the
CDOW, and the BLM if applicable, and will maintain records of these operations.
4) Transportation of personnel or equipment across a Development Area during the Vacated
Period to access active construction activity or pad locations in other Development Areas
shall be allowed if vehicles use main roads only (i.e., Divide Road, Sprague Gulch,
Colony, Southern Access to Red Point). Vehicle access to development operations will
be scheduled so as to minimize the extent of habitat impacted throughout the year, but
especially during the reproductive period.
5) It is understood that moving multiple rigs out from a Development Area cannot and will
not be simultaneous; however, EnCana will use reasonable efforts to schedule rig moves
outside of the Critical Habitat Season.
Any exceptions beyond those listed here will require written notice setting forth the reason for the
request and approval from CDOW and BLM, where applicable.
V. Canyons Subgroup Specific Environmental and Wildlife Best Management Practices
EnCana will implement the following practices on EnCana operations in the Canyons Subgroup:
A. Aquatic Resources
1. Block low water crossing at Light Gulch to eliminate unnecessary traffic through Parachute
Creek.
2. Restrict any necessary surface disturbance within the high water mark of the stream channel in
West Fork (e.g., pipeline crossings or culvert installation) from June 1&` to September 1", for
Cutthroat Trout spawning.
3. Utilize existing head gates and analyze the strategic use of additional head gates on road culverts
as a tertiary containment (these are not the culverts in the waterway but draining to the waterway
during storm events).
13. Mule Deer and American Elk
Maintain open space (no permanent surface structures) on 20 acres of the Parachute Creek Property,
as depicted in Appendix C, Figure 5, for use as a wildlife migration corridor until at least 2040.
C. Development Considerations
Use of gas lifts to automate some production activities, reduce traffic to the well -site, and reduce gas
vented to the atmosphere during 'blow down' of a well.
VI.Old Mountain Subgroup Environmental and Wildlife Best Management Practices
EnCana will ensure development and maintenance of existing water sources through its operations on
the Old Mountain Subgroup. This restriction does not apply to Berry Petroleum's operations, but Berry
Petroleum is required to generally cooperate with EnCana in its compliance with environmental
requirements on the NPR.
VII. East and Central Girls' Claims Subgroup Environmental and Wildlife Best Management
Practices
A. Ensure the continued development and maintenance of water sources as a result of EnCana
operations.
13. Install adequate fencing to control livestock use in accordance with existing grazing lease
agreements, as generally indicated in Appendix C, Figure 6.
Vill. Stated Opinion of CDOW Concerning Compensatory Mitigation Provisions of this WMP
FnCana is employing exceptional best management practices and other measures to avoid and minimize
impacts to wildlife resources and their habitats. It is not possible to develop gas resources and avoid all
impacts to wildlife, therefore EnCana agrees in this WMP to the following practices which the DOW
considers as compensatory mitigation for these unavoidable impacts:
A. Continue to fund CDOW Piceance Basin research projects as previously agreed upon ($300,000
for 2008, and $150,000 per year from 2009-2012, totaling $900,000 over five years).
B. Maintain public hunting access to the portion of the East and Central Girls' Claims shown in
Appendix C, Figure 6, for as long as feasible, taking into consideration the safety of both the
public and EnCana personnel. EnCana will maintain public hunting access to all or some part of
the area depicted in Appendix C, Figure 6 during hunting seasons for the six year period of this
WMP. EnCana will allow access to hunters during hunting seasons through the East and Central
Girls' Claims on at least one road for the purpose of accessing BLM lands.
C. The following projects are in this WMP:
I. Section III.A.3 concerning use of a Wildlife Resources Matrix.
2. Sections IV.B.3 and V.A.2 concerning voluntary timing limitations for grouse and cutthroat
trout.
3. Section III.A.4 concerning an Integrated Vegetation and Weed Management Plan.
4. Section V.A.1 concerning crossing at Light Gulch.
5. Section III:.B.7 concerning restrictions on commercial and residential development as
depicted in Appendix C, Figure. 2.
6. Section VI.B.1 concerning open space as described in Appendix C, Figure 5.
7. Section III.B.G concerning an employee to oversee implementation of this WMI'.
8. Section III.C.1.c concerning cooperating with CDOW to perform sampling and research.
9. Section VII.B concerning installation of fencing as generally depicted in Appendix C.
10. Section VII.B concerning a commitment to implement a future grazing management plan and
strategy.
Appendix A
Proposed Development Site Map
(1:24,000 Topographic Map)
Appendix B
Standard Conditions of Approval for Locations in RSO and SWH Areas
within North Parachute Ranch
EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) inc. (EnCana) and Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) the practices listed
below as conditions of approval for permits issued by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation
Commission for EnCana operations in the geographic arca referenced in this Wildlife Mitigation Plan.
These Conditions of Approval will be applied to permits and consultation with CDOW is waived so long
as EnCana is in material compliance with this WMP.
+ Use solar panels as an alternative energy source for on -location production equipment, where
appropriate, economically and technically feasible.
• 1Ise multiple gathering lines placed in a single trench to minimize disturbance and construction;
where appropriate, economically and technically feasible.
• install trench plugs (sloped to allow wildlife or livestock to exit the trench should they enter) at
known wildlife or livestock trails to allow safe crossing on long spans of open trench, where
appropriate, economically and technically feasible.
• Install pipeline crossings at right angles to the drainages, wetlands, and perennial water bodies,
where appropriate, economically and technically feasible.
• Limit in -stream construction activity to 24 -hours. for water bodies less than ten feel wide and to
48 -hours for water bodies greater than ten feet wide at locations where horizontal boring is not
feasible, where appropriate, economically and technically feasible.
• Maintain a minimum of five feet of soil cover between the pipeline and the lowest point of the
drainage or water body channel.
• Perform biological surveys (on-site) for each new development, using the most ree:em data sets
for wildlife and aquatic resources.
• Perform pre -disturbance surveys when the on-site inspection and commencement of disturbance
occur in different field seasons using the most recent data sets for wildlife and aquatic resources.
• Utilize the EnCana Wildlife Resources Matrix to identify and document (where appropriate)
potential impacts or concerns during the project planning phase for proposed drilling operations
and construction of roads, pads and pipelines.
• Prohibit PnCana employees and contractors from carrying projectile weapons on EnCana
property, except during company organized events.
+ Prohibit pets on EnCana property.
• Strategically apply fugitive dust control measures, including enforcing established speed limits
on EnCana private roads, to reduce fugitive dust and coating of vegetation and deposition in
water sources.
• Use engineering controls at all water draw points from Parachute Creek (i.e., overhead loading,
one-way valves, install stationary draw hoses with screened intakes) to prevent contamination of
the Parachute Creek drainage.
• Use enclosed, locking garbage receptacles or implement a strict daily trash removal regime on
each temporary or permanent work location.
Appendix C
Figures Referenced in this Wildlife Mitigation Plan
Legend
r� North Parachute Ranch Boundary
NPR_Subgroups
Parachute Creek Property
North Old Mountain
South Old Mountain
Figure 1. North Parachute Ranch Subgroup and Subunit designations.
Legend
NPR_Boundary
West Fork Resource Area
Figure 2 Portion of the NPR with restrictions on commercial and residential development.
Legend
_—�Noah Paiachule Ranch Bounclafy
MIPrimary Migration Corridors
Corridor Areas
Figure 3. Five primary migratory corridors on the NPR.
Legend
F I North Parachute Ranch Boundary
NPR_Subgroups
Canyons
Girls' Claims
Northwest NPR
- Old Mountain and Long Ridge
Figure 4, Development Areas defined for the Northwest NPR Subgroup of the NPR.
!.'NCANA 011. & GAS (USAJ INC
TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY
lccAU:) fr
S!G7.C.A JI t '/. KS. Attn. 4ti. 'M
GA01%3 =WV CCiC4rC0
Figure 5. Twenty acres held by EnCana in open space.
Legend
Traiis_Roads
1 North Parachute Ranch Boundary
Properly Potentially Open to Public Hunting
t�Lk� Proposed New Fence
Figure 6. EnCana property potentially open to public hunting.
Appendix l)
Wildlife Resources Matrix
1
u
0
Cco al
6 5 4 3
7 8
8 7 6 5 4
'L.
8 I 13 5
9 8 7 6
2
5
4
3
4 3 2 1
Potential impact Rating
1) Using the NPR Wildlife Map, identify intersects between the proposed drilling operation or
construction of roads, pads or pipelines, and the spatial/temporal concerns related to each known
wildlife resource concern (use Worksheet 1).
2) Use the above matrix to calculate the Rating Total (Species/Habitat Concern Rating i- Potential
Impact Rating).
3) [f the Rating Total > 6 and cannot be reduced through avoidance of the specified temporal/spatial
concerns, further evaluation is needed. EnCana environmental staff and biologists will be
consulted.
4) If the Rating Total > 8 EnCana's Tana Lead for North Piceance should be notified.
5) If the Rating Total > 8 specific input will be sought from CDOW and documented on Worksheet
2.
EnCana Oil & Cps (USA) Inc,
Wildlife Matrix Potential Impact Rating Guidelines
Potential
Species/Ilabitat Concern Concern Timing of Disturbance Impact
Dating
Rating
Sage Grouse:
March 15 to May 15 (breeding season)
5
Within 0.6 lek
5
After May 15, before March 15
4
mile radius of active site
-
Surface Structures
5
Subsurface structures
4
April 15 to July 15 (nesting/brood season)
4
Within occupied habitat
4
December 15 to Mar 15 (wintering)
4
After July 15, before December 15
3
Within unoccupied potential habitat
3
2
Raptors:
Note: Pre -construction surveys will be needed starting in March.
Within 0.25 miles of a Coopers Hawk (COHA)
nest
4
April 1 to August 15 (breeding/nesting
season) -
-1
After August 15, before April 1
2
Within 0.33 miles of a Red-tailed Hawk
(RTHA) nest
March 1 to July 15 (breeding/nesting season)
3
After July 15, before March 1
2
Within 0.25 miles of a Sharp -shinned Hawk
(SSHA) nest
April I to August 15 (breeding/nesting
season)
3
After August 15, before April I
2
Within 0.5 mile of a Golden Eagle (GOER) nest
complex
5
December 15 to July 15 (breeding/nesting
season)
4
After July 15, before December 15
3
3
_
Within 0.25 miles of a Northern Harrier
(NORA) nest
4
April 1 to August 15 (breeding/nesting
season)
After August 15, before April I
2
Within 0.5 miles ofa Peregrine Falcon (PEFA)
nest complex
5
March 15 to July 31 (breeding/nesting season)
4
After July 31, before March 15
3
2
Within 0.25 miles ofa Great IIorned Owl
(GHOW) nest
March to August
After August, before March
1
Concern Potential
Species/Habitat Concern Rating Timing of Disturbance impact
Rating_
Within 0.25 miles of a Long-eared Owl (LEOW)
4
March 1 to July 15 (breeding/nesting season)
j
I 3
nest
After July 15, before March 1
2
Within 0.25 miles of a Northern Pygmy Owl
4
March 15 to July 15 (breeding/nesting season)
3
(NOPO) nest
After July 15, before March 15
2
Within 0.25 of any inactive nest of an
undetermined species
4
3
May require removal of nest
5
4
Riparian Habitat:
Colorado River Cutthroat Habitat: Disturbance
within 300 feet of the natural high water mark
5
3
Colorado River Cutthroat Habitat: Disturbance
within the natural high water mark
5
June 1 to September 1 (spawning season)
After September 1, before June 1
5
4
Big Game (Deer and Elk):
Within mapped production areas
3
April 15 to July 15
4
After July 15, before April 15
3
Within winter range areas
4
After April 15, before January I
3
January 1 to April 15
4
Within key migration routes
4
Permanent surface structures
4
Subsurface structures
4
EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc.
Wildlife Resources Matrix Worksheet 1
Project Narne:
Project Description:
Date:
Participants:
Recorder:
TitlelSource of Map used for analysis:
List Species/Habitat/Timing Concerns Identified
Concern
Rating
Potential
Impact
Rating
Total
Rating
Can this
concern be
avoided?
EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc.
Wildlife Resources Matrix Worksheet 2
Project Name:
Project Description:
Date:
Participants:
Recorder:
Title/Source of Map used for analysis:
List each Species/Habitat/Timing Concern from
initial Project Analysis sheet that is
UNAVOIDABLE and RATES Z 6:
Identify project adaptations to reduce impacts
and/or applicable mitigation
Appendix E
North Parachute Ranch Integrated Vegetation Management
Guidance Document (2009)
North Parachute Ranch (NPR)
grated Vegetation Management
•'ivAo Guidance
Mous Weed Control
•
r,
Prepared for: EnCana Oil and GasrWSA) Inc,
June 200
t
S
•
Prepared br
WeNtWater Engineering:
•
2516 FORESIGHT CIRCLE, #1 GRAND JUN' TION, COLORADO 81505
•
•
t;�
(970) 2417076. PAX: (970) 241-7097
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 1
INTEGRATED VEGETATION MANAGEMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR NPR 3
LANDSCAPE SETTING 3
Climatic Zones within the NPR 3
Upper Zone 3
Middle Zone 4
Lower Zone 5
RECLAMATION CHALLENGES AND AVOIDANCE RECOMMENDATIONS 7
Best Management Practices (BMPs) 8
RECLAMATION CONSIDERATIONS 10
Timing of Re -vegetation Work 10
Topsoil Handling 11
Use of Fertilizers 11
Use of Mulch 12
Use of Certified Seed 12
Use of Local Seed 12
Seed Testing 12
Inoculation of Legumes 13
Inoculation of Sterile Soils 13
Determination of Pure Live Seed (PLS) Ratio 13
SEED MIXTURE RECOMMENDATIONS ... 13
Greater Sage -Grouse Occupied Habitat 14
Harvesting Local Seed 14
Adding Shrubs and Forbs 14
Developing a Seed Mix 15
Reclamation Seed Mix Reporting 15
Reclamation Monitoring 15
NOXIOUS WEED MANAGEMENT 17
Background 17
Inventory of Weed Species 18
Eradication, Control, Containment 19
NPR Weed Management Objectives 19
Priorities for Weed Management 21
Weed Species Priorities 21
Weed Infestation Priorities on NPR 21
NOXIOUS WEED SPECIES PROFILES ... 22
WestWater Engineering Page i June 2009
ANNUALS 24
BIENNIALS 27
PERENNIALS 29
Monitoring 34
EVALUATION OF RE -VEGETATION SUCCESS 36
POST -RECLAMATION REMEDIATION AND REPORTING 36
Remediation 36
Reporting 37
REFERENCES 37
APPENDIX
APPENDIX
APPENDIX
APPENDIX
APPENDIX
APPENDIX
APPENDICES
A — List of Common and Scientific Plant Names
13 — Menu -Based Seed Mixes by Habitat Type for Use in Interim and Final
Reclamation
C — Reclamation Seed Mix Preferred Species for North Parachute Ranch Plant
Communities, EnCana OiI & Gas (USA) Inc.
D — High Priority Noxious Weed Species Management Guidance for Individual
Species (separate document)
E — Forms (Reclamation and Seed Mix Monitoring Form [Form El], Noxious
Weed Inventory Form [Form E2], and Ocular Vegetation Monitoring Form
[Form E3])
F — Annual Weed Control Calendar (separate document)
WestWater Engineering Page ii June 2009
INTRODUCTION
This Integrated Vegetation Management Guidance (IVMG) for North Parachute Ranch (NPR)
was requested by EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. (EnCana) to as a guide to remediation where oil
and gas development activities have disturbed the surface. EnCana has asked WestWater
Engineering (WWE) to provide recommendations and guidance to facilitate re -vegetation and re-
establishment of a natural succession of native plant species. This IVMG supersedes a
reclamation plan that was developed for NPR in 2006, which identified appropriate reclamation
seed mixes (WWE 2006). The 2006 reclamation plan includes a small section on weeds
management and recommends the creation of this IVMG.
Integrated vegetation management goals for the property support EnCana's corporate
responsibility policies, principles, and expectations. These principles are driven by an overall
mission to maintain the highest level of land stewardship while developing resources.
Four surface -management types of land use are found on NPR; two are developed and two are
undeveloped landscape. The developed landscape varies from intensively -developed, bare -
ground sites for the life of the development such as compressor stations, pipe yards, fabrication
yards, warehouses, and roads, to temporarily -disturbed landscapes (e.g., pipelines which are
intended to recover to productive rangeland conditions after successful reclamation). Other
surface management types include non-developed woodlands or rangelands and protected areas
(e.g., wetlands).
Re-establishing a self-sustaining vegetation cover that is integrated with the surrounding
ecosystems would fulfill EnCana's land use objectives. This guidance is intended to be a
"working document" and is subject to amendment and revision based on new information
developed through inventory and monitoring. Specific objectives of re -vegetation, grazing
management, and noxious weed control on NPR are to:
• Control erosion and sedimentation;
• Provide a self-perpetuating, drought -tolerant vegetative cover that is compatible with post -
construction land use;
• Use adapted native species for re -vegetation that are beneficial to livestock and wildlife and
will reduce the visual effect of rights-of-way and other project components;
• Encourage native plant re-establishment by avoiding the use of highly competitive
introduced species such as smooth brome (Bromus inermes);
• Limit the introduction and spread of noxious and other annual weeds through prompt re -
vegetation; and
• Return disturbed land to a level of productivity comparable to pre -construction levels.
The recommendations included herein apply to disturbances on upland plant communities.
Wetland habitats that are not included as disturbance to these plant communities are expected to
be minimal. A partial list of wetland best management practices (BMP) are listed in the BMP
section of this guidance for the purpose of addressing aquatic resource crossings.
WestWater Engineering Page 1 of 37 June 2009
This guidance provides recommendations for the following major subject areas:
(1) Reclamation challenges and critical area avoidance;
(2) Reclamation;
(3) NPR seed mixtures;
(4) Noxious weed control; and
(5) Reclamation monitoring.
Recommendations in this guidance are focused on increasing the desired plant species and
communities, rather than the elimination of weeds. Preventive programs keep undeveloped areas
free of species that are not yet established, but which are known to be pests elsewhere in the area.
Priorities are set to contain, control, or eradicate regulated weeds as prescribed by State law that
have been established on the property. Actions on other unregulated weeds will be taken if, after
careful consideration, there are indications that leaving the weeds unchecked would result in
greater damage than controlling the weeds. These weeds will be managed with the best available
methods, according to the actual and potential impacts on the land management goals for the
property, and according to the ability to control the weeds immediately rather than later.
This guidance follows an eight -step adaptive management approach:
❑ First, important natural vegetation and weed species are identified through inventory of the
property and by gathering information from other sources.
❑ Second, land management goals and weed management objectives are established and
recorded for the property.
o Third, priorities are assigned to the weed species and weed patches based on the severity of
their impacts, while considering the ability to control them.
o Fourth, methods are considered for controlling or otherwise diminishing the impacts of
weeds and, if necessary, priorities will be re -ordered based on likely impacts on target and
non -target species.
o Fifth, Integrated Weed Management (IWM) plans are developed based on this information.
o Sixth, the IWM plans are implemented.
o Seventh, the results of management actions are monitored and evaluated in light of weed
management objectives for the management area.
o Finally, this information is used to modify and improve weed management objectives,
control priorities, and IWM plans, thereby, starting the cycle again.
The premise behind a weed management plan is that a structured, logical approach to weed
management, based on the best available information, is Tess expensive and more effective than
an ad-hoc approach. WWE scientists add a postscript to the steps above and take the IWM to the
Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed Management Plan (IVNWMP) level.
WestWater Engineering Page 2 of 38 June 2009
INTEGRATED VEGETATION MANAGEMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR NPR
To meet the objectives listed in the introduction, the following goals will be established:
• Maintaining fully functional biological communities (e.g., sagebrush shrub -land, riparian
areas) and the processes (e.g., flooding, that maintain the biological community);
• Providing for species of special concern, including Greater Sage -Grouse, the appropriate
suite of raptor avifauna that are rare and valued, and sensitive plants;
• Preserving corridors for wildlife movement between seasonal ranges and migratory stopover
ranges;
• Producing natural forage for wildlife and livestock; and
• Maintaining stable, ecologically functional landscapes supporting fisheries, wildlife,
livestock, and landscape integrity by maintaining functional watersheds.
The above recommended land management goals are intended to preserve and sustain biological
communities, while sustaining a level of development sufficient to fully develop the natural
resources of the property. Biological communities of this area include: big sagebrush
shrublands, aspen, sub -alpine fir, Douglas fir woodlands, riparian woodlands, and riparian
shrublands. An important population of Greater Sage -Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), a
species of special concern that is of considerable interest, is found on and adjacent to the West
Fork watershed on NPR. The Colorado River cutthroat (Oncorynchus clarkii pleuriticus) is also
a species of special concern, and is found in West Fork. Preservation of aquatic ecosystems
requires sound land management and reclamation practices. A major factor in the quality of
cutthroat habitat is overhead cover by narrowleaf cottonwood and mountain boxelder along with
excellent water quality. Further downstream, below NPR and other EnCana properties,
important aquatic species potentially affected by watershed activities include flannelmouth
sucker (Catastomus latipinnis), bluehead sucker (C. discobolus), and roundtail chub (Gila
robusta). In the Colorado River below the Parachute Creek confluence, Colorado pikeminnow
(Ptycocheilus Lucius), razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus), and humpback chub (G. cypha) are
potentially affected.
LANDSCAPE SETTING
Climatic Zones within the NPR
Three climatic zones are found within the NPR and are referred to as the Upper, Middle, and
Lower Zones. Similar precipitation patterns, soils, and plant communities exist within, but not
between, the three zones. The Upper Zone consists of lands above the rimrock escarpment of the
Roan Plateau at elevations between 7,500 to 8,500 feet, excluding slopes greater than 20% and
south facing areas. The Middle Zone consists of lands between the escarpment of the plateau to
the toe of the slope along the valley floors at elevations between 7,500 and 6,000 feet, including
steep, south facing slopes above 7,500 feet. The Lower Zone consists of the lower terraces and
floodplains along the valley bottoms of the major drainages below elevations of 6,000 feet. The
location of NPR is shown on Figure 1, page 20.
Upper Zone
The Upper Zone receives 16 to 25 inches of annual precipitation. A majority of the annual
precipitation is received during the non -growing season (late fall/winter). Primary plant
communities in the Upper Zone are mountain big sagebrush/wheatgrass or needlegrass, upland
WestWater Engineering Page 3 of 38 June 2009
deciduous shrub/wheatgrass or needlegrass shrublands, with lesser occurrences of aspen and
Douglas fir forests and riparian shrub, tree, and wetland habitats (see Appendix A for scientific
nomenclature of vegetation).
The plant communities in the Upper Zone have the greatest diversity of plant species. Most of
these species have adapted mechanisms for establishment and survival in the presence of the
competition exerted by other species in the community. These communities are dominated by
short-lived cool season bunch grasses, which are an important factor in providing interspaces for
establishment and maintenance of forbs and shrubs within the community. Some of the major
species in the Upper Zone are listed in Table 1.
Table 1. Major Native Plant Species within select Upper Zone Plant Communities
(See Appendix A for scientific nomenclature)
Grass/Grass like
Forbs
Shrubs
Letterman Needlegrass
Mountain Lupine
Mountain Big Sagebrush
Colombia Needlegrass
Silky Lupine
Antelope Bitterbrush
Slender Wheatgrass
Rocky Mtn. Penstemon
Mountain Snowberry
Mountain Brome
Watson Penstemon
Low Rabbitbrush
Nodding Brome
Sulphur Buckwheat
Utah Serviceberry
Green Needlegrass
American Vetch
Gambel's Oakbrush
Idaho Fescue
Western Yarrow
Chokecherry
Elk Sedge
Many-FIowered Phlox
Red Elderberry
Basin Wildrye
Arrowleaf balsamroot
Blue Wildrye
Upper Zone Soils
Soils within this zone are primarily loam textured soils within the Parachute-Rhone-Irigul series.
These soils are mostly well -drained, cool soils with dark -colored, organic -rich surface layers
derived from shale and sandstone. Soil textures above the rim are generally loam with loam to
clay loam sub -soils and range in depth from <20 inches on ridges to >60 inches in swales. All of
the upland soils above the rim are in low to medium erosion classes (Fox et al. 1973).
Middle Zone
The Middle Zone receives 13 to 14 inches of annual precipitation. A majority of the annual
precipitation is received during non -growing season (late fall/winter). A significant portion of
this zone consists of unstable slopes that are relatively barren of any vegetation. According to
Fox et al. 1973, these barren slopes are fairly erosion resistant if undisturbed. Primary plant
communities on more stable slopes are bunchgrass/forb open grassland, upland deciduous
shrub/wheatgrass shrublands, pinyon/juniper woodlands, and Douglas fir forests (Table 2).
These communities are dominated by cool season bunch grasses.
WestWater Engineering Page 4 of 38 June 2009
Table 2. Major Native Plant Species within select Middle Zone Plant Communities
Grass/Grass like
Forbs
Shrubs
Bluebunch Wheatgrass
Fringed Sage (Half -Shrub)
Utah Serviceberry
Indian Ricegrass
Watson Penstemon
Mountain Big Sagebrush
Thickspike Wheatgrass
Sulphur Buckwheat
Antelope Bitterbrush
Green Needlegrass
Western Yarrow
Mountain Mahogany
Junegrass
Lewis Flax
Gambel's Oakbrush
Basin Wildrye
Silky Lupine
Mountain Snowberry
Elk Sedge
Utah Sweetvetch
Low Rabbitbrush
Middle Zone Soils
The area below the rim encompassing the cliffs, talus, and steep colluvial slopes at the base of
the cliffs are derived from the Green River shale. Below the cliffs and talus is a zone of soils
formed from colluvium and Wasatch Formation. Soils are shallow and poorly developed. There
are many rock outcrops and badlands. Badlands are steep, nearly -barren areas dissected by
several ephemeral drainages (Photo 1).
Soils on the upper slopes of this zone
have a thin, organic -rich surface layer
and little development of soil horizons.
Soils on lower slopes are shallow -to -
moderately deep and are well drained.
Surface texture is loam, clay loam, or
silty clay loam with variable amounts of
gravel, cobbles and boulders, talus
slopes, and colluvial slopes below rock
outcrops. Soils are moderate to highly
alkaline. Sub -soils usually have higher
clay content and are calcareous. The
erosion hazard is usually severe.
Photo 1. Badlands of the Wasatch Formation
Lower Zone
The Lower Zone receives 10 to 13 inches of annual precipitation. A majority of the annual
precipitation is received during non -growing season (late fall/winter). This zone contains some
of the most arid and harsh sites on the Colorado Plateau. Primary plant communities in the
Lower Zone, on benches and terraces, are Wyoming big Sagebrush/wheatgrass shrublands
grading to salt desert shrubs like fourwing saltbush or shadscale on the most arid sites. The
floodplain communities include basin big sagebrush/greasewood shrublands on old floodplain
terraces and streamside riparian woodlands with cottonwood or box -elder habitats (Table 3).
Cool -season bunchgrasses or cool -season sod -forming grasses or both dominate plant
communities in the Lower Zone.
WestWater Engineering Page S of 38 June 2009
Table 3. Major Native Plant Species within select Lower Zone Plant Communities
Grass/,Grasslike
°
rub;,
Western Wheatgrass
Hoods Phlox
Wyoming Big Sagebrush
Indian Ricegrass
Scarlet Globemallow
Basin Big Sagebrush
Needle -and -Thread Grass
Utah Sweetvetch
Greasewood
Bottlebrush Squirreltail
Silverleaf Lupine
Rubber Rabbitbrush
Junegrass
Lewis Flax
Antelope Bitterbrush
Sandberg Bluegrass
Longleaf Phlox
Low Rabbitbrush
Bluebunch Wheatgrass
Thickleaf Penstemon
Broom Snakeweed
Basin Wildrye
Winterfat
Shadscale Saltbush
Four Wing Saltbush
Riparian Habitat in the Lower Zone
Streams are narrow and low, and high points in the annual hydrograph are widely divergent.
Riparian plant communities below the cliffs are deciduous woodlands on lower stream terraces,
floodplains dominated by Fremont cottonwood at lower elevations, and narrowleaf and box -elder
at higher elevations up to the escarpments. Mature box -elder woodlands, with a dense
understory of shrubs including river birch, alder, and red -osier dogwood, dominate the lower
West Fork immediately below the West Fork Falls (Table 4). The East Fork woodlands may
include Douglas fir. Woody plant diversity is greatest in undisturbed riparian habitat in this
zone.
Table 4. Major Native Plant Species within select Lower Zone Riparian Communities
Gi'''i , ass like .:_ ..
,.: ,. ..Farts. '...._
; .' . ;, hrubs/ 'rees k'.- ... _
Inland saltgrass
Western white clematis
Fremont cottonwood
Foxtail barley
Marsh -elder
Narrowleaf cottonwood
Arctic rush
Wild licorice
Box -elder
Switchgrass
Wild mint
Black chokecherry
Western Wheatgrass
Brook cinquefoil
Skunkbush sumac
Prairie cordgrass
Canada goldenrod
Wood's rose
Golden currant
Sandbar willow
Peachleaf willow
Bebb willow
Lower Zone Soils
Soils in the lower zone are calcareous, moderate to strongly saline, loams and silty clay loams on
benches, terraces, and alluvial fans. Floodplain soils are sandy loam or loam stratified with sand,
gravel, or cobbles derived from shale or sandstone. Soils formed in the alluvium are derived
from sandstones, shales, and marls and appear on benches, terraces, alluvial fans, and floodplains
in the Lower Zone. Surface texture ranges from loan and sandy loam to clay loam with sub-
soils of sandy loam to clay (Fox et al. 1973).
WestWater Engineering Page 6 of 38 June 2009
RECLAMATION CHALLENGES AND AVOIDANCE RECOMMENDATIONS
NPR presents extreme reclamation challenges from a broad array of climate and
geomorphological factors inherent to the site. Factors in this terrain often act synergistically and
increase the negative effects exponentially. These factors include:
• Steep slopes and potential for soil movement;
• Effective soil moisture issues including timing of seeding to coincide with natural
precipitation;
• Difficulty in re -contouring to blend with extreme slopes of natural topography;
• Thin soils due to infertility from slope, exposure, and soil source materials;
• Slumps (instability, difficulty in holding slopes);
• Difficulty preventing establishment of noxious weeds in disturbed land; and
• Riparian areas - especially those dominated by mature cottonwoods, box -elder, or shrubs
(due to wildlife and water quality value and long-term need to establish diverse age classes of
trees).
Such areas, if disturbed, are very likely to require more time and expense to effectively reclaim.
For example, riparian woodland and shrubland disturbances may require installation of live plant
materials in the form of containerized trees and shrubs. Installation and three years of careful
oversight and watering of these woody species to ensure survival, is far more costly than
disturbance on ridge -top and meadow sites which can be successfully re -seeded.
In addition to susceptibility to the erosion and sediment problems listed, noxious weeds also
present a reclamation challenge. For these reasons, it is recommended that new livestock grazing
leases for this area be deferred for the foreseeable future, and existing leases be managed
carefully. Canada thistle on the West Fork and houndstongue on the East Fork seriously threaten
riparian plant communities. It is likely that these problems are amplified by the grazing of
domestic livestock upstream from the NPR property. The spread of invasive weeds can be
reduced by preventing physical contact and ingestion of weed seeds by domestic livestock and
wildlife, thus avoiding biological transport of seeds via coat attachment (Photo 2) and fecal
excretion of viable seeds. Feasible contact prevention methods include, but are not limited to,
mechanical removal of mature seed heads, stunting plant maturity using herbicides,
herding/pasture management of domestic livestock, or livestock removal. Additionally,
preservation of native plant community competition and vigor is attainable by monitoring and
managing livestock grazing intensity, duration, distribution, rotation, and season of use.
Finally, this guidance addresses reclamation to enhance wildlife habitat, including that for birds
of prey, greater sage grouse, and Colorado River cutthroat trout. Reclamation seed recipes and
noxious weed control is a priority driven in part by the desire to protect indigenous wildlife
resources. For reclamation, seed recipes for greater sage grouse occupied habitat will include
forbs and shrubs and the appropriate sub -species of big sagebrush. In noxious weed control,
herbicides will not be used in riparian areas along streams unless approved for use around
aquatic resources. The native, mature riparian vegetation community in the riparian zones must
not be damaged by herbicide usage.
WestWater Engineering Page 7 of 38 June 2009
Photo 2. Common burdock seeds on livestock. Weeds such as burdock and houndstongue
can be transported via coat attachment.
Best Management Practices (BMPs)
BMPs are important in integrated vegetation management. Many common reclamation and
stormwater BMPs ensure environmental protection and support preventative weed control. For
example, proper handling of topsoils encourages greater reclamation success, and greater spatial
and resource competition against weed species. The following BMPs will be used in areas of
surface disturbance where appropriate:
• Top soil, where present, will be segregated from deeper soils and replaced as top soil on the
final grade. A process known as live topsoil handling places newly excavated topsoil on
areas ready for re -top soiling.
• Wetland vegetation, when encountered, will 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 will be placed on all pipeline wetland and stream crossings to prevent back
washing or draining of important aquatic resources.
• In all cases temporary disturbance will be kept to an absolute minimum.
• Equipment and materials handling will be done on established sites to reduce area and extent
of soil compaction.
WestWater Engineering Page 8 of 38 June 2009
• Disturbances will be replanted in the fall with the recommended mix in the re -vegetation
section. Due to the high demand for re -vegetation services, this is not always practical.
Planting done during Tess desirable seasons will likely have higher failure rates and a greater
need for post -reclamation remediation.
• Prior to delivery to the site, equipment will be cleaned of soils remaining from previous
construction sites, which may be contaminated with noxious weeds and ensure that vehicles
and equipment arc free of soil and debris that are capable of transporting noxious weed seeds,
roots, or rhizomes.
• During the project, if sites with weed -seed contaminated soil are encountered, equipment will
be cleaned of potentially seed -bearing soils and vegetative debris prior to moving to
uncontaminated terrain (Photo 3).
Photo 3. Accumulated soil on equipment may transport seeds of
undesirable species between work sites,
• Periodic inventories of the property will be conducted to find new weed species or
locations.
• Bare ground will be reseeded and soil amendments (i.e., Biosol® humates, arbuscular
mycorhizal fungi) will be used as necessary, particularly in areas where soil compaction
is a problem.
• Livestock management practices will be modified to reduce grazing stress on native
plants.
• Pipeline and road routes will be inspected for noxious weeds prior to vegetative clearing.
Any infestations will be recorded for construction and post -construction.
• In areas where infestations have been identified, the following recommendations will be
applied:
WestWater Engineering Page 9 of 38 June 2009
o Topsoil will be stripped from the project feature including trench and working side of
pipelines to create a "weed -free construction zone" for subsequent activities.
o Cleared vegetation and salvaged topsoil from weed infestation areas adjacent will be
stockpiled to the area from which they were stripped.
o Separation between stockpiles that contain noxious weed seed or plant parts and
surrounding stockpiles will be maintained.
o Stockpiles that contain noxious weed seed or plant parts and soil conditions.
o Vegetative material and topsoil from weed infestation sites will be returned to the
areas from which they were stripped.
• Re -vegetation activities will be implemented following construction as specified in Re -
vegetation Plan below, including:
o The use of supplemental re -vegetation efforts, where required, to ensure adequate
vegetative cover to help prevent the invasion of noxious weeds; and
o Soil amendments will be used where compaction, loss of soil microbes from
stockpiling or allelopathic noxious weeds have degraded site quality and soil
conditions.
• Imported gravel and padding material will be source -certified to ensure that the
originating site is noxious weed -free.
RECLAMATION CONSIDERATIONS
This section provides recommendations for actions that will be taken in conjunction with seeding
of sites undergoing reclamation as appropriate. This includes recommendations for sites affected
by lack of topsoil, compaction, or difficult sites. EnCana will consider the following prior to and
during reclamation:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Soil texture and moisture at the time of seeding;
Seed purity and germination percentage;
Seed mixture and seeding rates;
Seasonal precipitation, distribution, and temperature;
Soil fertility;
Season of seeding (late fall is much preferred);
Seeding and weed control contractor experience and availability when needed;
Time (it is likely to take from 1 to 5 years to achieve an acceptable vegetative cover);
Weed control.
Timing of Re -vegetation Work
Timing of re -vegetation is critical to the success of the reclamation project. Replacement of
topsoil will occur just prior to re -seeding to prevent early germination and establishment of
highly competitive annual weeds. In nearly all cases, re -vegetation will occur as quickly as
possible after topsoiling, in order to maintain soil nutrients and microbe levels, discourage weed
invasion, and control erosion.
WestWater Engineering
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Re -seeding will occur immediately prior to the season of greatest precipitation, which is late fall
to early winter. Seeds of many native plant species exhibit dormancy and require a period of
moist, near freezing temperatures prior to germination. This will ensure that the seed will
germinate in spring when soil moisture and temperature conditions are optimum for
establishment and survival of the seedling. Also, several native species, such as big sagebrush,
begin their slow germination process under snow cover.
Ideally, topsoil replacement will occur in late August and September followed by re -seeding in
late September to early December prior to freezing of the soil surface. If re -vegetation occurs
too early, the seeds are subjected to unnecessary exposure to seed predators and spoilage. If it
occurs too late (spring planting), seeds and plants may encounter insufficient moisture to
germinate or to survive after germination and will be faced with higher competition from annual
weeds.
Topsoil Handling
Proper handling and storage of topsoil is critical to successful re -vegetation, especially in the
case of re-establishing important native plant species on disturbed areas. The topsoil contains
soil microbes (bacteria, micorrhiza, invertebrates) and seed banks of viable seed for the native
plants present on the site. Many native plant species depend upon the activity of soil microbes
for germination in some instances and for establishment and survival of most seedlings.
Topsoil is usually stripped from a site and stored in the smallest place possible in deep, unstable
piles. Stockpiling topsoil in deep, unstable piles for long periods (over 30 days) results in the
loss of topsoil microbes and viable seed. This is especially so where soils are stockpiled more
than several feet in height and biological activity is diminished from lack of oxygen.
Topsoil will be protected from erosion and weed invasion. Topsoil will be stockpiled in piles no
deeper than 2 feet, with stable slopes, and be positioned to minimize exposure to wind and water
erosion. Topsoil piles stored for longer than 30 days will be immediately seeded to provide
cover and reduce erosion, provide competition for weed species, and to maintain viability of the
soil fungi and microbe communities. Several fast germinating sterile cover crops ("Regreen"
and "Quickguard") are commercially available and will be used for shorter periods when topsoil
must be stored. Topsoil stored for more than one growing season will be seeded with one of the
recommended seed mixes, based upon the zone in which the soil is stored. Using the
recommended seed mixes on long-term storage piles will help maintain biological activity and
provide a seed bank of viable seed. If long-term stockpiling or deep stockpiling cannot be
avoided, application of vesicular-arbuscular mycorhiza inoculants (see section below) may be
beneficial.
Use of Fertilizers
Fertilizer will not be used in the reclamation of arid or semi -arid sites such as NPR. These areas
are typically at high risk of invasion by exotic annual weeds, almost all of which are favored by
higher levels of nitrogen. Native western species are well adapted to the low fertility of soils in
these areas. There are many cases of severe weed infestations, which are directly attributable to
addition of nitrogen. In addition to the considerable cost incurred, the routine use of fertilizer
may well trigger problems with undesirable annual invaders, which can be essentially impossible
to correct.
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Page 11 of 38 June 2009
Use of Mulch
Typically, all reclamation areas are mulched to ensure compliance with over -lapping, ever -
tightening regulation. Certified weed -free mulch is used on all reclamation sites. On steep
slopes (>25%), erosion matting/blankets are applied. Straw mulch is typically broadcast over the
prepared seed -bed followed by drilling of seed and crimping in a single pass. Drilling and
crimping should be cross -slope where possible to discourage rill erosion.
Use of Certified Seed
The two types of certified seed are "Blue Tagged Certified Seed" and "Yellow Tagged Source
Identified Seed".
Certified Seed (Blue Tag): Seed Certification is the means of maintaining the pedigree
(genetically pure seed) of a specific variety of seed. Each state has a seed certifying agency or
crop improvement association that certifies seed. Blue Tagged Certified Seed must meet high
purity and germination standards and have low weed content, usually less than 0.25 percent.
Blue tagged certified seed can not contain any prohibited noxious weeds of the state of
certification. Many native species are now available in certified cultivars and in most cases the
certified cultivars are lower cost.
Source Identified Seed (Yellow Tag): There is a strong market for native plant materials, but
there may not be certified ecotypes available due to a lack of breeding, low supply, high cost to
produce, or unreliable demand. Where feasible, native plant material will be acquired from
harvest areas with the same or higher latitude of the area of intended use. State seed laws only
require that the actual state of origin be on the label. To receive seed from a designated area,
EnCana will request "Source Identified Seed" to ensure that a certification agency has verified
the exact location from which the seed was harvested. Source Identified certification is in place
in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana. Yellow tags do not guarantee that the
seed is free of noxious weeds. EnCana will refer to the vendor's label for analysis and weed
content.
Use of Local Seed
Plant species commonly display considerable site adaptation and variability within and between
sites. Thus, seed collected far from its eventual planting site, perhaps from a north facing aspect,
often performs poorly compared to seeds of the same species collected closer to the planting site
or on the same aspect as the site where it is to be planted. Most professional seed suppliers
record the collection site and it may be possible to choose seed that is from locally adapted
plants. This is the source indentified, or yellow tag seed mentioned above. If acceptable yellow
tag seed is not available, the collection of local seed will be required.
Seed Testing
Testing seed is the only way to insure the quality of the seed (purity and viability) and that no
undesirable species are present. Purity tests show the percentages of crop, weed, and inert matter
(material other than seed such as stems or chaff), and show if the percentage of each species in
the mix meets the standards ordered. The terms germination and viability are sometimes used
interchangeably, but do not have the same meaning. A germination test will determine how
seeds perform under favorable conditions; however, some seeds are dormant and do not
germinate even though they are still alive. Dormant seeds have the potential to germinate if
WestWater Engineering
Page 12 of 38 June 2009
dormancy is broken, usually through time and/or physiological stimulus. A viability test will
show the sum of the percent germinated and percent dormant seeds in a seed lot, providing
information on the potential germination of the lot. Proper seed sampling is very important and
reputable seed vendors will provide the testing information.
Inoculation of Legumes
Most legume seeds will be treated with commercially available Rhizobium inoculants to ensure
that they are able to make best advantage of their capabilities for nitrogen fixation. Due to the
noxious weed problems and the lack of selective herbicides for herbaceous plants, shrubs and
trees, no legumes are recommended in the seed mixes proposed by the Glenwood Springs Field
Office (GSFO), Bureau of Land Management (BLM). WWE recommends the use of these seed
mixes to facilitate the handling of seed. Directions have been provided on modifying the BLM
seed mixes to add forbs and shrubs where noxious weed problems do not exist or when
reclaiming sagebrush shrublands in greater sage grouse occupied habitat.
Inoculation of Sterile Soils
Vesicular-Arbuscular mycorhiza (AMF) is fungi components of live topsoil significant to
approximately 80 percent of all native species. AMF form symbiotic relationships with plant
roots and increase water and nutrient uptake capacity of the plant by as much as three orders of
magnitude. There are two types of AMF and both are critical for plants in infertile soils or
drought prone areas, such as those often found on NPR. In most cases on NPR, endo-mycorhiza
will be used to inoculate the soil because this is the type of fungi that associates with herbaceous
and broad -leafed woody plants. If coniferous species such as pinyon pine, Utah juniper, or
Douglas fir are prescribed in reclamation, ecto-mycorhizal fungi would also be desirable.
Improperly stored topsoil and areas with little or no topsoil will be treated with commercial AMF
(Barrow and McCaslin 1995).
AMF inoculants are available in two forms: as a granular form for application during broadcast
seeding; and as a fine powder for mixing in and coating of seeds prior to seeding or mixing into a
hydromulch applicator. Granular forms are typically applied at a rate of 20 lbs/acre and powder
inoculants are applied to the seed at a rate of 1 lb/acre. When broadcast seeded, the granular
form must be incorporated into the soil with seed by harrowing.
Determination of Pure Live Seed (PLS) Ratio
Seed application rates are based on the percentage of pure live seed (PLS) in the supplied seed.
Seed may contain weed seeds, seed of other species, chaff, sand, other inert material, and broken
seeds. PLS equals the percent purity times the percent germination. Most species are sold on a
PLS basis, with the price adjusted accordingly. Seed will always be purchased based on PLS
rather than bulk. Less expensive seeds with lower purity and germination may actually cost
more on a PLS basis than more expensive seed.
SEED MIXTURE RECOMMENDATIONS
The recommended menu driven seed mixtures, shown in Appendix B, follow BLM guidance and
include native grasses that provide good soil protection, are not overly competitive to allow
native forbs and shrubs to repopulate disturbed areas, and are commercially available in
quantities for small acreage projects. Big sagebrush, Artemesia tridentata spp. and other native
WestWater Engineering
Page 13 of 38 June 2009
shrubs and forbs have been omitted from the BLM mixes due to widespread noxious weed
infestations and the priority of controlling noxious weeds first in temporary and long-term
disturbances. Because weed infestations are not generally as severe on NPR, the addition of the
appropriate sub -species of big sagebrush and forbs is desired whenever sagebrush dominated
plant communities are found. The process for substituting a portion of the grass with forbs and
shrubs in appropriate amounts is explained below and in Appendix B.
Greater Sage -Grouse Occupied Habitat
Where occupied habitat of Greater Sage -Grouse is found, the appropriate sub -species of
sagebrush will be added to the menu driven mixes in Appendix B. For example, where mountain
big sagebrush, Artemesia tridentata vaseyana or Wyoming big sagebrush, A. t. wyomingensis are
found, the use of Basin big sagebrush, A. t. tridentata will not be permitted. Where basin big
sagebrush is found on terraces and benches above streams, the use of basin big sagebrush would
be appropriate. In all situations if the appropriate subspecies cannot be acquired through seed
providers as yellow tag from an acceptable site, seed will be harvested from adjacent sagebrush.
Harvesting Local Seed
If no commercial sources of the appropriate sub -species of sagebrush are available, local seed
will be harvested. This relatively simple process involves monitoring the sagebrush
inflorescence to judge when the majority of seeds are ripe and easily expelled. This occurs in
late fall to early winter. Seeds are harvested by shaking the flower heads over a ground cover or
open container. Seeds are difficult to see and average about 2.5 million per pound. Seeds must
be immediately broadcast planted over the first snow pack of winter or carefully stored for later
use. Proper storage means first allowing the seeds and flower materials to dry by spreading out
over a ground cover or cotton cloth in a drying room (usually a large storage area). After air
drying for 24-48 hours, seeds will be placed in breathable cotton bags. Airtight bags result in
remaining moisture causing problems with and often ruining stored seed.
Sagebrush requires different seeding strategies than those most used (broadcast on frozen soil or
on early snow cover on roughened surfaces). It is very difficult to seed by drill, and often
requires the addition of rice hulls, wheat bran, or other coarse organic matter to help meter the
seeds slowly enough through the drill to prevent all the sagebrush seed being planted in the first
pass of a drill.
Adding Shrubs and Forbs
Activities that result in the removal of more than five acres of sagebrush, which are done in areas
that are not within 100 feet of sagebrush to provide seed source, will have the proper subspecies
of sagebrush included in the seed mixture at the rate of 0.2516/acre PLS added to the appropriate
mix for the site. The effect on the number of seeds per square foot will be ignored for sagebrush.
Forbs from the appropriate lower, middle, or upper zone lists in the preceding report will be
added in an appropriate ratio to maintain 60 seeds/sq. ft. total (see Tables 1, 2, and 3, Appendices
A, B, and C).
Appendix B contains directions to add forb and shrub seed to the grass only mixes. By reducing
the total grass seeds/ft2 and adding the correct number of pounds of forb or shrub seed depending
on the species selected to provide the specified number of seeds of a species in the total mix.
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Page 14 of 38 June 2009
Appendix B includes a list of 13 forbs which can be used in the lower, middle, and upper zones
of NPR.
For the menu driven recipes, the total pounds of mix will be reduced by the percent of grass
seeds replaced with forb and shrub seeds. An example of a decision to provide 5 seeds per
square foot for each of two species of forbs would reduce the total pounds of seed without forbs
by 17 percent per acre. Five seeds per square foot in an acre (43,560 square feet) are 217,800
seeds of each species. If species A has seeds which are 33,000/Ib it would require 6.6 lbs of pure
live seed to provide 5 seeds/sq ft of Species A. In this example, if Species B has seeds which
number 144,000/Ib then it would require 1.5 lbs of Species B to provide the 5 seeds/ft2. So, by
adding 6.6 lbs of Species A and 1.5 lbs of Species B which when added to the mix, which was
reduced by 17 percent weight of PLS, the number of seeds/ft2 will be 60 total.
Developing a Seed Mix
Appendix C is the table Reclamation Seed Mix Preferred Species for NPR Plant
Communities, a listing for potential species suitable for reclamation work on NPR developed by
WWE biologists for the original NPR reclamation plan (WWE 2006). The list is provided to
account for site diversity, unstable prices, and highly variable availability of plants useful for
reclamation. The table can be used to replace a single, unavailable species or to develop a
complete seed mix. Of great importance is the soil texture adaptation information. Species with
wide ranges of tolerance (i.e., species with adaptation ratings of mostly twos and threes in the
table) will be selected whenever possible (Appendix C, Table C-7, page C-1).
It may be necessary to adjust the total number of seeds planted per square foot to precipitation,
soil moisture and texture, slope, and aspect. In the Lower Zone and riparian terraces, fewer total
seeds per square foot will likely yield better results if seedling plants are not affected by
crowding and competition from an excess number of surviving seedlings. In the Middle Zone of
NPR, more seeds can be planted due to generally higher precipitation and better soils in localized
areas, while Upper Zone precipitation and deeper soils will successfully sustain higher numbers
of seedlings per square foot.
Grasses have consistently performed better than forbs or shrubs in land reclamation. More
species of grasses will be in a mix than forbs or shrubs, except in the case of shrub -only
plantings.
Reclamation Seed Mix Reporting
Due to the size, complexity, and number of entities involved with reclamation on NPR, it is
important to record what type of plant materials, land treatments, and soil amendments are used
on each project. This information allows for future analysis of plant material selections and
application and land treatment used to help guide future reclamation decisions. A form,
Reclamation Seed Mix Reporting Form, page E3, is provided in Appendix E for this purpose.
Reclamation Monitoring
Success of re -vegetation will be evaluated on the effectiveness of the vegetation for the post -
development land use of the property, and the extent of cover compared to the cover occurring in
natural vegetation of the area. Projected cover of desirable species will be based on cover
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Page 15 of 38 June 2009
measured in undisturbed reference areas (not including non-native, invasive species such as
noxious weeds). Specifics will be addressed in a later section of the report.
A Natural Reference Area for each zone will be established over time in order to measure the
success of reclamation. Transects would be established in each zone for representative plant
communities to enable biologists to determine if desirable species have been successfully
established, and if they provide sufficient ground cover to adequately protect the site from
erosion and invasive weeds. Reclamation monitoring will provide evidence of whether a self-
sustaining plant community has been re-established and whether vegetative processes such as
reproduction and seedling survival are occurring.
If resource availability permits, transects will be done in late spring and late summer and would
provide identification and percent contribution of most, if not all, dominant plants found on
NPR. Monitoring results can be compared to studies conducted for oil shale projects in the
1970s (Ferchau 1973).
Representative views of current conditions reflect the diversity of plant communities on NPR.
Upper Zone Ridgetop Shrublands
East Fork Parachute Creek Riparian
Lower Zone Terraces
Riparian Woodlands below West Fork
Falls
WestWater Engineering Page 16 of 38
.1 tine 2009
Middle Zone cliffs, colluviunis harsh
slope and aspect
Douglas fir on steep hillsides and ridge -tops
Aspen woodlands
NOXIOUS WEED MANAGEMENT
Background
Weeds create large economic losses for agriculture in cropland and rangeland situations,
resulting in increased, non -point source sediment from vegetation community disturbances,
including those from noxious weeds. Noxious weeds provide poorer habitat for wildlife than
native vegetation. Proliferation of alien plant species alters ecosystem processes and threatens
certain native species with extirpation. The General Assembly of the State of Colorado passed
the Colorado Weed Management Act, the Colorado Noxious Weed Act, in 1996 (Title 35,
Article 5.5, Section 35-5.5-104.5 to Section 35-5.5-118) (See also, Colorado rules and
regulations, 8 CCR 1206-2, Rules Pertaining to the Administration and Enforcement of the
Colorado Noxious Weed Act). The act requires landowners and managers to manage noxious
weeds if they are likely to damage neighboring lands. The act also provides that each county in
Colorado will adopt a noxious weed management plan for the unincorporated portions of the
county. As part of the extensive land stewardship program for NPR, EnCana requested W WE
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Page 17 of 38 June 2009
prepare a noxious weed management plan for the 45,000 acre NPR. This plan provides a
framework to control those plant species that are listed as "noxious" in Garfield County.
Many individual development projects within NPR have had separate IVMPs written and
submitted to Garfield County. The Water Park, Middle Fork Compressor Station, East Fork
Cuttings Cell, Shale Rock Pit, and Conoco Phillips Phase II gathering system are a few examples
of projects with separate plans. This plan is intended to replace the need for individual project
plans across the NPR.
Integrated means more than one type of action to control, suppress, eradicate, or reduce a
noxious weed species. Certain integrated weed management practices cannot be conducted on
the NPR. For example, prescribed burning followed by herbicide application to re -growth would
not be implemented due to the incompatibility with the terrain and the nature of resource
development on NPR.
Integrating control methods and carefully scrutinizing herbicides is particularly important for
sensitive resources on NPR. Sensitive resources include occupied Greater Sage Grouse (GSG)
habitat, wetlands, riparian green belts on perennial waterways, Colorado River cutthroat trout
habitat on West Fork, and the threatened, endangered, or sensitive plant species (TESS). Known
TESS plants on NPR include sun -loving meadow rue, Piceance bladderpod, Roan Cliffs blazing
star, and hanging gardens sullvantia. Less likely present are adobe thistle, DeBeque milkvetch,
and DeBeque phacelia.
Utmost care and precaution will be used when handling and applying all restricted use
herbicides, including tebuthiuron. Additionally, these and all other pesticides will be applied in
accordance to the pesticide label, and only by a commercial pesticide applicator licensed by the
Department of Agriculture, State of Colorado. This process recognizes potential accumulation is
detrimental to the riparian vegetation community and subsequent potential impacts on GSG and
cutthroat trout.
Inventory of Weed Species
Several sources of information concerning confirmed noxious weed infestations and locations
are available. The most obvious source of information is EnCana employees and their
knowledge of the property. A second source of knowledge is contractors working on weed
control and reclamation. A third source is WWE scientists who conducted a number of studies,
inventories, and surveys including inventories of weeds on portions of NPR since 2004. A
comprehensive, systematic weed inventory of NPR has not been conducted. Some areas have
been intensively surveyed, including the ConocoPhillips Phase II Gathering System and other
projects mentioned previously, but the entire property has yet to be surveyed. Most observations
of weeds by WWE have been recorded as points using recreational -grade global positioning
systems accurate to within a range of 10 meters. This accuracy is sufficient for trained weed
management personnel to locate the subject weeds.
All field personnel will be educated and trained in weed identification and will complete and
submit a Noxious Weed Inventory Form to EnCana's Weed Specialist upon discovery of an
infestation.
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Weed locations are shown on the map entitled "North Parachute Ranch Integrated Vegetation
Management Plan (Figure 1) which displays polygons encompassing more than one species of
noxious weeds and a point above the falls on West Fork for a single specimen of a single species
of noxious weeds. This is an example of a high priority out -lying specimen which, if controlled
soon, may not become a long-term problem.
Eradication, Control, Containment
The A, 13, and C lists in the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDOA) weed regulations
reflect the goals for each species on the list. The A list species are to be eradicated, B list species
controlled, and C list species contained. The terms are defined on the CDOA website and relate
to NPR as follows:
Eradication - Setting the goal of infestation eradication will be reserved for very small weed
populations found in NPR and any potential infestation of List A species, or other species not
previously recorded in Colorado. By eliminating a noxious weed when the population is low in
numbers, time, money, and effort are less than that required in the long run.
Control - If a noxious weed is found in substantial numbers or density in some parts of NPR, but
not others, a "line in the sand" will be drawn to establish management areas. Goals for weed
control include the reduction of density, the reduction of spatial cover, and the prevention of
further spread.
Containment - Certain weeds are found in such large numbers that it is no longer realistic to
eliminate all populations. However, management practices may slow the further spread of the
weed (CWMA 2008).
NPR Weed Management Objectives
EnCana intends to meet the following objectives as appropriate and feasible:
• Reduce abundance of and control difficult weeds to eradicate, including whitetop, yellow
toadflax, Canada thistle, and Houndstongue. Treat isolated instances, both single plants
and patches, to reduce probability of spread;
• Treat Lindauer Meadow, McCarthy Gulch, and Cow Creek, all of which harbor multiple
species of weeds;
• Implement restoration of areas heavily impacted by development, such as Lindauer
Meadows, including seeding for native plants;
• Develop and implement employee awareness to identify weed invasions at the earliest
recognition;
• Reduce the threat of wildfire potential;
• Control erosion and sedimentation;
• Provide a self-perpetuating, drought -tolerant vegetative cover that is compatible with
post -development land use;
• Utilize adapted native species for re -vegetation that are beneficial to wildlife and that will
reduce the visual effect of rights-of-way and other project components;
• Encourage native plant re-establishment by avoiding the use of highly competitive
introduced species;
• Limit the introduction and spread of noxious and other annual weeds through prompt re -
vegetation;
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Page 19 of 38 June 2009
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1.
PON! F . A
lepkYmi perkFiaernr
Stryenbhun spp.
pe.*pbMm swath
gaping peppemeed
Tumble meloid
nomad /rim nneml,.a
Russian 61Idle
L
L
L
11
LEPE2 F A
SIAL2 ' F i A
CE602 F A
SALSO P A
Sabers app-
1164ideY. tolr..r 6e Y saa it 411. di 6.e.e66 .66.etA..ee
if*, *16 'see n An ',Owl.. nems rnemef
uzoal n ey.erur. ism
Figure 1:
ENCANA•.
i Ir
/FTM' North Parachute Ranch
t 1 Integrated Vegetation Management Flan
NestWaterEngineering
--. •e- 9 4r
• Return disturbed land to a level of productivity comparable to pre -construction levels;
and
• Control established noxious weed populations through integrated techniques including
mechanical, chemical, and natural control agents.
Priorities for Weed Management
The most important IVMP technique for noxious weed management is to prevent weeds from
becoming established in the first place. Some specific Weed Prevention BMPs include the
washing of equipment, the avoidance grazing by livestock, and the prompt establishment of a
cover crop.
Weed Species Priorities
Weed management priorities are based on the actual or potential threat that weeds pose to the
management objectives for the property. Two factors are used to set priorities, namely the weed
species and the locations of weed infestations. Consideration of the specific species of a weed is
important because weeds vary considerably in the threat they pose to the resource values of the
property. In addition, weed species vary greatly in the susceptibility to control measures. Weed
species that pose the greatest threat to achieving the management objectives for the property are
those infestations that are relatively new and/or small in size.
High priority species are those that can be eradicated quickly and are in small, isolated patches.
Medium priority are either co -located with high priority species or have need for long-term
management. Low priority species include those widespread infestations that would require
significant land management inputs such as soil amendments, interseeding, and overlapping of
multiple control methods in order to successfully reduce density and abundance. Legally high
priority species are the Garfield County weeds and any State A or B list noxious weed.
Weed Infestation Priorities on NPR
Table 5 includes the weed species commonly found on NPR, the regulatory status, and suggested
priority for treatment. Much of NPR is weed free. High priority for control was placed on Garfield
County species and Colorado A or B species not listed by Garfield County. The following areas
will be treated as impact occurs:
• All pipelines, pads, and roads with emphasis on West Fork and all NPR land above the
escarpment;
• Small, isolated patches of weeds listed in Table 5, below, many of which have been
identified including location by Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM);
• Small, isolated patches below escarpments;
• West Fork below Falls;
• Middle Fork and East Fork riparian shrubs and trees below escarpment and toe slopes;
• Lindauer Meadow (the big meadow at the confluence);
• McCarthy Gulch -Cow Creek areas (important due to location in upper Piceance
watershed); and
WestWater Engineering Page 21 of 38 June 2009
• Divide Road from Cow Creek west to West Gate.
Appendix D has an I VMG for high priority species and is presented in a separate document.
Table 5. Garfield County Noxious Weeds and other State listed
and troublesome weeds confirmed on NPR
Species'
Common name'
Suggested
Priority
Code3s
t NPR
T
C7E
�p
,.
Garfield County Listed Noxious Weeds confirmed o
Acroptilon repens
Russian knapweedB
H
ACRE3
F
P
Arctium minus
Common (Lesser) burdock'
H
ARMI 2
F
B
Cardaria draba
Hoary cress, WhitetopB
H
CADR
F
P
Carduus nutans
Musk thistleB
H
CANU4
F
B _
Centaurea drfusa
Diffuse knapweedB
H
CEDI 3
F
P
Centaurea maculosa
Spotted knapweedB
H
CESTM
F
P
Cirsium arvense
Canada thistleB
H
CIAR 4
F
P
Cynoglossum officinale
HoundstongueB
H
CYOF
F
B
_ Elaeagnus angustifolia
Russian olive
H
ELAN
T
P
Linaria vulgaris
Yellow toadflax11
H
LIVU 2
F
P
Tamarix spp.'s
Salt cedar
H
TARA
T
P
State Listed Noxious Weeds confirmed on NPR but not listed by Garfield County
Cir.rium vulgare.
Bull thistle
H
CIVU
F
B
Erodium cicutarium
Redstem filareeB
M
ERCI 6
F
A
Lepidium latafolium
Perennial pepperweedn
M
LELA 2
F
P
Verbascum thapsus
Common mullein
M
F
B
13romus tectorum
cheatgrassc
L
BRTE
G
A
Convolvulus arvensis
Field bindweed'
L
COARP
Halo•eton •lomeratus
Halotetonc
L
HAGL
F
A
Unlisted troublesome weeds confirmed on NPR
Polygonum aviculare
Prostrate knotweed
L
POAV
F
A
Lepidium perfolialum
Clasping pepperweed
L
LEPE2
F
A
Sisymbrium spp.
Tumble mustard
L
SIAL2
F
A
Descurainia sophia
Flixweed (pinnate tansymustard)
L
DESO2
F
A
Salsola spp.
Russian Thistle
M
SALSO
F
A
Nomenclature follows the USDA PLANTS database (USDA,NRCS 2006), 2Common name follows same, 3US Dept. of
Agriculture official code, 4Forb, Grass or Tree, 5Annual, Biennial, Perennial, &State B List, 'State C List
NOXIOUS WEED SPECIES PROFILES
It is critical to understand the biology of each species including its life history (perennial, annual,
biennial). The following sections present a brief profile of each species starting with annuals and
biennials. Table 6 summarizes the control principles for annuals and biennials.
WestWater Engineering Page 22 of 38 June 2009
Table 6. General Principles of Management by Life History: annuals and biennials
Tarlxet: prevent seed production
Hand grubbing (pulling), hoeing, tillage, cultivation in rosette stage and before flowering or seed
maturity.
Chop roots below soil level.
Herbicide treatment in rosette or bolting stage, before flowering.
Mow biennials after bolting stage and before seed set; mowing annuals likely may not prevent the plants
from flowering.
Sirota 2004
Table 7 lists confirmed annual and biennial noxious weeds found on NPR. Field observations by
EnCana and WWE staff confirm the presence of several noxious weed species, including
Garfield County listed species.
Annual and winter annuals respond to reclamation, restoration, and use of competitive, native
grasses. Sound grazing management, including complete rest for a minimum of two years and
preferably three, will increase likelihood of success for native grasses.
Table 7. Confirmed annual and biennial noxious weeds on NPR
Species 1
Common name 2
Suggested
Priority
.. Species . _
Codes
rowth.
orsn4
d
Arctium minus
Common (Lesser) burdock
M
ARMI 2
F
B
Carduus nutans
Musk thistle
H
CANU4
F
B
Cynoglossum officinale
Houndstongue
H
CYOF
F
B
Bromus tectorum
Downy brome/Cheatgrass
M
BRTE
G
A
Cirsium vulgare
Bull thistle
H
CIVU
F
B
Descurainia sophia
Flixweed
L
DESO2
F
A
Erodium cicutarium
Redstem f laree
L
ERCI 6
F
A
Halogeton glomeralus
Halogeton
L
HAGL
F
A
Lepidium perfolatum
Clasping pepperweed
M
LEPE2
F
A
Polygonum aviculare
Prostrate knotweed
L
POAV
F
A
Salsola spp.
Russian Thistle
M
SALSO
F
A
Thelypodiopsis elegans
Tumble mustard
L
THEL
F
A
Verbascum thapsus
Common mullein
M
VETH
F
B
'Nomenclature follows the USDA PLANTS database (USDA,NRCS 2006)
Common name follows same, 3US Dept. of Agriculture official code, 4Forb, Grass or Tree, 'Annual, Biennial, Perennial.
Bold type indicates Garfield County noxious weed
WestWater Engineering
Page 23 of 38 June 2009
ANNUALS
Downy brome/Cheatgrass: Downy brome (or cheatgrass, as it is also known) changes color
rather dramatically from green to purple to brown as the plant matures in a relatively short time
period. Downy brome can greatly alter the species composition of dry, native rangeland
vegetation by competitive exclusion of reproduction of native plant species and by facilitation of
wildfires. Invasion of downy brome is greatest in drier environments, particularly in sagebrush -
steppe communities. The process in which pristine shrub -steppe ecosystem deteriorates into one
that is dominated by downy brome takes several years and has several distinct cycles. First,
some sort of disturbance, such as heavy grazing, allows downy brome and other annuals to
invade and proliferate. The dry stands of downy brome in the summer increase the chance of
fires. Initially, this creates an environment dominated by annual grasses, snakeweed
(Gutierrezia spp.), and rabbitbrush. As fires become even more frequent, the area will be
dominated by annual grasses alone, with the loss of surface soil, soil microbes, nutrients, and
near permanent deterioration of the site. Species that are commonly displaced by downy brome
include big sagebrush, antelope bitterbrush, bluebunch wheatgrass, western wheatgrass,
Sandberg bluegrass, needle -and -thread grass, and Thurber's needlegrass.
Keys to Identification:
• Short leaves with long hair
• Foliage turns purplish before maturing to straw color
• Seed heads droop, have long awns
• One of the first plants to germinate in the spring
Flixweed: Flixweed (pinnate tansymustard) is an early seral species which quickly invades
areas of exposed mineral soil with reduced plant cover. Flixweed is an early -blooming winter
annual or biennial and is one of the first weeds to appear in the spring. Flowering occurs from
March through July, depending on geographic location. It can survive in dense stands for a few
years if undisturbed, but is generally replaced by cheatgrass or other species (Howard 2003). In
later seral stages, flixweed competes poorly with perennial grasses and forbs. Land management
practices which maintain healthy grass communities will prevent the spread of flixweed. As
with other annual plants which reproduce by seeds, flixweed can be controlled by eliminating
seed production until the soil seed bank is depleted.
Keys to identification:
• Leaves alternate, 2 to 3 times pinnately compound
• Segments of leaves very narrow
• Stems holding seed capsules are nearly the same length as the capsule
Redstem Filaree: Redstem filaree, also known as stork's bill, is an annual, winter annual, or
biennial. It is usually a low prostrate plant, consisting of a basal rosette and flowering stalks.
The stalks are erect, about 40 -cm (16 -inches) high and originate in the axils of the leaves. The
leaves are divided into fine leaflets, similar to those of a carrot. The flowers are about 1 -cm (1/2 -
inch) across, pink or purplish, and borne in clusters of 2-12 on long flower stalks. The sepals of
the flowers are awn -tipped and hairy. The flower column is 2.5-4 cm (1-1 1/2 inches) long and
resembles a stork's bill. At maturity, the developing seed splits into five segments, each with a
long, spirally -twisted tail that carries a seed at its base. The seeds survive for 1-3 years in the
soil. When the soil is disturbed there are flushes of germination. Developing plants prefer cool
conditions and tolerate shade well.
WestWater Engineering Page 24 of 38 June 2009
Check low spots for patches. Scout fields early because redstem filaree quickly grows past the
recommended stages for herbicide application. Note that the first true leaves are very close to
the ground and hard to see. It is drought tolerant, and during dry seasons, it can seriously reduce
forage yields. Winter annual redstem filaree plants compete and set seed early in the spring and
will be controlled the previous fall with tillage after the majority of plants have germinated.
Keys to Identification:
• Leaves of young plant form rosettes
• Leaves are divided into narrow feather -like lobed or toothed segments
• Flowers are purplish -pink borne in clusters of two or more
• Fruit is long -beaked
Halogeton: This annual forb flowers during July and August and fruits in the fall on disturbed,
barren, alkaline clay, clay loam, and sandy loam soils. Halogeton glomeratus is able to
withstand high concentrations of salinity. It is often associated with black greasewood and
shadscale. Salt from the soil accumulates in the plant tissues and leaches from dead plants and
roots back onto the soil surface increasing salinity and favoring establishment of halogeton over
other species. Soil nutrient levels change significantly under halogeton cover.
This species inhabits disturbed sites, road sides, and arid lands in poor ecological condition. It is
often found in large stands in cheatgrass, salt desert shrub, shadscale, saltbush, saltgrass, and
pinyon pine juniper plant communities.
Proper grazing management and management of site disturbance are critical to reduce halogeton
invasion. Early detection and control via mechanical and chemical methods are required to
prevent major infestations. The best control method for halogeton is prevention. This can be
achieved by not disturbing the soil in potential infestation sites. If disturbance is necessary,
follow by planting site with species adapted to the harsh environment. Halogeton can be
controlled by mechanical tillage, but for long term control this must be followed by reseeding.
Chemical application may damage native and desired plants. Chemical control must be followed
by actively altering the plant community with desirable plants to have a lasting effect.
Keys to identification:
• Bluish -green tubular leaves on red stems
• Leaves turn red or yellow by late summer -
Clasping Pepperweed: Clasping pepperweed is a winter annual or annual, and is native to
Europe. It has become widely established throughout much of the western United States in
disturbed areas, croplands, and pastures (Whitson et al 2006). Clasping pepperweed grows from
6-18 inches tali, and flowering and seed production occur from April through June. Flowers are
white to yellow and leaves are alternate with lower leaves dissected and the upper leaves
clasping and heart -shaped (Whitson et al. 2006).
Keys to identification:
• 6-18 inches tall
• Stems erect, branched at the top
• Leaves are alternate, with lower leaves dissected, upper leaves heart -shaped, clasping
• Flowers are white to yellow
• Stems are reddish -brown
WestWater Engineering
Page 25 of 38 June 2009
Prostrate knotweed: Prostrate knotweed is a frequent weed of turf, roadsides, vacant lots,
gravel parking areas, gardens, and any other site that has compacted soil and sufficient moisture
to complete its life cycle. In turf it is found where heavy wear causes soil compaction. It is a
typical weed of footpaths or dirt roadways. It can serve as a host for diseases, such as powdery
mildew, and is an alternate host for the parasitic weed dodder. Prostrate knotweed germinates in
late winter or early spring, when sufficient moisture is available. It often germinates in soil
cracks in compacted soil, and seedlings appear in lines where the cracks are. Though it
germinates in early spring, it grows slowly and upright before becoming prostrate. If mowed, it
remains prostrate and spreads, forming a mat that is 3 to 4 feet in diameter. Seeds develop low
to the ground on the plant and readily survive mowing. Flowering may occur from March
through October. One of the best methods of control is to mitigate the condition under which
this weed grows best—compacted soils.
Keys to identification:
• Prostrate through early life stages, 1 --- 3 feet tall at maturity
• Wiry corrugated stems that are enlarged at each, joint
• Small, pink flowers occurring at the leaf axils
Russian thistle: Russian thistle is a bushy summer annual with numerous slender ascending
stems that become quite woody at maturity. Stems vary from 8 to 36 inches in length and
usually have reddish to purplish stripes. Seedlings have very finely dissected leaves that almost
look like pine needles. Russian thistle normally will not germinate successfully in firm soil; the
soil in the site must be loose, such as that found on temporary disturbances on perimeters of
industrial sites. Other likely sites for germination include roadsides, fence lines, or any open site
with loosened soil. Russian thistle can also threaten native plant ecosystems. Large plants can
reduce highway safety by obstructing views along right-of-ways and can cause drivers to swerve
their vehicles in an attempt to avoid colliding with windblown plants crossing roads. In many
areas, plants accumulate along tree rows and fence lines, posing a serious fire hazard that
necessitates hours of manual labor for cleanup and disposal.
Keys to identification:
• Rounded, bushy, much -branched annual 1/2 to 3 feet tall
• Stems usually red or purple striped
• First leaves alternate, string -like and soft
• Later leaves short, scale -like, and tipped with a stiff spine
Tumble mustard: An annual thriving in waste places to 7,500 feet, including fields, roadsides,
and deserts; blooming period is May to July. Tumble mustard does not usually persist in late-
seral communities and may not require special control measures. Canopy closure, litter
accumulation, and/or growth interference from later -succession species tend to exclude tumble
mustard over time. Because tumble mustard is an early seral species, minimizing soil
disturbance and seed dispersal while maintaining a healthy plant community is the best way to
prevent establishment of tumble mustard.
Keys to identification:
• Stem simple below, much branched above having a brushy appearance
• Leaves alternate and of two types, lower coarse and divided into broad lobes or leaflets,
upper much reduced, finer with narrow lobes or segments
• Flowers small and pale yellow
• Reaches 2-5 feet tall
WestWater Engineering Page 26 of 38 June 2009
BIENNIALS
The best control periods are listed for biennial weeds found on NPR, and are shown in Table 8.
Table 8. Biennial Weed Biology
'Species Type* Jan Feb (March
April May June ifuly Aug 'Sept Oct
I-->-_> [.>
ie nndstongue IO 'rosettes r-> irebud
'Thistle, BuII - l st yr
r
flowering - seed set [germination
'rosettes -->
germination
Thistle, Bull - 2nd yr B '--> I -' -->
Thistle, Musk- istyr 'B r
'Thistle, Musk - 2nd yr FB rrasettes '-->
--> 'bolting 'flowering seed set --> !rosettes
germination [rosettes [> ' F>-�—
'bolt flawering'seed set -- > 1 ' F
rCommon burdock I-' r [ germination !rosettes bolt !flowering— seed set Fr--
Common
r —
Common mullein IB Dormancy [merge [Flowering, peowering, seed
- — — set I
'*A = annual; WA = winter annual; B = biennial;
Shaded areas indicate best control timing
Common Burdock: Common burdock can commonly be found growing along roadsides, ditch
banks, in pastures, and waste areas. It generally prefers riparian areas that have moist, fertile
soils with high nitrogen contents. Common burdock burs can become entangled in the hair of
livestock, thereby damaging the quality of wool from sheep, the vigor of suckling calves, which,
in turn, reduces the value of these resources. The bulk of germination occurs in early spring
(Gross et al. 1980). During the first year, the plant forms a rosette. The following year, the plant
produces a stout, grooved, rough stem with numerous branches. Flowering and seed production
occur from July to September. Seeds are mature by September and are shed continuously
throughout the autumn, winter, and following spring. As with other plants which reproduce
solely by seed, integrated management efforts must include the elimination of seed production
and the depletion of the seed bank. Combine herbicide or tillage treatment of rosettes with
removal of seed heads from any plants that have bolted. Preventing dispersal of burs is
particularly important.
Keys to identification:
• Rosette leaves large and heart shaped
• Found in disturbed places including riparian shrubs and trees
• Purple flowers
Musk thistle: The waxy leaves are dark green with a Tight green midrib and mostly white
margins. The Targe and showy flowers are terminal, flat, nodding, 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inches across,
purple, rarely white, and are surrounded by numerous Targe, lance -shaped, spine -tipped bracts.
Blooms appear in late May and June and set seed in June or July. Musk thistle is commonly
found in pastures, pipelines, roadsides, and waste places. It prefers moist, bottom land soil, but
can be found on drier uplands. Musk thistle is a highly competitive weed which invades
disturbed areas, pasture, rangeland, forest land, cropland, and waste areas throughout most of the
United States. Musk thistle spreads rapidly and forms extensive stands, which force out
desirable vegetation. Musk thistle may produce allelopathic chemicals that inhibit desirable
plants beyond the spread of the rosettes. Seeds germinate in the fall, forming a rosette of leaves.
Typically, musk thistle over -winters as a rosette and bolts the following spring between April -
June. Flowering begins in late May or early June and continues through mid-July. Seeds mature.
WestWater Engineering Page 27 of 38 June 2009
and are dispersed 1 to 3 weeks after flowering. Seedlings establish only on bare soils and grow
less when shaded by neighboring plants. Musk thistle reproduces solely by seed.
Keys to Identification:
• The waxy leaves are dark green with a light green midrib and mostly white margins
• The Targe and showy flowers are terminal, flat, nodding, 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inches across,
purple, rarely white, and surrounded by numerous, lance -shaped, spine -tipped, very large
bracts
• Blooms appear in late May and June and set seed in June or July
The key to managing musk thistle is to prevent seed production. Most control methods will have
a detrimental effect on other plants and may cause a disturbance that will favor re -invasion by
other exotic species. Dense musk thistle stands along roadsides and in degraded areas can be
treated by spot use of herbicides, and in high-quality areas by a persistent program of pulling or
cutting. The seeds of musk thistle are viable for up to 10 years, which means that control
methods may have to be repeated for many years to completely eliminate a stand.
One integrated approach to musk thistle management involves 1) managing livestock grazing to
increase grass vigor and reduce bare ground; 2) spray rosettes with clopyralid or 2, 4-13;
3) re -seed treated ground with competitive desirable plants in the fall after spraying; and
4) follow-up with spot cutting of entire plants when first flowers appear annually for several
years to deplete the seed bank in the soil.
Houndstongue: Houndstongue is a biennial that reproduces by seed and produces a rosette the
first year. During the second year, a flowering stem bolts and produces fruit. Houndstongue is a
poor competitor with native perennials and requires disturbed or bare areas to establish. Once
established, houndstongue quickly forms dense monocultures. Treat first year plants with
herbicides. Mow bolted plants to eliminate seed production. Repeat this process for several
years to exhaust the seed bank. It is imperative to establish a healthy population of native
perennials on treated areas to prevent the re-establishment of houndstongue or other noxious
weeds.
Keys to identification:
• Large rough basal leaves like a hound's tongue
• Small, reddish -purple flowers in clusters on branch ends
• Barbed nut -let seed dispersed by mechanical means
Bull thistle: Another species which reproduces by seeds is the Bull thistle. The leaves are
prickly -hairy above and cottony below with stiff pointy spines on leaf tips. Flowers are quite
wide and are clustered at the end of branches. Leaves are alternate. Bull are the only thistles in
Colorado that are prickly hairy on the top surface of the leaves. They are cottony -hairy on the
undersides. In mature plants, the leaves extend down, clasping the stem and are divided into
segments (i.e., strongly decurrent). Native Cirsium species are also found and some are common
like wavyleaf thistle, Cirsium undulatum, and some are rare like adobe thistle, Cirsium
perplexans. The natives generally do not have leaves clasping the stem all the way from node to
node (strongly decurrent leaves), and many have hairy upper and lower leaf surfaces and are
blue-green or gray in color. Bull thistle does not tolerate shade and, therefore, does not compete
well in areas that are populated by tall grasses and forbs. Improving the health of a natural area,
and guarding against disturbance or overuse, can be a good preventative measure against bull
thistle. Chemical control is most effective when rosettes are targeted in fall or spring, depending
WestWater Engineering Page 28 of 38 June 2009
on population density and the plant's stage of growth. Mechanical controls can be used to
eliminate small populations or plants in a later growth stage. To be effective, plants with buds or
flowers will be collected and immediately either land -filled or destroyed in a method that
eliminates seeds.
Keys to identification:
• Only thistle in Colorado with prickly hair on the top surface of the leaves, sometimes
quite so
• Leaves are cottony below, alternate, extend down and clasp the stem in mature stage
• Flowers are multiple and clustered at the end of branches
Common mullein: A biennial forb reproducing by seed, common mullein flower spikes are up
to 7 feet tall with basal leaves covered with wooly hair. Seeds of common mullein germinate in
the early spring, forming a rosette that continues to grow into late autumn and over winter (Gross
and Werner 1978). The following spring, the plant produces a tall stem topped with a flowering
raceme. Flowering and seed production occur from June to August. As with other plants which
reproduce solely by seed, integrated management efforts must include the elimination of seed
production and the depletion of the seed bank. Combine herbicide or mechanical removal of
rosettes with removal of seed heads from any plants that have bolted. Revising land
management to reduce competition for native plants has shown to be effective.
Keys to identification:
• Common mullein flower spikes are up to 7 feet
• Basal leaves are covered with wooly hair
PERENNIALS
The following section is devoted to perennial weeds. Many are very difficult to control and
impossible to eradicate (Table 9).
Table 9. Principles of management by life history for perennials
Target: deplete nutrient reserves in root system, prevent seed production
Allow plants to expend as much energy from root system as possible; do not treat when first emerging in
spring but allow growing to bud and bloom stage.
Herbicide treatment at bud to bloom stage or in the fall. In late summer and early fall plants draw
nutrients into the roots for winter storage rather than into leaf or stem production. Properly applied
herbicides will be drawn down to the roots more efficiently at this time. If the weed patch has been there
a long time, anoth3er season of seed production is not as important as getting the herbicide into the root
system. Spraying in the fall will kill the following year's shoots, which are being formed on the roots at
this time.
Mowing usually is not recommended because the plants will flower anyway; seed production may be
reduced, however. Effect of mowing is species dependent so know the IVM treatments which work best
on the target species.
Tillage may or may not be effective. Most perennial roots can sprout from pieces only one- half to one -
inch long. Tillage spreads species such as Canada thistle and yellow toadtlax. When mowing or
performing other work, clean machinery thoroughly before leaving the weed patch.
Hand pulling is generally not recommended for perennial species unless you know the plants are
seedlings and not established. Hand pulling can be effective on small patches, but is very labor intensive
because it must be done repeatedly.
Sirota 2004
WestWater Engineering
Page 29 of 38
June 2009
Field observations by EnCana and WWE staff confirm the presence of several noxious weed
species including Garfield County listed species (Table 10).
Table 10. Confirmed perennial noxious weeds on NPR
Species'
Common name
Suggested
Priority
Speci3s
Code
0
Cs,
� ifi
Life Historys
Acroptllon repens
Russian knapweed
H
ACRE3
F
P
Cardaria draba
Hoary cress, whitetop
H
CADR
F
P
Centaurea diffusa
Diffuse knapweed
H
CEDI3
F
P
Centaurea maculosa
Spotted knapweed
H
CEMA4
F
P
Cirsium arvense
Canada thistle
II
CIAR4
F
P
Elaeagnus angustifolia
Russian olive
H
ELAN
T
P
Linaria vulgaris
Yellow toadflax
H
LIVU2
F
P
Tamarix spp.
Salt cedar
H
TARA
T
P
Convolnulus arvensis
Field bindweed
L
COAR4
F
P
Lepidium latifolium
Perennial pepperweed
L
LELA2
F
P
Nomenclature follows the USDA PLANTS database (USDA,NRCS 2006); 2Common name follows same;
'US Dept. of Agriculture official code; 4Forb, Grass or Tree; 5Annual, Biennial, Perennial.
Bold type indicates Garfield County noxious weed
The shaded areas in Table 11 indicate the best times to apply control efforts on high priority
perennial species based on knowledge of the plant's life history and various stages of growth.
Table 11. Perennial Noxious Weed Biology
'Species [ype* Jan �� Feb arch April (May 'June
I tapweed, rc P
Russian
emc rgcs
i
riloary cress le P T emergence [flowering 1-->
Rosettes
Diffuse
knapweed
Knapweed, IP
Spotted
Thistle, p
Canada
Russian dormant
Olive I'
Toad
flax, p
Yellow
r
germination
Tamarisk* P scmG
dormancy
'*P = perennial; CP = creeping perennial
rosettes
leaves
emerge
growth
'(eaves
'emerge
seed set
boll flowering
bolt 'flowering
flowering and
seed set
bud
stage
[—>
July All—W. rept
flowering -->
regrowth 'j--> -->
seed set I--> germination
seed set [igcrrnination
Pet {Nov
regrowth F..>
rr
flowering set d regrowth
(growth control r
flowering
-seed set
flowering & seed growth #lowering & seed set senescence & semi -
set dormancy
Shaded areas indicate best control timing.
*Tamarisk control can be done at any time of year, but is easier when leaves are absent and weather is cooler.
WestWater Engineering Page 30 of 38 June 2009
Brief descriptions of each perennial or creeping perennial species follow.
Russian knapweed: Russian knapweed is a perennial forb which was likely introduced from
Eurasia around the late 1800's. It forms dense colonies in disturbed areas such as roadsides,
cultivated fields, orchards, and pastures (Whitson et al. 2006). Russian knapweed displaces
native species and reduces forage production, and it is also toxic to horses. Once established,
Russian knapweed uses a combination of adventitious shoots and allelopathic chemicals to
spread outward into previously undisturbed areas. It is characterized by its extensive root
system, low seed production, and difficulty to control. Flowering occurs from June to September
(Whitson et al. 2006).
Due to Russian knapweed's persistence, recommended control methods include the combination
of chemical control with the reseeding of competitive grasses.
Keys to Identification:
• Black roots
• 6into3 1/2 ft tall
• Lower leaves 2-4 in long, upper leaves smaller, entire or serrate
• Flower heads pink to lavender, cone-shaped,'/4 to 1/2 in diameter, solitary at tip of
branches
Hoary cress (Whitetop): Hoary cress is highly -competitive perennial mustard, which has an
extensive rhizomatous root system and grows erect from 10 to 24 inches in height. It is one of
the earliest emerging plants in the spring, and reproduces by seed from heart shaped seed pods.
Flower heads are white with four petals. Hoary cress is common on disturbed soils, especially
those which are alkaline (Whitson et al. 2006), and once established, is difficult to control.
Keys to Identification:
• White flowers with 4 petals
• Grows erect from 10 to 24 inches high
• Leaves are alternate, 1/2 to 2 inches long, blunt, blue-green, and clasp stem
Diffuse knapweed: Diffuse knapweed is a pioneer species that can quickly invade disturbed and
undisturbed grassland, shrubland, and riparian communities. Once established, diffuse
knapweed outcompetes and reduces the quantity of desirable native species such as perennial
grasses. Diffuse knapweed contains allelopathic chemicals, which can suppress competitive
plant growth and create single species stands (Watson and Renney 1974). The densities of these
stands can range from 1-500 plants/m2. The replacement of native grassland with diffuse
knapweed can reduce biological activity and increase soil erosion (Sheley et al. 1997). Diffuse
knapweed plants first form low rosettes and may remain in this form for one to several years,
depending on environmental conditions. Diffuse knapweed plants that complete their juvenile
growth by the fall overwinter as rosettes and bolt in early spring (Watson and Renney 1974).
Diffuse knapweed plants that have not finished the juvenile stage by the end of fall remain as
rosettes through the second year and bolt during the third year. Flower buds are formed in early
June and flowering occurs in July and August (Watson and Renney 1974). Mature seeds are
formed by mid-August (Watson and Renney 1974).
Keys to Identification:
WestWater Engineering
Page 31 of 38 June 2009
• When leaves are young, they are covered by fine hairs
• Flowers are mostly white or purple, solitary or in clusters of 2 or 3, and are located on
each branch tip
• The bracts surrounding each flower bear 4 to 5 pairs of lateral spines and one long
terminal spine. Diffuse knapweed can resemble spotted knapweed with the black tipped
bracts. The difference is the sharp spine at the end of the bract that is characteristic of
diffuse knapweed.
Spotted knapweed: This plant is a short-lived perennial or biennial and can be distinguished
from its close relative diffuse knapweed by the lack of a terminal spine at the tip of its bracts.
Spotted knapweed germinates in spring or fall. Spotted knapweed seedlings develop into and
remain as rosettes for at least one growing season while root growth occurs. It usually bolts for
the first time in May of its second growing season and flowers August through September
(Rutledge and McLendon 1998). Spotted knapweed can spread readily by stems that are carried
on vehicles or in infested hay or seed. Early detection and prompt control of small spotted
knapweed infestations are by far the most economical ways to manage this weed. Spotted and
diffuse knapweed can be managed similarly. They are readily controlled with herbicides, but
will re -invade unless cultural techniques are used. Researchers have found that a 90 percent
reduction in diffuse knapweed was necessary to shift the competitive relationship in favor of
bluebunch wheatgrass.
Keys to identification:
• Rosette leaves are up to six inches long and deeply lobed
• Principal stem leaves pinnately divided, have smooth margins and become smaller
toward the top of the shoot
• Flower heads are solitary at the end of branches
Canada thistle: Canada thistle spreads rapidly through horizontal roots, which give rise to
shoots. Its root system can be extensive, growing horizontally as much as 18 feet in one season.
Most Canada thistle patches spread at a rate of 3-6 feet/year, crowding out more desirable
species and creating thistle monocultures. Canada thistle reproduces primarily vegetatively
through creeping horizontal roots (rhizomes), and can quickly form dense stands. Every piece of
the root system is capable of forming a new plant, which allows dense monocultures of Canada
thistle to form even without seed production.
The tendency of this species is to grow in wet areas, which may restrict the use of certain
herbicides. Control efforts will target Canada thistle plants in high-quality areas, such as West
Fork of Parachute Creek, first. Management strategies will be adjusted to reflect weather
conditions. For example, drought stress reduces the effectiveness of most herbicides, but
increases the effectiveness of mechanical controls (e.g., mowing or burning).
It takes at least two years of control to determine whether a particular method is effective.
Several studies have recorded a temporary decline in Canada thistle in the first year of control
followed by a return to the pre-treatment conditions the second growing season (Nuzzo 1998).
Keys to identification:
• Flower heads purple and in clusters of 1-5 per branch, small
• Leaves spiny, alternate oblong, or lance -shaped
• Base leaves stemless and clasping down along the main stem
WestWater Engineering Page 32 of 38 June 2009
Russian olive: This small tree can reproduce by seed or root suckers and is tolerant of shade.
Flowers are small, light yellow clusters. Olive -shaped fruits, silver when first formed and then
becoming yellow -red when mature, are produced in 3 to 5 years, often in great quantities.
Leaves are simple, alternate, narrow 2- to 3 -inches long and are un -toothed. The upper surface
of the leaf is light green; the lower surface is silvery -white with dense scales. It is often
confused with silver buffaloberry, Shepherdia argentea, a highly desirable native shrub with
opposite leaves found along rivers and streams in many of the same locations and habitat as
Russian olive.
Keys to identification:
• Tree to 30 feet
• Small yellow flower clusters
• Leaves alternate, narrow, 2- to 3 -inches long and untoothed on the edge
• Leaves light green on top, lower surface silvery white with dense scales
Yellow toadflax: Yellow toadflax is a perennial forb, native to Eurasia, and was likely
introduced to the United States as an ornamental in the late 1800's. This species is commonly
found on disturbed or cultivated ground, including, roadsides, fencelines, rangelands, croplands,
clear cuts, and pastures (Whitson et al. 2006). It aggressively forms colonies through
adventitious buds from creeping root systems, which can push out native species, leading to
reduced species composition of natural communities. Spring emergence occurs in mid-April
throughout most of Colorado, but occurs later at higher elevations. Flowering occurs from May
through August, and seeds mature from July through October.
Keys to identification:
• 1-2 feet tall
• Flowers are yellow, 1 in long, resemble snapdragons
• Leaves alternate, linear -shaped, 2 %2 or more inches long, pale green
• The strong, upright floral stems that are characteristic of mature toadflax plants develop
after a winter's dormancy, and emerge about the same time as seedlings in mid-April
Salt cedar: Salt cedar is a perennial shrub or tree. Plants concentrate salt that they deposit onto
the soil through their leaf drop. Other riparian species are unable to survive the salty conditions
and Salt cedar can then become the only plant growing in an area through the process known as
allelopathy. Some reports show that one acre of Salt cedar can use 7.7 acre feet of water a year.
This is enough water to supply about 7 households of people each for a year. It is an aggressive,
woody invasive plant species that has become established over much of the area (Carpenter
1998). Salt cedar crowds out native stands of riparian and wetland vegetation. It increases the
salinity of surface soil rendering the soil inhospitable to native plant species. Salt cedar
provides, generally, lower wildlife habitat value than native vegetation. It uses more water than
comparable native plant communities and dries up springs, wetlands, riparian areas, and small
streams by lowering surface water tables. Salt cedar widens floodplains by clogging stream
channels and increases sediment deposition due to the abundance of salt cedar stems in dense
stands.
Keys to identification:
• Loosely branched shrub or small tree
• Numerous slender branches
• Small alternate, scale -like leaves
• Small pink to white flowers
WestWater Engineering Page 33 of 38 June 2009
Field bindweed: This is a creeping perennial reproducing by seed and horizontal roots. It is one
of the most competitive perennial weeds. A two or three-year food supply is stored in the
extensive underground root system. This makes it difficult to kill by cultivation because roots
will live as long as their food reserve lasts. Seeds can also stay viable in the soil for up to 40
years. It is widespread in cultivated areas, pastures, lawns, gardens, roadsides, and waste areas.
Bindweed mites (Aceria malherbae) are showing success in reducing field bindweed in portions
of Mesa County by as much as ninety percent (Emmons 2007).
Keys to identification:
• Stems are smooth, slender
• Leaves alternate, great variation in shape but often arrow -shaped
• Flowers are white, pink or variegated bell or trumpet shaped up to 1 inch
Perennial pepperweed: General requirements for perennial pepperweed demand open, non -
shaded areas of disturbed, and often, saline soils. Perennial pepperweed is locally common in
riparian areas, marshy floodplains, valley bottoms, and seasonally wet areas from 5,500 to 9,000
feet. It is found in big sagebrush communities of the Piceance Basin of Colorado (Zouhar 2004).
A combination of mechanical treatment by cutting or pulling and herbicide applications can
provide effective control of perennial pepperweed. Plants will be cut or pulled during the flower
bud stage. Herbicides will be applied to the recovering stems when they return to flower bud
stage later the same year.
Keys to Identification:
• Perennial pepperweed has dense clusters of white flowers that appear in early summer
• The leaves and stem are covered with a waxy layer
Monitoring
Monitoring is the repeated collection and analysis of information to evaluate progress in meeting
resource management objectives. Periodic observation of the weeds being managed is necessary
to evaluate the effectiveness of a weed control program. If management objectives are not being
met, weed control actions need to be modified. The same is true for reclamation. Without some
type of monitoring, there is no way of knowing whether control actions are contributing to the
fulfillment of management objectives.
Monitoring using different objectives is required for successful weed control. Early spring
monitoring will be done prior to vegetative activity to determine earliest possible time to
commence control efforts. Seven to ten days after herbicide or mechanical treatment, monitoring
will be done to identify missed spots or plants. Mid -summer monitoring will continue for
observation of plant phenology to identify earliest and best time to commence late summer and
early fall treatment. Herbicide and mechanical treatment areas will be monitored to identify
missed spots or plants. The Noxious Weed Inventory Form (Appendix E, form E2) is for this
purpose.
A continuous, systematic check of roadsides, pipelines, facilities and known infestations is
necessary to maintain an effective program. Due to the number of species of weeds, these
monitoring observations must commence prior to spring emergence, bolting, flowering, or other
stage development so the most appropriate or effective method for treating the target species can
be accomplished with the appropriate stage of growth.
WestWater Engineering Page 34 of 38 June 2009
Qualified re -vegetation specialists will conduct annual semi -quantitative surveys of NPR and
other project components following reclamation and noxious weed control. The re -vegetation
specialists will:
• Assess general plant establishment
• Identify noxious weed populations unaffected by past efforts
• Describe grazing impacts by wildlife or livestock
• Determine the need for further re -vegetation, reclamation, or noxious weed control efforts
Portions of the NPR having similar vegetative characteristics will be grouped and evaluated
by vegetation community and type of impact. Sites will be defined by assessing the
following parameters: 1) topography, 2) soils or substrate, 3) adjacent plant community, and
4) re -vegetation establishment. Within each site, the following variables will be evaluated
and compared to immediately adjacent areas (see Ocular Vegetation Monitoring Form,
Appendix E).
• Total Vegetation Cover: Total non -stratified (i.e., cannot exceed 100 percent) plant canopy
cover will be ocularly estimated as a range in percent in each survey site.
• Vegetation Cover by Morphological Class: Vegetation cover for each class will be
ocularly estimated as a range in percent in each survey site. The sum of all morphological
class cover values is normally greater than the total non -stratified cover value due to the
overlap of classes (e.g., perennial grasses growing under shrubs). Morphological classes will
include:
o Native Perennial Grasses
o Introduced Perennial Grasses
o Native Annual Grasses
o Introduced Annual Grasses
o Native Perennial Forbs
o Introduced Perennial Forbs
o Native Annual/Biennial Forbs
o Introduced Annual/Biennial Forbs
o Subshrubs/Shrubs
• Species List: All species observed during monitoring efforts will be recorded.
• Noxious Weeds: Noxious weeds, if present, will be documented on separate noxious weed
inventory forms within areas disturbed by the project (Appendix E).
• Vegetation Utilization/Trampling/Pugging: Signs of vegetation utilization (grazing or
browsing) and/or trampling or pugging of wetlands by livestock or wildlife will be
documented if it appears that use is impeding vegetative establishment (generally greater
than 60 percent utilization over several growing seasons in arid or shrubland environments).
The severity of the problem will be classified as low, moderate, or high. Percent vegetative
utilization in the survey area will be ocularly estimated. Total area of infestation by square
foot, acres, or hectares will also be determined. The type of livestock or wildlife using the
area will be identified.
WestWater Engineering Page 35 of 38 June 2009
Severe pugging around a spring Pugging by cattle in a saturated field
Areas with poor germination and/or growth will be documented and the cause of the problem
determined (e.g., soil compaction, erosion, depleted soils).
An ocular vegetation monitoring field form is attached in Appendix E
EVALUATION OF RE -VEGETATION SUCCESS
Final reclamation stabilization for NPR projects will typically have been achieved when relative
canopy cover of native perennial and annual species at a site is equal to 80 percent of canopy
cover of native perennial and annual species in adjacent comparison areas.
Exceptions may apply to this rule. For example, shrub and/or tree cover in the adjacent
comparison area may preclude achievement of the 80 percent final stabilization criterion in all
locations; however, desirable species cover on the project may be effectively limiting erosion
and sedimentation.
POST -RECLAMATION REMEDIATION AND REPORTING
Remediation
Any portion of the reclamation or noxious weed project components lacking successful
establishment of desirable species (seeded species plus native volunteers) compared to adjacent
vegetation will be reseeded. Site-specific evaluations will be undertaken to address areas that
may be impacted by grazing, off-road vehicle use, compacted soils, or noxious weed presence.
Additional seeding will be completed during the first appropriate seeding window. If it is
determined that precipitation amounts significantly above or below the annual average are
affecting vegetation establishment, additional seeding activities will be deferred until the next
appropriate seeding window.
Remediation recommendations will be noted on the Ocular Vegetation Monitoring Form and
Noxious Weed Inventory Form as appropriate. These forms can be found in Appendix E.
WestWater Engineering Page 36 of 38 June 2009
Reporting
All reclamation and post -reclamation monitoring will use the attached forms for reporting seed
mixes and soil treatments, ocular vegetation monitoring of reclamation, and noxious weed
inventory. These forms can be found in Appendix E.
REFERENCES
Barrow, J.R., and Bobby D. McCaslin, 1995. Role of microbes in resource management in arid
ecosystems. In: Barrow, J.R., E.D. McArthur, R.E. Sosebee, and Tausch, Robin J.,
comps. 1996. Proceedings: Shrubland ecosystem dynamics in a changing environment.
Gen. Tech. Rep. ENT -GTR -338. Ogden, UT: USDA, Forest Service, Intermountain Res.
Sta., 275 pp.
Board of County Commissioners. 2006. Garfield County zoning resolution of 1978, amended
October, 2006. Board of County Commissioners, Building and Planning Department,
Glenwood Springs, Colorado, 78 pp.
Carpenter, A.T., 1998. Element Stewardship Abstract for Tamarisk. The Nature Conservancy,
Wildland Weeds Management & Research Program. http://tncinvasives.ucdavis.edu/
CWMA. 2008. Colorado Noxious Weed List. Colorado Weed Management Association:
http://www.cwma.org/nxwdid.htm#B%20List
Emmons, Bob. 2007. Personal communication. Extension Specialist, TriRiver Extension
Service, Colorado State University, Grand Junction.
Ferchau, Hugo. 1973. Vegetative Inventory Analysis and Impact Study of the Parachute Creek
Area, Garfield County, Colorado. Chap. VI In: The Colony Environmental Study,
Parachute Creek, Garfield County, Colorado. Vol. III, Thorne Ecological Institute,
Boulder, 77pp.
Fox, Charles J., H. D. Burke, J. R. Meiman, and J. L. Retzer, 1973. Soils Inventory Analysis and
Impact Study of the Colony Property — Garfield County, CO. Chap. 111, In: The Colony
Environmental Study, Parachute Creek, Garfield County, CO., Vol. III. Thorne Eco.
Inst., Boulder, 52 pp.
Granite Seed Company. 2004. Granite Seed Catalog. Granite Seed Company, 1697 West 2100
North, Lehi, Utah 84043, 89 pp.
Gross, K.L. and P.A. Werner. 1978. The biology of Canadian weeds. 28. Verbascum thapsus L.
and V. blattaria L. Canadian Journal of Plant Science. 58: 401-413.
Gross, K.L. 1980. Colonization by Verbascum thapsus (Mullein) of an Old -Field in Michigan:
Experiments on the Effects of Vegetation. Journal of Ecology. 68: 919-927.
Howard, Janet L. 2003. Descurainia pinnata. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire
Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http:Ilwww.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [2008,
October 21].
WestWater Engineering Page 37 of 38 June 2009
Lajeunesse, S. 1999. Dalmation and yellow toadflax. Pages 202-216 in R.L. Sheley and J.K.
Petroff, editors, Biology and management of noxious rangeland weeds. Oregon State
University Press, Corvalis.
Nuzzo, V., 1998. Element Stewardship Abstract for Cirsium arvense. The Nature Conservancy,
Wildland Weeds Management & Research Program. http://tncinvasives.ucdavis.edu/
Rutledge, C.R. and T. McLendon. 1998. An Assessment of Exotic Plant Species of Rocky
Mountain National Park. Department of Rangeland Ecosystem Science, Colorado State
University. 97 pp.
Sheley, R.L., J.S. Jacobs, and M.F. Carpinelli. 1997. Distribution, Biology, and Management of
Diffuse Knapweed (Centaurea diffusa) and Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea maculosa).
Weed Technology. 12(2): 353-362.
Sirota, Judith. 2004. Best management practices for noxious weeds of Mesa County. CSU
Cooperative Extension Tri River Area, Grand Junction, Colorado: URL:
http://www.coopext.colostate. edu/TRA/PLANTS/i ndex. html#http://www.coopext.col osta
te.edu/TRA/PLANTS/bindweedmite.html
USDA, NRCS. 2006. The PLANTS Database, 6 March 2006 (http://plants.usda.gov). U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Plant Data
Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490.
Watson, A.K. and A.J. Renney. 1974. The biology of Canadian weeds: 6. Centaurea diffusa and
C. maculosa. Canadian Journal of Plant Science. 54(4): 687-701.
Whitson, T.D. (ed.), L.C. Burrill, S.A. Dewey, D.W. Cudney, B.E. Nelson, R.D. Lee, and R.
Parker. 2006. Weeds of the West. 9th ed. Laramie: University of Wyoming.
WWE, 2006. North Parachute Ranch reclamation plan. EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc.,
Parachute, Colorado, 17 pp. by WestWater Engineering, Grand Junction, Colorado.
Zouhar, Kris. 2004. Lepidium latifolium. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire
Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [2008,
October 21].
WestWater Engineering Page 38 of 38 June 2009
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A — List of Common and Scientific Plant Names
APPENDIX B — Menu -Based Seed Mixes by Habitat Type for Use in Interim and Final
Reclamation
APPENDIX C — Reclamation Seed Mix Preferred Species for North Parachute Ranch Plant
Communities, Encana Oil & Gas (USA), Inc.
APPENDIX D — High Priority Noxious Weed Species Management Guidance Outline and
Individual Species IVMPs (separate document)
APPENDIX E — Forms (Reclamation and Seed Mix Monitoring Form [Form El], Noxious Weed
Inventory Form [Form E2], and Ocular Vegetation Monitoring Form [Form E3])
APPENDIX F — Annual Weed Control Calendar (separate document)
WestWater Engineering Appendices June 2009
APPENDIX A
LIST OF COMMON AND SCIENTIFIC PLANT NAMES
Cross Reference of Names of Plant Species used in Document
Common Name
Scientific Name
grasses/Grass Lilac
Basin Wildrye
Leymus cinereus
Bluebunch Wheatgrass, Beardless
Pseudoroegneria spicata ssp. inermis
Bluebunch Wheatgrass, Bearded
Pseudoroeneria spicata ssp. spicata
Blue Wildrye
Elymus glaucus
Bottlebrush SquirreltaiI
Elymus elymoides
Canada thistle
Cirsium arvense
Columbia Needlegrass
Achnatherum nelsonii ssp. dorei
Elk Sedge
Carex geyeri
Green Needlegrass
Nassella viridula
Houndstongue
Cynoglossum officinale
Idaho Fescue
Festuca idahoensis
Indian Ricegrass
Achnatherum hymenoides
Letterman Needlegrass
Achnatherum lettermanii
Mountain Brome
Bromus marginatus
Needle & Thread Grass
Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata
Nodding Brame
Bromus anomalus
Prairie Junegrass
Koeleria cristata
Sandberg Bluegrass
Poa sandbergii
Slender Wheatgrass
Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus
Thickspike Wheatgrass
Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus
Western Wheat ass
Pasco rum smithii
American Vetch
Vicia americana
Arrowleaf Balsamroot
Balsamorrhiaa sagitata
Cicer Milkvetch
Astragalus cicer _
Fringed sagebrush (half -shrub)
Artemisia (rigida
Lewis Blue Flax
Linum lewisii
Longleaf Phlox
Phlox longifolia
Many -flowered Phlox
Phlox multiflora
Mountain Lupine
Lupinus argenteus ssp. rubricaulis
Rocky Mountain Penstemon
Penstemon strictus
Sainfoin
Onobrychis viciijolia
Scarlet Globemallow
Sphaeralcea coccinea
Scarlet Indian Paintbrush
Castilleja miniata
Silky Lupine
Lupinus sericeus
Silverleaf Lupine
Lupinus argenteus
Small Burnet
Sanguisorba minor
Sulfur Buckwheat
Eriogonum umbellatum
Thickleaf Penstemon
Penstemon pachyphyllus
Utah Sweetvetch
Hedysarum boreale
Watson Penstemon
Penstemon wastonii
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page A -I
June 2009
APPENDIX A
LIST OF COMMON AND SCIENTIFIC PLANT NAMES
Cross Reference of Names of Plant Species used in Document
Common Name
Scientific Nance
Western Yarrow
Achillea lanulosa
Western Yarrow
Achillea millefolium ssp. occidentalis
Wyoming Indian Paintbrush
Castilleja linariaefolia
Shrubs
Antelope Bitterbrush
Purshia tridentata
Big Sagebrush, Basin
Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata
Big Sagebrush, Mountain
Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana
Big Sagebrush, Wyoming
Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis
Broom Snakeweed
Xanthocephalum sarothrae
Chokecherry
Prunus virginiana
Four -wing Saltbush
Atriplex canescens
Gambel Oak _
Quercus gambelii
Gardner Saltbush
Atriplex gardneri
Low Rabbitbrush
Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus
Mountain Snowberry
Symphoricarpos oreophilus
Red Elderberry
Sambucus racemosa
Rubber Rabbitbrush
Ericameria nauseosus ssp. nauseosus
Skunkbush Sumac
Rhus trilobata ssp. trilobata
Shadscale
Atriplex confertifolia
Utah Serviceberry
Amelanchier utahensis
Winterfat
Krascheninnikovia Janata
Trees
Box Elder _
Acer negundo
Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menzesii
Narrowleaf Cottonwood
Populus angustifolia
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page A-2 June 2009
APPENDIX B
MENU -BASED SEED MIXES BY HABITAT TYPE FOR USE IN INTERIM AND FINAL RECLAMATION
Table B-1. Low -Elevation Salt -Desert Scrub/Basin Big Sagebrush
Common Name
Scientific Names
Variety
Season
Form Ibslacre*
Plant Both of the Following (5% Each, 10% Total)
Fourwing Saltbush
Atriplex canescens
VNS
Shrub
2.5
Shadscale
Atriplex confertifolia
VNS
Shrub
2.0
and Two of the Following (25% Each, 50% Total)
Bottlebrush Squirreltail
Etyma elymoides, Sitanion hystrix
VNS
Cool
Bunch
3.4
Streambank Wheatgrass
Elymus lanceolatus ssp. psammophilus,
Agropyron riparium
Sodar
Cool
Sod -forming
4.2
Bluebunch Wheatgrass
Pseudoroegneria spicata
Secar
Cool
Bunch
4.7
and One of the Following (20% Total)
Indian Ricegrass
Achnatherum [pry;opsis] hymenoides
Paloma, Rimrock
Cool
Bunch
3.7
Sandberg Bluegrass
Poa sandbergii, Poa secunda
VNS
Cool
Bunch
0.6
and One of the Follow ng (10% Total)
Alkali Sacaton
Sporobolus airoides
VNS
Warm
Bunch
0.15
Salina Wildrye
Leymus salinus
VNS
Cool
Bunch
1.0
and One of the Following (10% Total)
Galleta
Pleuraphis ['filarial jamesii
Viva florets
Warm
Bunch/Sod-
forming
1.6
Sand Dropseed
Sporobolus cryptandrus
VNS
Warm
Bunch
0.05
*Based on 60 pure live seeds (PLS) per quare foot, drill -seeded. Double this rate (120 PLS pe square foot) if broadcast or hydroseeded.
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page B-1
June 2009
APPENDIX B
MENU -BASED SEED MIXES BY HABITAT TYPE FOR USE IN INTERIM AND FINAL RECLAMATION
Table B-2. Pinyon -Juniper Woodland and/or Mountain/Wyoming Big Sagebrush Shrubland
Common Name
. Scientific Names
VarietySeason
Form
PLS
Ibs/acre*
Plant Both of the Following (15% Each, 30% Tota )
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 lanceolalus ssp. lanceolatus, —
Agropyron dasystachyurn
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 Two of the Following (15% Each, 30% Total)
Indian Ricegrass
Achnatherzzm [Oryopsis] hymenoides
c
Paloma, Rirnrock
Cool
T
Bunch
2.8
Galleta
Pleuraphis [Hilaria] jamesii
Viva florets
Wang
BunchlSod-
forming
2 5
Muttongrass
Poaftndleriana
VNS
Cool
Bunch
0.4
Sandberg Bluegrass
Poa sandbergii, Poa secunda
VNS
Cool
Bunch
0.4
*Based on 60 pure live seeds (PLS) per square foot, drill -seeded, Double this rate (120 PLS per square foot) if broadcast or hydroseeded.
WestWater Engineering Appendix Page B-2
June 2009
APPENDIX B
MENU -BASED SEED MIXES BY HABITAT TYPE FOR USE IN INTERIM AND FINAL RECLAMATION
Table B-3. Mixed Mountain Shrubland, Including Oakbrush
Common Name.
ScientificNames
• Variety .
Season .
Form
1b i re*
Plant Both of the Following (20% Each, 40% Total)
Bottlebrush Squirreltail
Elymus elymoides, Sitanion hystrix
VNS
Cool
Bunch
2.7
Bluebunch Wheatgrass
Pseudoroegneria spicata, Agropyron
spicatum
Secar, P-7,
Anatone, Goldar
Cool
Bunch
3.7
and Two of the Following (15% Each, 30% Total)
Thickspike Wheatgrass
Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus,
Agropyron dasystachyum
Critana, Bannock,
Seltwendimar
Cool
Sod -forming
2.5
Slender Wheatgrass
Elymus trachycaulus, Agropyron
trachycaulum
San Luis
Cool
Bunch
2.5
Western Wheatgrass
Pascopyrum [Agropyron] smithii
Arriba, Rosana
Cool
Sod -forming
3.6
and One of the Following (10% Total)
Big Bluegrass
Poa ampler
Sherman
Cool
Bunch
0.3
Canby Bluegrass
Poa canbyi, P. secunda
Canbar
Cool
Bunch
0.3
Muttongrass
Poa fendleriana
VNS
Cool
Bunch
0.3
and One of the Following (10% Total)
Letterman Needlegrass
Achnatherum [Stipa] letterman(
VNS
Cool
Bunch
. 1.7
Columbia Needlegrass
Achnatherum [Stipa] nelsonii, Stipa
Columbiana
VNS
Cool
Bunch
1.7
Green Needlegrass
Nassella [Stipa] viridula
Lodorm, Cucharas
Cool
Bunch
1.4
and One of the Following (10% Total)
Indian Ricegrass
Achnatherum (Ory_opsis] hymenoides
Nezpar, Paloma,
Rimrock
Cool
Bunch
1.9
Junegrass
Koeleria macrantha, K. cristata
VNS (North
American origin)
Cool
Bunch
0.1
"Based on 60 pure live seeds (PLS) per square foot, drill•seeded. Double this rate (120 PLS per square foot) if broadcast or hydroseeded.
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page B-3
June 2009
APPENDIX B
MENU -BASED SEED MIXES BY HABITAT TYPE FOR USE IN INTERIM AND FINAL RECLAMATION
Table B-4. Spruce -Fir Forest, Including Mountain Meadows
Common Name
Scientific Names .
Variety
• Season
Form
PLS,
lbslacre*
Plant Both of the Following (20% Each, 40% Total)
Mountain Brome
Bromopsis (Bromus] marginatus
Garnet, Bromar
Cool
Bunch
5.8
Slender Wheatgrass
Elymus trachycaulus, Agropyron
trachycaulum
San Luis
Cool
Bunch
3.3
and Two of the Following (15% Each, 30% Total)
Letterman Needlegrass
Achnatherum [Stipa] lettermanii
VNS
Cool
Bunch
2.6
Blue Wildrye
Elymusglaucus
VNS
Cool
Bunch
3.6
Idaho Fescue
Festuca idahoensis
Joseph, Nezpurs
Coo!
Bunch
0.9
and Two of the Following (15% Each, 30% Total)
Nodding Brame
Bromus anomalous
VNS
Cool
Bunch
2.7
Thickspike Wheatgrass
Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus,
Agropyron dasystachyum
Critana, Bannock,
Schwendimar
Cool
Sod -forming
2.5
Big Bluegrass
Poa ampla
Sherman
Cool
Bunch
0.4
Wheeler Bluegrass
Poa nervosa
VNS
Cool
Sod -forming
0.4
'Based on 60 pure live seeds (PLS) per quare foot, drill seeded. Double this rate (120 PLS per square foot) if broadcast or hydroseeded.
WestWater Engineering Appendix Page B-4 June 2009
APPENDIX B
MENU -BASED SEED MIXES BY HABITAT TYPE FOR USE IN INTERIM AND FINAL RECLAMATION
EXAMPLES OF MENU -BASED SEED MIXES BY HABITAT TYPE FOR USE IN TEMPORARY SEEDING
Table 11-5. Example for Low -Elevation Salt -Desert Scrub/Basin Big Sagebrush, Pinyon -Juniper, and MountainAVyoming Sagebrush
Common Name
Scientific Names
,...,
Variety
Season
Form
PLS
Ibslacre*
Plant One of the Fol owing
Wheat x Tall Wheatgrass
Triticum aeslivum x Elylrigia elongata
Regreen**
Cool
Annual
11.9
Wheat x Cereal Rye
Triticum aeslivurn x Secale cereafe
QuickGuard**
Cool
Annual
30.2
and the Following
Streambank Wheatgrass
Elymus lanceolatus ssp, psammophilus,
Agropyron riparium
Sodar
Cool
Sod forming
8.9
Table B-6. Example for Mixed Mountain Shrubland/Oakbrush and Spruce -Fir Forest/Mountain Meadow
Common Name
Scientific Names
Variety
Season
Form
PLS
lbs/acre"
Plant One of the Fol owing
Wheat x Tall Wheatgrass
Triticum aeslivurn x Elytrigia elongata
Regreen**
Cool
Annual
11.9
Wheat x Cereal Rye
Triticum aeslivumx Secale cereafe
QuickGuard**
Cool
Annual
30.2
and Two of the Following
Mountain Brome
Bromopsfs [Bromus] marginatus
Garnet, Bromar
Cool
Bunch
7.7
Thickspike Wheatgrass
Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus,
Agropyron dasystachyum
Critana,
Bannock,
Schwendimar
Cool
Sod -forming
4.5
Slender Wheatgrass
Elymus lrachycaufus, Agropyron
traclrycaulum
San Luis
Cool
Bunch
4.4
*Based on 3 PLS per square foot for ttegreen, 9 PLS per square foot for QuickGuard, and 16 PLS per square foot for native perennial grasses (stream bank wheatgrass is 32 PLS per square foot).
Double the indicated amounts if broadcast or hydroseeded.
** Included as examples only, Product information on alternative sterile hybrids must be submitted to BLM prior to use.
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page B-5
June 2009
APPENDIX B
MENU -BASED SEED MIXES BY HABITAT TYPE FOR USE IN INTERIM AND FINAL RECLAMATION
The following table, B-7, includes species of forbs and shrubs listed in Appendix A. Other fortis are can be found in the vegetation communities found on NPR and
may be substituted. For example, in the low -elevation Salt -Desert Scrub/Basin Big Sagebrush seed mix in Table 13-1, a decision to provide 5 seeds per
square foot for each of two species of forbs would reduce the total pounds of seed without forbs to 50/ft2 by 17 % per acre. Five seeds per square foot in
an acre (43560 square feet) are 217,800 seeds of each species. If species A has seeds which are 33,000/Ib. it would require 6.6 lbs of pure live seed to
provide 5 seedslft2. of Species A. In this same example, if Species B has seeds which number 144,000/lb. then it would require 1.5 lbs. of Species B to
provide the 5 seeds/ft2. When these are added to the seed mix which was reduced by 17% weight of PLS, the total seeds per square foot are backup to
60.
The following formula can be used to refine the amount of replacement forb and shrubs are needed. (See example in text, page 17). Forb E = 5
seeds/ft2, Forb F = 5 seeds/ft2, Shrub G = 5 seeds/ft2, Shrub H = 5 seeds/ft2). So, using Table B-2, the reducing the 60 grass seeds/ft to 40/ft can be done
by reducing the total weight of PLS by 33%. Then, use the following formula:
Target no. seeds/ft2 (e.g. 5) = No. seeds of each species/ft2 X 43,560 (ft2/ac) = total no. seeds of each species fac
Total no. seeds of each species/ac/no. seeds/lb. of that species = Total lbs. of PLS of the species in the mix/ac
Continue for each species,
Then, add lbs of PLS of each species = Total Lbs. of shrub and forb/ac
Add to the total grass species mix
Final total seeds/ft will equal 60.
For percent by species in mix, Total lbs. of each species/Total lbs. of seed mix = Percent of each species in mix.
Table B-7. Forb and Shrub species for modification of other Menu based seed mixes in Append F
BotanicatMime
Clilikara6
Soil Texture
Adaptatiun�
C ]MCI M IMFI F
`Consnsents on:Hsbiu,>
Solis, O#her feetor8
Seeds/Lb
CostfLb
NO: PLS1alFt z'
Tbd at
time
needed
Seeds/fL2
2/Ftp
Total
Seeds/ft.
2@siFtz
Total
Seeds/ft.2
@ 1 o/Ft'
Total
bs.
'.PLS/
Acre:
in;:
1Mixi
Forbs
W, Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
occidentalis
2
3
2
1
0
Not adapted to fine soils
2,770,000
ACicer milkveich
Astragalus cicer
Lutana
Monarch
Oxley
2
3
2
Non -bloating legume
145,000
Arrowleaf balsamroot
Balsanrorhica saggittata
0
2
3
2
0
Not adapted to fine or
coarse soils
55,000
Sulphur flower
Buckwheat
Eriogonum mnbellatum
2
3
3
2
0
209,000
Northern sweetvetch
Hedysarum boreale
2
3
2
1
aka Utah
33,600
Blue flax
Linrrm !elvish
Appar
1
3
3
0
293,000
Prairie Aster
Machaeranthera
tanacetifolia
2
3
2
0
496,000
WestWater
Engineering
Appendix Page 13-6
June 2009
APPENDIX B
MENU -BASED SEED MIXES BY HABITAT TYPE FOR USE IN INTERIM AND FINAL RECLAMATION
. Common: Name x
• ;,
Botanical Name
Cultivars a
Soil Texture•
:eldaptat
On
-
Comments on Habits
'
So ls,.Other: factors .
< .
'
Seeds/Lb.
,,
C
Cost/Lb:
NO.5"/Ft 2
PL
:Lbs.
PLS/
:Acre
-
°/a iri
Mix
Tbtl at
time
needed
Seeds/ft.'
Q 2/Ft'
Total
Seeds/Ft.
=@S1Fe
Total
Seedslft2
(a 101Fe
Total
C
MC
M
MF
F
Sainfoin
Onobrychis viciifolia
Eski
0
2
3
2
0—Non-bloating
legume
30,000
Remont
Rocic i Mtn. Penstemon
Penstemon slriclus
Bandera
1
3
3
1
0
592,000
Small burnett
Sanguisorba minor
Delar
I
2
3
2
' 0
Non -bloating legume
55,000
Scarlet globemal low
Sphaeralcea coccinea
2
3
3
2
I
500,000
Hairy vetch
Vicia villasa
0
1
3
2
1
Short-lived, good green
manure
20,000
American vetch
Vicia americana
, 1
2
3
3
2
Nan -bloating legume
33,000
Shrubs
Basin big sagebrush
Artemhidesia tridentateentata
0
2
3
2
0
2,500,000
Mountain big sagebrush
A. t. vasessrna
Hobble Creek
0
2
3
2
0
2,500,000
Cherry Creek
Wyoming big sagebrush
A. 1. wyomingensis
Gordon Creek
0
3
3
1
0
2,500,000
Fourwing saltbush
Alriplex canescens
3
3
3
3
I
52,000
Shadscale
Alriplex conJertifolia
0
2
3
3
1
64,900
L
Gardner saltbush
Atriplexgardneri
0
1
2
3
2
111,500
Curl -leaf min
mahogany
Cercocarpus ledifolius
0
2
3
2
0
30,000
Rubber rabbilbrush
Ericaneria nattseosus spp.
2
3
3
3
2
400,000
Low rabbitbrush
Chrysathamnus
viscidillorus
I
3
3
2
1
782,000
Winterfat
Krascheninnikovialanata
Hatch
2
3
3
2
1
56,700
Skunkbush sumac
Rhus trilobata trilobata
2
3
3
1
0
20,300
Bitterbrush
Pw•shia tridentata
Lassen
1
3
3
2
0
15,000
WestWater Engineering Appendix Page B-7
June 2009
APPENDIX C
RECLAMATION SEED MIX PREFERRED SPECIES FOR NORTH PARACHUTE
RANCH PLANT COMMUNITIES,
ENCANA OIL & GAS (USA), INC.
WestWater Engineering Appendix C June 2009
APPENDIX C
RECLAMATION SEED MIX PREFERRED SPECIES FOR NORTH PARACHUTE RANCH PLANT COMMUNITIES,
ENCANA OIL & GAS (USA), INC.
This table is provided for flexibility in the field to adjust seed mixes to site conditions, cost and availability. To create a custom seed mix for NPR, first
determine the zone which will establish the total number of species in the mix and total number of seeds/ft2 targeted for the zone, i.e,, 25 seeds/112 and 5 or 6
species for Lower Zone, 35 for Middle Zone, and 50 seeds/ft and up to 9 species for Upper Zone (see recommended seed mix section of report). Next,
determine the species and the desired number of seeds of that species in the mix. For example, in a mix for the Upper Zone, select 8 or 9 species and
allocate the number of seeds of each species desired in the seed mix. (For example, in a 50 seed/ft2 seed mix, each species could be allocated in the
following manner: Grass A = 8 seeds/ft2, Grass 13 = 8 seeds/ft2, Grass C = 7 seeds/fie, Grass D = 7 seeds/ft2, Forb E = 5 seeds/ft2, Forb F = 5 seeds/ft2, Shrub
G = 5 seeds/ft2, Shrub H = 5 seeds/ft2 ). Then, use the following formula:
Target no. seeds/ft2 (e.g. 50) = No. seeds of each species X 43,560 (112/ac) = total no. seeds of each species /ac
Total no. seeds of each species/ac/no. seeds/lb. of that species = Total lbs. of PLS of the species in the mix/ac
Continue for each species,
Then, add lbs of PLS of each species = Total Lbs. of Mix/ac
For percent by species in mix, Total lbs. of each species/ Total lbs. of seed mix = Percent of each species in mix.
Costlla NO PLS°/Ft: i:-
Tbd at
time
needed
Seeds/ t? Seeds/ft. Seeds/ft'
@ 251Ft1 1@351Ft1@ 50IFtz
Total Total Total
tbs.
PLS./.
%in'<:
Indian ricegrass
Achnatherum hymenoides
r
Nezpar
Paloma
Rimrock
3
3
3
1
0 2" planting depth in sandy
soil
141,000
Desert Needle grass Achnatherum speciasrun 2 3
3
0
150,000
Mountain Brome Bromus marginatrrs Bromar 0 I
Garnet
3
3
1 Short lived
90,000
Thickspike wheatgrass
Elymus lanceolatus
lanceolatus
Bannock
Critana
Schwendimar
2
3
3
2
o Strongly rhizome., long 154,000
lived, sod forming
Inland salts ass
Streambank wheatgrass
Dislichlis s • icafa
Elymus lanceolatus
psammaphilus
0
1
2
3
Slender Wheatgrass
Elymus t. irachycaulus
Sodar
Primar,
Pryor
0
1
3
3
3 .Forstron-lysalinesites 520,000
Strongly rhizome.,
2 drought tolerant
156,000
0
2
3
2
0 Short-lived
159,000
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page C-1
June 2009
APPENDIX C
RECLAMATION SEED MIX PREFERRED SPECIES FOR NORTH PARACHUTE RANCH PLANT COMMUNITIES,
ENCANA OIL & GAS (USA), INC.
Common Name!
Botanica•
l Name
Cultivars a
.Soil Texture
Adaptation
Comments on Habits :
Soils, Other, factors -
-
`
Seeds/Lb.
sULb
NO. PISa/Fl
'Lbs
. PLS/
-Acre
% in.:
,-Mix"
Tbd at
time
needed
Seedsift.�
(nl Seed
2.Jf t2
Total
Seeds/ft.
Seel / t=
Total
Seeds/ft.'
(u 50/F
Total
C
MC
M
MF
F
Revenue
-
San Luis
Arizona Fescue
Fes/yea ari:onica
Redondo
1
3
3
2
0
Thin soils, >14" precip.
550,000
Idaho Fescue
Feslucaidahoensis
Joseph
0
2
3
3
1
450,000
Needle and thread
Hesperostipa c. comma
2
3
3
2
0
115,000
Junegrass
Koeleria macrantha
1
3
2
1
0
2, 315,400
Basin wildrye
Leymus cinereas
Magnar
0
2
3
3
2
130,000
Trailhead
Western wheatgrass
Pascopyrum smithii
Amba
0
2
3
3
2
Sod forming
110,000
Barton
Rosana
Galleta
Plwrraphisjamestt
Viva florets
0
2
2
3
3
Warm season, sod
forming or bunch
159,000
Viva caryopsis
470,000
Big bluegrass
Poa ampla
Sherman
1
3
3
2
1
882,000
Canby bluegrass
Poacanbyi
Canbar
1
2
3
2
1
>10" precip
926,000
Muttongrass
Poafendleriana
I
2
3
3
,,,_
2
890,000
Sandberg bluegrass
Poa secunda
1
3
3
3
1
<10" precip.
925,000
Beardless bluebunch
wheatgrass
Pseudoroggneria spicatum
inermes
Witmar
0
2
3
2
0
<I0'' precip., sod forming
117,000
Blue6unch wheatgrass
Psetedoroegneria spicatum
spicatum
Ana[ohe
0
2
3
3
1
8.14" precip„ P-7 widely
adapted
140,000
Goldar
P-7
Preferred cultivar
Secar
Bottlebrush squirreltail
Sheraton hystrix
Sand Hollow
I
3
3
3
1
192,000
Alkalai sacaton
Sporobulus airoides
Salado
0
2
3
3
3
6" precip., Warm season
1,758,000
Sand dropseed
Spor•obrtlus ctyptandus
3
3
2
1
0
10" precip.Wann season
5,298,000
Forbs
W. Yarrow
Achlllea milfefolitrm
occidentalis
2
3
2
1
0
Not adapted to fine soils
2,770 000
"Cicer milkvetch
Astragalus cicer
Lutana,
1
2
3
2
I
Non•bloating legume
145,000
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page C-2
June 2009
APPENDIX C
RECLAMATION SEED MIX PREFERRED SPECIES FOR NORTH PARACHUTE RANCH PLANT COMMUNITIES,
ENCANA OIL & GAS (USAI, INC.
'. Common Ntir a A -
e
BotiiniciI Naive
, ,-
-
- ,
Cultrvars s
SO Texture
C
Adaptaltot .
Commeats on Habits,
, .Sails Qther,feetors
-
-
Seeds/Lb;
ost/h6
t
Lbs
PIS/
• A cre
% Til
Mia,;
ma at
time
needed
Seeds/ft z
(gY251Ft 1
Total
Seeds/ft.
2 (5)35/Ft
Total
Seeds/ft ,
, 2
50/Ft
Total
C
MC
M
MF
F
Monarch
Oxley
Arrowleaf balsamroot
Balsamothi=a saggittata
0
2
3
2
0
Not adapted to fine or
coarse soils
55,000
Sulphur flower
Buckwheat
Eriogonum umbel/alum
2
3
3
2
0
209,000
Northern sweetvetch
Hedysarrrm boreale
1
2
3
2
1
aka Utah
33,600
Blue flax
Linum lewisii
Appar
1
3
3
I
0
293,000
Prairie Aster
Machaeranthera
tanacetifolia
2
3
2
1
0
496,000
Sainfoin
Onobrychisviciifolia
Eski
0
2
3
2
0
onbloatinglegu,ne
30,000
Remont
Rocl9i Mtn. Penstemon
Penstemonstrictus
Bandera
I
3
3
1
0
592,000
Small burned
Sanguisorba minor
Deter
1
2
3
2
0
Nonbloating legume
55,000
Scarletgtobemallow
Sphaeralceacoccinea
2
3
3
2
1
500,000
Hairy vetch
Vick; villosa
0
1
3
2
1
Short-lived, goad green
manure
20,000
American vetch
Tricia americana
1
2
3
3
2
Non -bloating legume
33,000
Shrubs
Basin big sagebrush
Artemtridesia tridentalaentala
0
2
3
2
0
2,500,000
Mountain big sagebrush
A. i. vaseyana
Hobble Creek
0
2
3
2
0
2,500,000
Cherry Creek
Wyoming big sagebrush
A. t. wyomingensis
Gordon Creek
0
3
3
1
0
2,500,000
Fourwing saltbush
Atriplex canescens
3
3
3
3
1
52,000
Shadscale
Atriplex confer!(folia
0
2
3
3
1
64,900
Gardner saltbush
Atriplex gardneri
0
I
2
3
2
111,500
Curl -leaf min
mahogany
Cercocarpus ledifoiius
0
2
3
2
J
0
30,000
Rubber rabbitbrush
Ericameria nauseosus spp.
2
3
3
3
2
400,000
Low rabbitbrush
Chrysothamnus
viscidiJlorus
1
3
3
2
1
782,000
Winterfat
Krascheninnikovia lanata
Hatch
2
3
3
2
1
56,700
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page C-3
June 2009
APPENDIX C
RECLAMATION SEED MIX PREFERRED SPECIES FOR NORTH PARACHUTE RANCH PLANT COMMUNITIES,
ENCANA OIL & GAS (USA). INC.
^ Species so marked are introduced, all others are native.
Cultivars are a variety of a plant developed from a natural species and maintained under cultivation while retaining distinguishing characteristics. Cultivars may or may not be in production and, if no , are,
unavailable.
c Soil Texture adaptation. C = coarse, MC = moderately coarse, M = medium, MF = moderately fine, F = fine, 0 = not adapted, I = marginal, 2 = average, 3 = best (Granite Seed 2004).
u Pure Live Seed per square foot desired in planting for the species selected. Target number of total seeds/112 is 251ft2 for Lower Zone and riparian zone, 35/112 for Middle Zone, and 50/ft2 total for Upper Zone
plantings.
Cool season and bunch grass unless otherwise noted in comments (i.e., sod forming or warm season).
WestWater Engineering Appendix Page C-4 June 2009
osilLb
NO. PIS IFt
Soi Textur�
Comm• ents on Habrts,
at
Seeds/rt 2
Seeds/11
SeedslR 2
" .Lbs
/" tn`
Common Nam e"
Botanscal Name
Cu1Uvais
:4tlaptat tin
-
.:6oils, 011ier factors, ':
-
.Tbd
ScOs_41h`
time
needed
(lg 25iFt"0351Ft
Total
Total
(qc SO/l tz
Total
; PL&!
Acre
: ,Mit
C
MC
M
MF
F
Skunkbush sumac
Rhus trilobata trilobata
2
3
3
1
0
20,300
Bitterbrush
Purshia tridentata
Lassen
1
3
3
2
0
15,000
^ Species so marked are introduced, all others are native.
Cultivars are a variety of a plant developed from a natural species and maintained under cultivation while retaining distinguishing characteristics. Cultivars may or may not be in production and, if no , are,
unavailable.
c Soil Texture adaptation. C = coarse, MC = moderately coarse, M = medium, MF = moderately fine, F = fine, 0 = not adapted, I = marginal, 2 = average, 3 = best (Granite Seed 2004).
u Pure Live Seed per square foot desired in planting for the species selected. Target number of total seeds/112 is 251ft2 for Lower Zone and riparian zone, 35/112 for Middle Zone, and 50/ft2 total for Upper Zone
plantings.
Cool season and bunch grass unless otherwise noted in comments (i.e., sod forming or warm season).
WestWater Engineering Appendix Page C-4 June 2009
APPENDIX D
HIGH PRIORITY NOXIOUS WEED SPECIES MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE
FOR INDIVIDUAL SPECIES IVMGs
(Separate Document — Form Attached)
WestWater Engineering Appendix D - Form June 2009
Integrated Management Guidance Outline for High Priority Noxious Weed Species
Scientific Name: Common Name:
USDA Code (http://plants.usda.gov/): Life Form (PB/A, Forb/Tree/Grass):
Date: Updated:
A. PRIORITY
High = Garfield County List or State A or B List, Medium = State B List but not Garfield
County, Low = State C List
B. DESCRIPTION
In 2-3 line, list habitat, life history, flower color and period, and other useful identying characteristics.
C. CURRENT DISTRIBUTION ON THE PROPERTY
Refer to page 19 and maps, aerial photo or GIS image.; idents high-priority locations for control.
D. DAMAGE & THREATS
Outline damage caused and threats posed by the high-priority weed species. Refer to the weed species profiles in
Appendix D for this information.
E. WEED MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE
Establish a weed management objective for this species that supports one or more of the land management goals for
the property outlined in the plan, above. The objective will be clear and measurable. Include the 1) impact on the
area, numbers, density, cover, etc. that you want to achieve; 2) area in which you hope to achieve this; and 3) time
period in which you hope to achieve it. For example an objective for Russian olive might be to reduce the density of
established Russian olive plants on the management unit to less than 1 plant per acre within 2 years.
F. MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
"No Treatment" is not a viable control option for listed weeds. Viable options for this weed on NPR
are:
(1) (Treatment alternative 1);
(2) (Treatment alternative 2);
(3) (Treatment alternative 3); etc. Briefly discuss the alternatives, indicate the preferred Integrated Weed
Management alternative and the conditions (size of area treated, location, timing of treatment during growing
season, total anticipated cost, etc.) under which they may be used. Allow flexibility for persons carrying out the
plan; conditions in the field may differ from those you anticipated.
G. CONTROL ACTIONS PLANNED
Briefly describe the priority weed species and weed infestations to be controlled, materials and methods to be used,
and an approximate schedule for control and monitoring activities.
H. MONITORING
Different monitoring is required for successful weed control Early spring monitoring will be done prior to
vegetative activity to determine earliest possible time to commence control efforts. Seven to ten days after herbicide
or mechanical treatment, monitoring will be done to identify missed spots or plants. Mid -summer monitoring will
continue for observation of plant phenology to identifr earliest and best time to commence late summer and early
fall treatment. Herbicide and mechanical treatment areas will be monitored to idents missed spots or plants. Use
the form in Appendix C.
I. RESULTS OF EVALUATION
This section is to be filled in later, preferably within 1 year, when monitoring data have been collected and
evaluated. The evaluation will be used to determine whether any of the sections B-1 above will be modified.
WestWater Engineering
Appendix D - Form June 2009
APPENDIX D
HIGH PRIORITY NOXIOUS WEED SPECIES MANAGEMENT
GUIDANCE FOR INDIVIDUAL SPECIES
Integrated Vegetation Management Guidance
NORTH PARACHUTE RANCH
EnCana Oil & Gas (USA), Inc.
WEED MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE FOR SALT CEDAR
Scientific Name: Tamarix spp. Common Name: Salt cedar
USDA Symbol: TARA, T'AF'A4 Life Form: Perennial shrub or small tree
Date: August, 2008 Updated:
A. PRIORITY: Control (State B List)
B. DESCRIPTION
Perennial, deciduous, loosely branched shrub or small tree 5-20 feet tall; numerous slender
branches and small alternate, scale -like leaves; small pink to white flowers on spiked stalks.
C. CURRENT DISTRIBUTION ON THE PROPERTY
Salt cedar grows well on moist sandy, sandy loam, loamy, and clayey soil textures. It can be
found along all forks of Parachute Creek on NPR.
D. DAMAGE & THREATS
It is a pioneer species that establishes on freshly exposed alluvium, sand and gravel bars, stream
banks, artificial impoundments, or other floodplains after disturbance. Once established it often
occurs in pure stands, persisting indefinitely in the absence of disturbance. It can replace or
displace native woody species such as cottonwood, willow, and mountain boxelder, which
occupy similar habitats, especially when timing and amount of peak water discharge, salinity,
temperature, or substrate texture have been altered by human activities.
E. WEED MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE
Control and reduce density to less than one plant per acre in 3 years.
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page D - 1 June 2009
F. MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
Viable control options are:
(1) applying herbicide to foliage of intact plants;
(2) removing aboveground stems by mechanical means followed by foliar application of
herbicide to re -sprouts;
(3) cutting stems close to the ground followed by application of triclopyr (Garton ®) to
the cut stems;
(4) spraying basal bark with triclopyr (Garton ®); and
(5) digging or pulling plants.
For NPR and the type of infestation present, the most viable option is Number 4. Selecting an
appropriate control method involves considering the size of the area where salt cedar is to be
controlled, the presence or absence of desirable vegetation where salt cedar is growing, the
presence or absence of open water, adjacent land uses that might restrict prescribed burning, and
the availability and cost of labor.
G. CONTROL ACTIONS PLANNED
Recommend treating during mid -summer using crews that work spring and late summer or early
fall on other weeds.
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page C) - 2 June 2009
Tamarisk Biology
Species Types Jan Feb March (April May Fiune JJuly
Tamarisk* IP
semi -
dormancy
F›
!leaves
emerge
flowering & seed
set
Aug liePt [Oct 'Nov 1c
growth
flowering & seed
set
rShaded areas indicate best control tinning.
*Tamarisk control can be done at any time of year, but is easier when leaves are absent and weather is cooler.
senescence & semi -
dormancy
II. MONITORING
Different monitoring is required for successful weed control. Early spring monitoring should be
done prior to vegetative activity to determine earliest possible time to commence control efforts.
Seven to ten days after herbicide or mechanical treatment, monitoring should be done to identify
missed spots or plants. Mid -summer monitoring should continue for observation of plant
phenology to identify earliest and best time to commence late summer and early fall treatment.
Herbicide and mechanical treatment areas should be monitored to identify missed spots or plants.
Use the form in Appendix E.
I, RESULTS OF EVALUATION
(Fill in after scheduled monitoring).
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page D - 3 June 2009
WEED MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE FOR COMMON BURDOCK
Scientific Name: Arctium minus Common Name: Common or Lesser Burdock
USDA Code: ARMI2
Date: August 2008
A. PRIORITY: Medium
Life Form: Biennial
Updated:
B. DESCRIPTION: Biennial
• Rosette leaves large and heart shaped
• Found in disturbed places including riparian understory and over -grazed shrubland
• Multiple purple flowers
• Bolting produces a stout, grooved rough steal with many branches
As with other plants which reproduce solely by seed, integrated management efforts must
include the elimination of seed production and the depletion of the seed bank. Combine herbicide
or tillage treatment of rosettes with removal of seed heads from any plants that have bolted.
Preventing dispersal of burs is particularly important.
C. CURRENT DISTRIBUTION ON THE PROPERTY
Low density but widely distributed in all riparian areas below falls on all forks of Parachute
Creek.
D. DAMAGE & THREATS:
Diminish watershed stability, reduced forage quantity and quality, and reduced wildlife and
livestock vigor.
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page D -4 June 2009
E. WEED MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE
Reduce the density of established common burdock plants on the NPR to less than 5 plants per
acre within 2 years.
F. MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
Viable control options are: (1) No treatment; (2) Cut and bag seed -bearing plants from previous
year, cut rosettes below soil surface with shovel or spade, cut or spot spray bolting plants; and
(3) spot spray rosettes and bolting plants annually.
G. CONTROL ACTIONS PLANNED
Recommend implementing options two and three each spring and fall annually.
r
Species
Annual Common Burdock Biology
Common
Burdock
Type# Jan Feb
B r
March April May June
germination
rosettes bolt
July Aug
Sept [Oct Nov'Dec
flowering — seed set
= annual; WA = winter annual; B = biennial; P = perennial; CP = creeping perennial
Shaded areas indicate best control timing.
H. MONITORING
Different monitoring is required for successful weed control. Early spring monitoring should be
done prior to vegetative activity to determine earliest possible time to commence control efforts.
Seven to ten days after herbicide or mechanical treatment, monitoring should be done to identify
missed spots or plants. Mid -summer monitoring should continue for observation of plant
phenology to identify earliest and best time to commence late summer and early fall treatment.
Herbicide and mechanical treatment areas should be monitored to identify missed spots or plants.
Use the form in Appendix E. Include GPS locations of weed control efforts and observations of
new weeds.
I. RESULTS OF EVALUATION
WestWater Engineering
(Fill in after scheduled monitoring).
Appendix Page D - 5 .lune 2009
WEED MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE FOR HOARY CRESS
Scientific Name: Cardaria draba Common Name: Hoary Cress, whitetop
USDA Code: CADR Life form: Perennial forte
Date: October 2008 Updated:
A. PRIORITY: High, Garfield County List, State B List (contain, eradicate outliers)
B. DESCRIPTION; Perennial, creeping perennial
• One of earliest emerging plants in spring, early bolting and flowering
• reproduces by seed from heart shaped seed pod each with two seeds and creeping,
rhizomatous roots
• grows erect from 10 to 24 inches high
• 1/2 to 2 inch long, alternate, blunt, blue-green leaves clasp stem
• White flowers with 4 petals
Perennial with high seed production; herbicides during bud stage or early flowering
C. CURRENT DISTRIBUTION ON THE PROPERTY
It is found in small, isolated patches on NPR, primarily along roads.
D. DAMAGE & THREATS
It is a highly competitive weed once it becomes established. Hoary cress spreads primarily by
extremely persistent roots and will eventually eliminate desirable vegetation and become a
monoculture, It will takeover and out -compete native vegetation communities, particularly
meadows. Unpalatable to cattle but sheep will utilize and reduces integrity of watershed.
E. WEED MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE
Within two years eradicate small infestations and control larger stands to a few stubborn plants
per patch.
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page D - 6 June 2009
r
F. MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
Viable control options are:
(1) Mow and spray with herbicides; (2) Spray with herbicides; and (3) graze with sheep, spray,
and manage for native grasses.
G. CONTROL ACTIONS PLANNED
WWE recommends mowing where possible followed by herbicide application. Common
herbicides for spraying include:
Trade Name
(common name)
Product/Acre
(Active ingredient /Acre)
Remarks
Plateau
(imazapic)
8 to 12 fl oz
(2 to 3 oz)
Apply during full bloom
Escort
(metsulfuron)
1 az
(0.6 oz)
Apply when in tight bud to
bloom stage
Many Trade Names
(glyphosate)
(1.5 lb)
Apply during flowering stage
Telar
(chlorsulfuron)
1 oz
(0.75 oz)
Apply during tight bud to
bloom stage
Annual Hoary Cress Biology
Species Type* [Jan Feb !March /AprilMay (June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Hoary Cress IC P [ F-- emergence ifiowering -FTset (regrowth j ->j 1- >
IA = annual; WA = winter annual; B = biennial; P= perennial; CP = creeping perennial
Shaded areas indicate best control timing.
*Tamarisk control can be done at any time of year, but is easier when leaves arc absent and weather is cooler.
H. MONITORING
Different monitoring is required for successful weed control. Early spring monitoring should be
done prior to vegetative activity to determine earliest possible time to commence control efforts.
Seven to ten days after herbicide or mechanical treatment, monitoring should be done to identify
missed spots or plants. Mid -summer monitoring should continue for observation of plant
phenology to identify earliest and best time to commence late summer and early fall treatment.
Herbicide and mechanical treatment areas should be monitored to identify missed locations or
plants. Use the form in Appendix E.
I. RESULTS OF EVALUATION
WestWater Engineering
(Fill in after scheduled monitoring).
Appendix Page D - 7 .lune 2009
WEED MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE FOR RUSSIAN KNAPWEED
Scientific Name: Acroptilon repens Common Name: Russian Knapweed
USDA Code: ACRE3 Life Form: Perennial forb
Date: October 2008 Updated:
A. PRIORITY: High (Garfield County List and State B List)
B. DESCRIPTION
Keys to identification:
• Russian knapweed can be distinguished from other knapweeds by:
o Pointed papery tips of the floral bracts
o Bracts are broad, ovoid, entire, and greenish at the base
o have papery, finely -hairy edges
• The flower heads of Russian knapweed are:
o Urn -shaped and solitary
o Flowers are numerous
o Petals are pink or purple, turning straw colored at maturity
• The roots are easily recognizable by their black or dark brown color.
• Leaves are alternate. Lower stem leaves are narrowly oblong to lance -shaped, and
deeply lobed.
• The upper leaves are oblong, toothed, and become progressively smaller. Rosette
leaves are lance -shaped, tapering at both ends with the broadest part at the tip.
Flower
Dense, monotypic stands
Dark brown to black roots
C. CURRENT DISTRIBUTION ON THE PROPERTY
Known only in a small patch on the South Middle Fork Property near the mouth of Wheeler
Gulch.
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page U - 8 June 2009
D. DAMAGE & THREATS
Russian knapweed forms dense colonies that displace native species and reduce forage
production. Russian knapweed does not establish readily in healthy, natural habitats. It typically
invades disturbed areas, forming dense single -species stands. Once established, Russian
knapweed uses a combination of adventitious shoots and allelopathic chemicals to spread
outward into previously undisturbed areas. The plant extends radially in all directions. Russian
knapweed contains an allelopathic polyacetylene compound, which inhibits the growth of
competing plants
E. WEED MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE
Within two years, control dense concentrations and eradicate outliers.
F. MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
Russian knapweed is characterized by its extensive root system, low seed production, and
persistence. It is a strong competitor and can form dense colonies in disturbed areas. Areas
should be monitored three times a year (spring, summer, and fall) and all Russian knapweed
plants should be destroyed immediately. Since Russian knapweed is so persistent, it is important
to combine killing Russian knapweed with seeding competitive grasses.
Bio -control: There are no bio -control measures for Russian
knapweed.
Chemical Control: Be sure to follow all label directions
and precautions.
• 2,4-D Low Volatile Ester - Apply at the early bud
stage. Follow label directions and precautions.
• Dicamba (Banvel, Clarity, Vanquish) - Application
shall be at the early bud stage in the spring and fall
on pastures, rangeland and noncropland. Follow
label directions and precautions.
• Imazapic (Plateau) - Apply during senescence in the
fall. Follow label directions and precautions.
• Imazapic + Glyphosate (Journey) - Apply during
senescence in the fall. Follow label directions and
precautions.
G. CONTROL ACTIONS PLANNED
The only viable option for control of Russian knapweed as
found on NPR is to spray with herbicides.
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page D - 9 June 2009
r
Species Type*
Jnapweed, c P
Russian
Jan
Table 5. Noxious Weed Biology
Iib [MarchApri! May (June July Aug
lernergcs
I
r p
flowering
Sept IOct
regrowth
A = annual; WA = winter annual; B = biennial; P = perennial CP = creeping perennial
Shaded areas indicate best control timing.
H. MONITORING
Spring, summer, and fall monitoring are necessary to adequately control Russian knapweed.
L RESULTS OF EVALUATION
(Fill in after scheduled monitoring).
WestWater Hngineering
Appendix Page D - 10 June 2009
WEED MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE FOR YELLOW TOADFLAX
Scientific Name: Linaria vulgaris Common Name: Yellow toadflax
USDA Symbol: LIVU2 Life Cycle: Perennial Forb
Date: October 2008 Updated:
A. PRIORITY: High, Garfield County List, State B List (control, eradicate outliers)
B. DESCRIPTION
Keys to Identification
• Flowering occurs from May through August and seeds mature from July through
October and remain viable for 10 years
• Yellow and orange bright yellow flowers resemble snapdragons
• Spring emergence occurs around mid-April in most of Colorado but later at higher
elevations and depends primarily on temperature
• A smaller flush of seedlings can occur in the fall
• Prostrate stems emerge in September and produce leaves that are ovate, 0.9-1.5 inches
in size
• Numerous pale green leaves are alternate, narrow, pointed at both ends
• The strong, upright floral stems that are characteristic of mature toadflax plants
develop after a winter's dormancy, and emerge about the same time as seedlings in
mid-April.
Snap -dragon like flowers, pointed leaves, alternate, horizontal rhizome roots
C. CURRENT DISTRIBUTION ON THE PROPERTY
McCarthy Gulch, Cow Creek
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page D - I 1 June 2009
Spreads by seed and rhizomes (horizontal roots)
D. DAMAGE & THREATS
Yellow toadflax rapidly colonizes open sites. It is most commonly found along roadsides, fences,
rangelands, croplands, clear cuts, and pastures. Disturbed or cultivated ground is a prime
candidate for colonization. Yellow toadflax is capable of adapting growth to a wide range of
environmental conditions. Yellow toadflax aggressively forms colonies through adventitious
buds from creeping root systems (rhizomes). Colonies can push out native grasses and other
perennials, thereby altering and reducing the species composition of natural communities,
watershed viability, and stability.
E. WEED MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE
Control within 2 years, eradication of outliers within 5 years.
F. MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
Viable control options are: (1) Bio -control; (2) Herbicide; (3) Combined bio -control and
herbicide.
Bio -control: Several agents are available to use against toadflaxes. However, the success of
these agents remains largely unknown. A defoliating moth (Calophasia lunula), an ovary -
feeding beetle (Brachyptero luspullcarius), and two -seed capsule -feeding weevils (Gymnaetron
antirrhini and G.netum) have been released in the United States and Canada to control all
toadflax species. The flowering and seed -feeding insects should help decrease seed production.
A stem -boring weevil (Mecinus janthinus) and a root -boring moth (Eteobalea intermediella) also
were released in Canada and the United States to control all species of toadflax. These species
may help to control shoots and seed production as well as decrease root vigor, but data are
unavailable to document their effects. Several of these bio -control agents are available from the
Colorado Department of Agriculture Insectary in Palisade.
Mechanical: Hand pulling toadflax before seed set each year can be an effective control method
especially in coarse-textured soils where Targe portions of the roots can be pulled. However, this
method must be repeated as long as there are viable seeds in the soil (up to 10 years). Cutting or
mowing yellow toadflax reduces the current year growth and possibly seed dispersal, but will not
kill the plant. These techniques are not recommended to control any toadflax species.
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page D - 12 June 2009
Herbicides: Effectiveness of herbicides on both toadflax species is highly variable, reflecting in
part their high genetic variability. Yellow toadflax is difficult to control with herbicides.
Herbicides should be applied during flowering when carbohydrate reserves in the root of the
plants are at their lowest. Dicamba at 1 lb. ai/acre, or glyphosate at 1.5 lb. ai/acre, will kill yellow
toadflax plants in some situations. 2,4-D, MCPA, 2,4 -DB, MCPB and mecoprop are ineffective
on yellow toadflax (Lajeunesse 1999).
G. CONTROL ACTIONS PLANNED
WWE recommends selective herbicide control of yellow toadflax with introduction of bio -
control agents. If selective herbicides prove ineffective, non-selective herbicides followed by re -
vegetation with native grasses may be necessary. Spraying should be done in April or May, later
for higher elevations but as early as possible.
Toadflax Biology
Species Type' Pan Feb (March 'April May June 1.1uly [Aug ISept Oct Nov Dec
Toadfiax, Yellow IP 1-1----T--
growth rud stage KyWering - seed set [--> 1—> r
IA = annual; WA = winter annual; B = biennial; P = perennial; CP = creeping perennial
shaded areas indicate best control timing.
H. MONITORING
Monitoring should begin immediately to determine when to commence herbicide control.
Monitor 7-10 days post-treatment to determine effectiveness and whether or not infected areas
were missed.
I. RESULTS OF EVALUATION
(Fill in after scheduled monitoring).
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page D - 13 June 2009
WEED MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE FOR MUSK THISTLE
Scientific Name: Carduus nutans Common Name: Musk/Nodding plumeless thistle
USDA CODE: CANU4 Life History: Biennial
Date: September 2008 Updated:
A. PRIORITY: High: Garfield County List and State B List (contain, eradicate outliers)
Rosette
Note: nodding of flowers
WestWater Engineering
Flower, note bracts
B. DESCRIPTION
Rosettes in spring and fall, second year flowers.
Keys to Identification:
• The waxy leaves are dark green with a Tight
green midrib and mostly white margins
• The Targe and showy flowers are terminal, flat,
nodding, 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inches across, purple,
rarely white, and surrounded by numerous,
Large, lance -shaped, spine -tipped bracts
• Blooms appear in late May and June and set
seed in June or July
C. CURRENT DISTRIBUTION ON THE
PROPERTY
Previous control has reduced high density infestations
found along roads and accessible pipelines. The
species is ubiquitous and found throughout NPR.
Highest density now found in riparian areas on
Middle and East Forks of Parachute Creek below the
cliffs.
Appendix Page D - 14 June 2009
D. DAMAGE & THREATS
Musk thistle is a highly competitive weed which invades disturbed areas, pasture, rangeland,
forest land, cropland, riparian areas, and waste areas throughout most of the United States. Musk
thistle spreads rapidly and forms extensive stands, which force out desirable vegetation and, in
disturbed areas where it does quite well, prevents native plants from becoming established. Musk
thistle may produce allelopathic chemicals that inhibit desirable plants beyond the spread of the
rosettes.
E. WEED MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE
Reduce to 5 plants per acre or less in 3 years.
F. MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
Viable control options are: tillage or hand grubbing in the rosette stage, mowing at bolting or
early flowering, seed head & rosette weevils, leaf feeding beetles, herbicides in rosette stage.
Alternatives include: (1) No treatment; (2) Spot spray, 7-10 days later, hand grub rosettes
missed by spot spraying; and (3) Release insects.
Cultural control: Maintaining pastures and rangeland in good condition is a primary factor for
musk thistle management. To favor pasture and rangeland grass growth, do not overgraze. To
successfully manage musk thistle, prevent seed formation.
Mechanical control: Musk thistle will not tolerate tillage and can be removed easily by severing
its root below ground with a shovel or hoe. Mowing can effectively reduce seed output if plants
are cut when the terminal head is in the late -flowering stage. Gather and burn mowed debris to
destroy any seed that has developed.
Chemical control: Several herbicides are registered in pasture, rangeland and noncrop areas to
control musk thistle. Curtail (clopyralid +2,4-D), Banvel/VanquishlClarity (dicamba), 2,4-D, or
Banvel/Vanquish/Clarity plus 2,4-D are commonly used. Apply these herbicides in spring or fall
to musk thistle rosettes.
Biological control: The musk thistle seed head weevil, Rhinocyllus conicus, can be found
throughout Colorado. The female deposits her eggs on the back of developing flowers and covers
them with chewed leaf tissue. After eggs hatch, larvae bore into the flower and destroy
developing seed. The seed head weevil reduces seed production by 50 percent on the average. If
used alone, however, it is not an effective management tool. Certain herbicides or mowing can
be combined with the seed head weevil if these are used during late flowering stages. This
allows the weevils to complete their life cycle and ensures their presence in subsequent growing
seasons.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture has established another weevil, Trichosirocalus
horridus. This weevil attacks the crown area of musk thistle rosettes and kills or weakens the
plant before it bolts. This weevil is being distributed throughout Colorado by the Department of
Agriculture, and thus far has proven to be more effective than the seed head weevil.
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page D - 15 June 2009
F
G. CONTROL ACTIONS PLANNED
Musk thistle Biology
[Species IType* 'Jan ieb March April May
Thistle, Musk - 1st yr IB I 1- germination rosettes
June July Aug [Sept Oct Tlnv Dec
r>
Thistle, Musk - 2nd yr Iia (rosettes-�-->I--> fboll flowering 'seed set' [ �� r
(Shaded areas indicate best control timing.
H. MONITORING
Systematic, routine monitoring for noxious weed infestations and effectiveness of past control
efforts is not currently practiced on NPR. WWE recommends implementing such monitoring.
Monitoring should also be done one week to ten days after chemical treatment to identify missed
plants which should then be treated. Routine monitoring should commence immediately to
further identify and define locations and to initiate weed control programs as early as practical
based on plant phenology and applicable control method.
I. RESULTS OF EVALUATION
WestWater Engineering
(Fill in after scheduled monitoring).
Appendix Page D - 16 June 2009
WEED MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE FOR DIFFUSE KNAPWEED
Scientific Name: Centaurea diffusa Common Name: Diffuse knapweed
USDA Symbol: CEDI3 Life History: Biennial or short-lived perennial
Date: October 2008 Updated:
A. PRIORITY: High, Garfield County List and State B List (contain, eradicate outliers)
B. DESCRIPTION
Keys to identification:
• Young leaves covered by fine hair
• Flowers, located on each branch tip, are mostly white or purple
• Bracts surrounding each flower bear 4 to 5 pairs of lateral spines and one, long terminal
spine. Diffuse knapweed can resemble spotted knapweed with the black tipped bracts.
The difference is the sharp spine at the end of the bract that is characteristic of diffuse
knapweed.
• Flower heads are broadly urn -shaped, 0.6-0.8 inches tall, solitary or in clusters of 2-3 at
the ends of the branches (see photo)
• Floral bracts are yellowish with a brownish margin, sometimes spotted, fringed on the
sides, and terminating in a slender bristle or spine. The heads contain two types of
flowers, ray flowers around the edges surrounding tubular disk flowers. The ray flowers
are white, rose -purple, to lavender.
• Basal leaves are stalked and divided into narrow, hairy segments. Stern leaves are
smaller, alternate, less divided, stalkless, and become bract -like near the flower clusters.
• Stems are upright, 4-24 inches tall, highly branched, angled, with short, stiff hairs on the
angles.
• Seedlings have finely divided leaves that are covered with short hair.
• Rosettes of spotted and diffuse knapweed are nearly indistinguishable. -Leaves are
narrow and 1-2 times pinnately divided.
• Distinguished from its close relative Spotted knapweed, by a terminal spine at the tip of
its bracts which is absent in spotted knapweed.
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page D - 17 June 2009
Diffuse knapweed (note singe stem)
Multiple seed heads
C. CURRENT DISTRIBUTION ON THE PROPERTY
Divide Road between Cow Creek and McCarthy Gulch
D. DAMAGE & THREATS
Spines on bract
Diffuse knapweed is a pioneer species that can quickly invade disturbed and undisturbed
grassland, shrubland, and riparian communities. Once established, diffuse knapweed
outconapetes and reduces the quantity of desirable native species such as perennial grasses,.
Diffuse knapweed contains allelopathic chemicals, which can suppress competitive plant growth
and create single species. The replacement of native grassland with diffuse knapweed can
reduce biological activity and increase soil erosion.
E. WEED MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE
Contain mono -type stands of diffuse knapweed, reduce outlier single plants to less than 1 per
acre in two years.
F. MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
Viable control options are: (1) Chemical/herbicide at rosette stage; (2) Biological control;
(3) Combination herbicide and bio -control; and (4) tillage.
Diffuse and spotted knapweed can be managed similarly. They are readily controlled with
herbicides. However, the weeds will reinvade unless cultural techniques are used.
Chemical control: Research conducted at Colorado State University indicates that Tramline
(clopyralid) at 0.67 to 1 pt/A, Curtail (clopyralid + 2,4-D) at 4 to 6 pt/A, or
Banvel/Vanquish/Clarity (dicamba) at 1 to 2 pt/A control diffuse knapweed. A tank mix of
Banvel/Vanquish/Clarity plus 2,4-D at 1 pt + 2 pt/A controls diffuse knapweed. These tank -
mixes may save money and reduce grass injury resulting from higher use rates of a single
herbicide.
Spotted knapweed and diffuse knapweed generally occupy the same areas in Colorado, so the
same herbicide treatments can be applied.
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page D - 18 June 2009
Cultural control: Desirable grass competition is evident in diffuse or spotted knapweed stands,
so spot spraying herbicide so as not to injure grasses is recommended. This method may allow
desirable grasses to compete effectively with the weeds. If the infested rangeland or pasture is
degraded, herbicides alone will not restore the land to a productive state. Seeding suitable
perennial grasses is necessary to prevent weed reinvasion.
Biological control: Many insects are being evaluated for biological control of diffuse and
spotted knapweeds. Researchers at Montana State University believe it will take a complex of
insects (perhaps 12) to reduce diffuse and spotted knapweed populations.
Several insects are available in Colorado, from the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The
seedhead flies Urophora affinis and U. quadrrfasciata have been released in many Front Range
counties. These insects cause plants to produce fewer viable seeds and abort terminal or lateral
flowers.
Root -feeding insects may have a more detrimental effect on knapweed populations than seed -
feeding ones. Larvae of the diffuse knapweed root beetle (Sphenoptera jugoslavica) feed in the
roots of diffuse knapweed. Larvae of the yellow -winged knapweed moth (Agapeta zoegana)
feed and the knapweed root weevil (Cyphocleonus achates) in the roots of both knapweed
species.
G. CONTROL ACTIONS PLANNED
W WE recommends a combination of herbicide spot spraying in combination with release of
beneficial insects on heavy infestations. Best times to spray are shown in the chart, below.
Diffuse Knapweed Biology
Species Type* Van FFeb March April May June (July
IKnapweed, Diffuse 1-6771/4—r_> p—rosettes 1--> 'bolt 'flowering rs-eed set
annual; WA = winter annual; B = biennial; P = perennial; CP = creeping perennial
[Shaded areas indicate best control timing.
Aug Sept roct rNov 'Dec
'germination r r
Insects are available from the Colorado State Insectary on an as available basis. Insects are also
available commercially from Biological Control of Weeds, Inc. in Bozeman, MT.
H. MONITORING
Systematic, routine monitoring for noxious weed infestations and effectiveness of past control
efforts is not currently practiced on NPR. WWE recommends implementing such monitoring.
Monitoring should also be done one week to ten days after chemical treatment to identify missed
plants which should then be treated. Routine monitoring should commence immediately to
further identify and define locations and to initiate weed control programs as early as practical
based on plant phenology and applicable control method.
L RESULTS OF EVALUATION
(Fill in after scheduled monitoring).
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page D - 19 June 2009
WEED MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE FOR SPOTTED KNAPWEED
Scientific Name: Centaurea maculosa Common Name: Spotted Knapweed
USDA Code: CESTM Life History: Biennial or short-lived Perennial
Date: October 2008 Updated:
A. PRIORITY: High -Garfield County List, State B List (contain, eradicate outliers)
B. DESCRIPTION
• This plant can be distinguished from its close relative diffuse knapweed, by the lack of a
terminal spine at the tip of its bracts
• Rosette leaves are up to 6 inches long, and deeply lobed. The principal stem leaves are
pinnately divided, have smooth margins, and become smaller toward the top of the shoot.
Leaves are alternate
• Rosettes of spotted and diffuse knapweed are nearly indistinguishable
• Leaves are narrow and 1-2 times pinnately divided
• Flowering heads are solitary at the ends of branches.
• The floral bracts are stiff and tipped with a dark comb -like fringe
• The flowers are pinkish -purple or rarely cream colored
• Seeds have a tuft of persistent bristles
• Rosette leaves are up to 6 inches long, and deeply lobed.
• The principal stem leaves are pinnately divided, have smooth margins, and become smaller
toward the top of the shoot.
• Leaves are alternate
• Mature plants are 1-3 feet tall with one or more stems
• Spotted knapweed has a stout taproot
No spine on bract
WestWater Engineering
Single flower per stalls
Appendix Page D - 20
Pinnately divided rosette leaves
June 2009
C. CURRENT DISTRIBUTION ON THE PROPERTY
Cow Creek and McCarthy Gulch
D. DAMAGE & THREATS
Spotted knapweed is a highly competitive weed that invades disturbed areas and degrades
desirable plant communities. It forms near monocultures in some areas of western North
America. There is evidence that spotted knapweed produces allelopathic chemicals that inhibit
the growth of other plants which can very expensive to correct. This allows spotted knapweed to
form dense monocultures. Although spotted knapweed is usually found in disturbed areas, once
a plant colony is established, it may invade adjacent areas that are relatively undisturbed or in
good condition.
The sap of spotted knapweed can cause skin irritation in some people. As a precaution, anyone
working with spotted knapweed should wear protective gloves and avoid getting knapweed sap
into open cuts or abrasions. Workers should wash their hands and exposed skin with soap and
water following contact with this plant.
E. WEED MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE
Recommended objective is established insect populations in heavy infestations within two years.
Reduce other infestation to less than 10 plants/acre in 3 years.
F. MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
Viable control options are: (1) Chemical/herbicide at rosette stage; (2) Biological control;
(3) Combination herbicide and bio -control; and (4) tillage.
Diffuse and spotted knapweed can be managed similarly. They are readily controlled with
herbicides. However, the weeds will reinvade unless cultural techniques are used.
Chemical control. Research conducted at Colorado State University indicates that Transline
(clopyralid) at 0.67 to 1 pt/A, Curtail (clopyralid + 2,4-D) at 4 to 6 pt/A, or
Banvel/Vanquish/Clarity (dicamba) at 1 to 2 pt1A control diffuse knapweed. A tank mix of
Banvel/Vanquish/Clarity plus 2,4-D at 1 pt + 2 pt/A controls diffuse knapweed and should
control spotted knapweed. These tank -mixes may save money and reduce grass injury resulting
from higher use rates of a single herbicide.
Spotted knapweed and diffuse knapweed generally occupy the same areas in Colorado, so the
same herbicide treatments can be applied.
Cultural control: Desirable grass competition is evident in diffuse or spotted knapweed stands,
so spot spraying herbicide so as not to injure grasses is recommended. This method may allow
desirable grasses to compete effectively with the weeds. If the infested rangeland or pasture is
degraded, herbicides alone will not restore the land to a productive state. Seeding suitable
perennial grasses is necessary to prevent weed reinvasion.
Biological control: Many insects are being evaluated for biological control of diffuse and
spotted knapweeds. Researchers at Montana State University believe it will take a complex of
insects (perhaps 12) to reduce diffuse and spotted knapweed populations.
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page D - 21 June 2009
Several insects are available in Colorado, from the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The
seedhead flies Urophora affinis and U quadrifasciata have been released in many Front Range
counties. These insects cause plants to produce fewer viable seeds and abort terminal or lateral
flowers.
Root -feeding insects may have a more detrimental effect on knapweed populations than seed -
feeding ones. Larvae of the diffuse knapweed root beetle (Sphenoptera jugoslavica) feed in the
roots of diffuse knapweed. Larvae of the yellow -winged knapweed moth (Agapeta zoegana)
feed and the knapweed root weevil (Cyphocleonus achates) in the roots of both knapweed
species.
G. CONTROL ACTIONS PLANNED
WWE recommends a combination of herbicide spot spraying in combination with release of
beneficial insects on heavy infestations. Best times to spray are shown in the chart, below.
1
Spotted Knapweed Biology
Species
[Knapweed, Spotted Ir 7r--rermination ! !Boit !flowering
annual; WA = winter annual; B = biennial; P = perennial; CP = creeping perennial
,Shaded areas indicate best control timing.
Type* Jan Feb March (April May June July
seed set
Aug .Sept Oct [Nov jDec
--> [germination r
Insects are available from the Colorado State Insectary on an as available basis. Insects are also
available commercially from Biological Control of Weeds, Inc. in Bozeman, MT.
H. MONITORING
Monitoring should commence as soon as possible to identify the earliest possible date to start
herbicide treatment.
I. RESULTS OF EVALUATION
(Fill in after scheduled monitoring).
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page D - 22 June 2009
WEED MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE FOR CANADA THISTLE
Scientific Name: Cirsium arvense Common Name: Canada thistle
USDA Code: CIAR4 Life Form: Perennial
Date: August 2008 Updated:
A. PRIORITY: High (Carfield County List, State B List)
B. DESCRIPTION
• early spring growth appears as rosettes with spiny -tipped, wavy leaves
• 1-5 flowers per branch
• floral bracts (scales on knob below petals) of Canada thistle are spineless
• Leaves are spiny, alternate, oblong or lance -shaped, with the base leaves stalk -less and
clasping, or extended down along the stem
• rhizomes are good identification but must be excavated
• growth habit of higher density in the center of a patch with density decreasing as distance
increases from where the colony commenced
Rosette (deeply lobed leaves)
Spines on leaves, stalkless Many small flowers per stem
C. CURRENT DISTRIBUTION ON THE PROPERTY
The highest density infestation currently known to WWE on NPR, approaching 50% cover, is in
the riparian zone along West Fork above the falls. It is establishing in relatively undisturbed
soils subject to heavy grazing by cattle in 2005 and American elk in 2006.
Riparian areas of West Fork from Light Gulch upstream to the falls are lightly infested and hand -
cutting with spot -spraying are likely control actions there.
D. DAMAGE & THREATS
It infests rangelands, roadsides, and riparian areas on NPR. Most Canada thistle patches spread
at a rate of 3-6 feet/year, crowding out more desirable species and creating thistle monocultures.
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page D - 23 June 2009
E. WEED MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE
In fall 2009, flowering plants should be cut and bagged if seeds have set and are starting to
disperse. Establishing beneficial insect populations in West Fork above the falls should
commence in spring 2010.
F. MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
The key principle to Canada thistle control' is to stress the plant and force it to use stored root
nutrients. Canada thistle can recover from almost any stress including control attempts because
of root nutrient stores.
There is a range of treatment options with Canada thistle that should be taken on NPR. From
biological only to herbicide only to mechanical only, research has shown a combination is more
effective. The options simply stated are:
(1) No treatment. Not an option with a listed weed.
(2) Cutting and mowing prior to seed set, continuously and annually indefinitely;
(3) Cutting and mowing combined with herbicide;
(4) Cutting, herbicide, and biological (recommended).
Cultural control: Grasses and wetland plants should be able to compete effectively with Canada
thistle if their growth is favored by good management. However, competition alone is seldom
effective against Canada thistle.
Chemical control: Colorado State University data indicates that split -season applications are
more effective. For example, apply 2,4-D, 2 quarts per acre (A), in spring when Canada thistle is
10 to 15 inches tall, in pre -bud to early bud growth stages. Re -treat in fall with
Banvel/Vanquish/Clarity (2 quarts/A) or Telar (1 ounce/A) to re -growth. Use a surfactant (0.25
percent to 0.5 percent v/v) with Telar for adequate control. Banvel/Vanquish/Clarity also may be
applied in early spring at 2 quarts/A when Canada thistle is in the rosette stage. Curtail and
Transline are effective when applied in spring after all Canada thistle plants have emerged.
Apply Curtail (2 to 3 quarts/A) when the oldest Canada thistle plants are entering the bud growth
stage and the youngest are in the rosette to bolting growth stages. Apply Transline (2/3 to 1 pt/A)
when Canada thistle is in the rosette to bud growth stages. Transline at 1 pt/A also is effective
when applied in fall. Recent research at Colorado State University shows that the performance
of Curtail to control Canada thistle can be improved when preceded by two or three cuttings.
When Canada thistle infestations occur in situations where root growth would be restricted, such
as habitats with high water tables in the riparian zone of West Fork above the falls, begin
mowing when it is 12 to 15 inches tall. Repeat cuttings at about one month intervals. Apply
Curtail at 2 to 3 quarts/A in October or about one month after the third mowing. Follow this
regimen for two consecutive years.
Mechanical control: Mowing or hand -cutting alone is not effective unless conducted at one-
month intervals over several growing seasons. Always combine mowing with cultural and
chemical control. Mowing at hay cutting stimulates new Canada thistle shoots to develop from
its root system. In irrigated grass hay meadows, fall herbicide treatments that follow mowing
can be effective.
WestWater Engineering Appendix Page D - 24 June 2009
Mowing can be an effective management system because more Canada thistle foliage is present
after cutting to intercept herbicide following re -growth. Additionally, root nutrient stores
decrease after mowing because the plant draws on them to develop new shoots.
Biological control: The thistle defoliating beetle (Cassida rubiginosa) feeds on the foliage of
Canada, musk, and plumeless thistles (Sullivan 2004). Patches or stands must be of sufficient
size to support an insect population. On West Fork, Canada and musk thistles are of sufficient
density presently in the riparian and wetlands along West Fork on NPR to support populations of
insect parasites. Certain Canada thistle specific insects are available commercially from
Biological Control of Weeds, Inc., Bozeman, Montana. Insects feeding on musk and plumeless
thistle are available from the Colorado State Insectary on an as available basis and cannot be
supplied by out-of-state commercial suppliers.
Biological control alone will not effectively control. Canada thistle. It must be combined with
other methods to be successful. Combine the weevil with cultural techniques that allow for
maximum desirable plant competition. Research has shown that biological and chemical controls
are compatible for musk thistle. This is most likely true for Canada thistle as well. Cassida
rubiginosa is available through the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Urophora cardui is
another biocontrol insect available from the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
G. CONTROL ACTIONS PLANNED
There is a range of treatment options with Canada thistle that should be taken on NPR. From
biological only to herbicide only to mechanical only, research has shown a combination is more
effective. WWE recommends
Canada Thistle Biology
(Species Type F.Jan Feb March April .May June July
Aug
Sept roct Nov Dec
I—>
Thistle, Canada Ir P [,
,rosettes 1—> !—> ,flowering !seed set !regrowth
,Shaded areas indicate best control timing for herbicide application.
H. MONITORING
Systematic, routine monitoring for noxious weed infestations and effectiveness of past control
efforts is not currently practiced on NPR. WWE recommends implementing such monitoring.
Monitoring should also be done one week to ten days after chemical treatment to identify missed
plants which should then be treated. Routine monitoring should commence immediately to
further identify and define locations and to initiate weed control programs as early as practical
based on plant phenology and applicable control method.
L RESULTS OF EVALUATION
WestWater Engineering
(Fill in after scheduled monitoring).
Appendix Page D - 25 June 2009
WEED MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE FOR BULL THISTLE
Scientific Name: Cirsitun vulgare Common Name: Bull thistle
USDA Code: CIVU Life Form: Biennial forb
Date: October 2002 Updated:
A. PRIORITY: High, State B List
B. DESCRIPTION
Leaves prickly above/cottony below
Bract covered with spines
Leaves alternate, clasp stens
Keys to Identification:
• Leaves prickly above and cottony below
• Stiff pointy spines on leaf tips
• Flower bracts tapered and covered with spines
• Mature leaves extend down and clasp the stem
C. CURRENT DISTRIBUTION ON THE PROPERTY
Bull thistle is widely distributed on NPR and is found in all climate zones. There is a wide
disparity in timing of life stages on NPR due to the wide disparity in elevation.
D. DAMAGE & THREATS
Bull thistle is often a transient species, appearing in recent temporary disturbance areas and then
becoming a dominant species for several years. Potential habitats include former pastures,
overgrazed rangeland, and roadsides.
E. WEED MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE
Within two years, control dense concentrations and eradicate outliers.
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page D - 26 June 2009
F. MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
Bull thistle does not tolerate shade and therefore does not compete well in areas that are
populated by tall grasses and forbs. Chemical control is most effective when rosettes are
targeted (fall or spring depending on population density and the plant's stage of growth). Do not
cut or spray if your management program is relying on seedhead biological control organisms
(local or state rules may disqualify the use of biological control).
Bio -control: Urophora stylata, a fly predator, is used to help control this thistle. The female fly
lays eggs in the seed head of the thistle. The maggot then consumes the seed in the flower. This
species has over -wintered in Colorado but the limited numbers will not allow for general
redistribution by the State Insectary.
Mechanical control: Mechanical controls can be used to eliminate small populations or plants in
a later growth stage. To be effective plants with buds or flowers should be collected and
immediately either land -filled or destroyed in a method that eliminates seeds.
Chemical Control: The following herbicides may be used for bull thistle control. Be sure to
follow all label directions and precautions.
• 2,4-D Amine or LV Ester - Apply during rosette stage of growth. 2,4-D Amine can be
used in the fall if the soil moisture is favorable and air temperature exceeds 50 F. Follow
label directions and precautions.
• Chlorsulfuron (Telar) - Apply in spring from rosette to pre -bloom stages of growth.
Follow label directions and precautions.
• Dicamba (Banvel, Clarity, Vanquish) - Apply in spring during rosette stage of growth.
Can be used for control in fall if the soil moisture is favorable and air temperature
exceeds 50 F. Follow label directions and precautions.
• Dicamba + 2,4-D (Banvel, Vanquish Clarity + 2,4-D) - Apply in spring during rosette
stage of growth. Can be used for control in fall if the soil moisture is favorable and air
temperature exceeds 50° F. Follow label directions and precautions.
• Metsulfuron methyl (Escort) - Use rates depend on the application site. Consult the label
and supplemental labels for use directions. Follow label directions and precautions.
• Metsulfuron methyl + 2,4-D (Escort + 2,4-D) - Use rates depend on the application site.
The addition of 2,4-D will improve consistency of bull thistle control when
environmental or biological conditions are not conducive to good herbicidal activity.
Follow label directions and precautions.
• Imazapic (Plateau) - Follow label directions and precautions.
• Clopyralid + Triclopyr (Redeem R&P) - Follow label directions and precautions.
• Triasulfuron + Dicamba (Rave) - Follow label directions and precautions.
• Diflufenzopyr + Dicamba (Overdrive) - Follow label directions and precautions.
• Imazapic + Glyphosate (Journey) - Apply to actively growing plants in noncropland.
Follow label directions and precautions.
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page D - 27 June 2009
• Aminopyralid (Milestone) - Apply in the spring or the fall, prior to soil freeze-up.
Follow label directions and precautions.
• Clopyralid (Stinger) - Follow label directions and precautions.
• Clopyralid + 2,4-D (Curtail) - Follow label directions and precautions.
• Diflufenzopyr + Dicamba + 2,4-D (Overdrive + 2,4-D) - Follow label directions and
precautions.
• Diflufenzopyr + Dicamba - Restricted use herbicide. Follow label directions and
precautions.
• Diflufenzopyr + Dicamba + Metsulfuron methyl (Overdrive + Escort) - Follow label
directions and precautions.
G. CONTROL ACTIONS PLANNED
Viable control options are:
(1) Bio -control;
(2) Mechanical;
(3) Chemical;
(4) Combination of Mechanical and Chemical.
W W E recommends alternative 4.
[Species
Thistle,
Bull - 1st
year
Type
B
Thistle,
Bull - B
2nd year
Jan
Feb March
Table 5. Noxious Weed Biology
April Pay June July Aug [Sept [Oct
Germination
-->
rosettes
bolting
flowering
seed
set
r1`lov�Dec
--> rosettes
A = annua ; WA = winter annual; B = biennial; P = perennial; CP = creeping perennial
Shaded areas indicate best control timing.
H. MONITORING
Different monitoring is required for successful weed control. Early spring monitoring should be
done prior to vegetative activity to determine earliest possible time to commence control efforts.
Seven to ten days after herbicide or mechanical treatment, monitoring should be done to identify
missed spots or plants. Mid -summer monitoring should continue for observation of plant
phenology to identify earliest and best time to commence late summer and early fall treatment.
Herbicide and mechanical treatment areas should be monitored to identify missed spots or plants.
Use the form in Appendix C.
I. RESULTS OF EVALUATION
(Fill in after scheduled monitoring).
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page D - 28 June 2009
WEED MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE FOR HOUNDSTONGUE
Scientific Name: Cynoglossum officinale Common Name: Houndstongue
USDA Symbol: CYOF Life Form: Biennial forb
Date: September 2008 Updated:
A. PRIORITY: High priority Garfield County listed noxious weed
B. DESCRIPTION
• first year is rosette
• Large rough basal leaves like a hound's tongue quite noticeable in rosette
• Small, reddish -purple flowers in clusters on branch ends
• Barbed nutlet seed disbursed by mechanical means
• reproduces by seed
Rosette with distinctive leaf shape
Mature inflorescence with fruit
WestWater Engineering
Robust, purple -reel inflorescence
Senescent stalk with fruit
Appendix Page D - 29
June 2009
C. CURRENT DISTRIBUTION ON THE PROPERTY
Houndstongue is most problematic around the impoundments on West Fork above the falls. It is
widely distributed in all riparian areas on all major tributaries in relatively low density. It is
found in relatively undisturbed riparian vegetation below the falls on all three major tributaries.
D. DAMAGE & THREATS
Produces poisonous alkaloids, grazing animals may not show effects for six months, reduces
value of wool, etc.
E. WEED MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE
Within two years, control dense concentrations and eradicate outliers.
F. MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
Viable control options are: (1) No treatment; (2) Combination spot -spray, cut and bag
Control Methods
Physical
Manual: Since houndstongue reproduces exclusively by seed, cutting or pulling plants
should provide control. However, plants may re -grow if the root crown is not completely
removed.
Cultivation: Tillage, where practical, will control houndstongue.
Mowing: Mowing second year plants during flowering but before seed maturation may
reduce seed production and even kill the plant (CNAP 2000).
Cultural: Maintaining a healthy population of native perennials the best way to prevent
the establishment and spread of houndstongue (CNAP 2000).
Biological:
Insects: None known
Pathogens: None known
Chemical:
Most infestations observed on NPR can be spot -sprayed. Commonly used mixes are
shown below. Most commercial applicators will be familiar with or have a mix that has
been shown to the applicator to be effective.
Trade Name
(common name)
Active ingredient/Acre
(Product/Acre)
Remarks
Ally/Escort
(metsulfuron)
1 oz. -i- surfactant
(0.6 oz)
Apply in spring during bolting
Always add a non-ionic surfactant at 0.25%
Plateau
(imazapic)
8 to 12 fl oz
(2 to 3 oz)
Vanquish/Clarity
(dicamba)
1 to 2 qt
(1 to 2 Ib)
Apply in spring when actively growing
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page D - 30
June 2009
G. CONTROL ACTIONS PLANNED
Hand -grubbing or spot spraying rosettes and, later, bolting second year growth prior to seed set
and should begin in March at lower elevations and move upward in elevation as the snow melt
and spring conditions permit.
Noxious Weed Biology
Species Type* 'Jan 'Feb 'March 'April TMay June fluty
ihoundstongue '8rosettes 1 Fprebud [flowering - seed set 1 germination
(A = annual; WA = winter annual; B = biennial; P = perennial; CP = creeping perennial
`Shaded areas indicate best control timing.
H. MONITORING
Aug Sept Qct lov Dec
r>
Different monitoring is required for successful weed control. Early spring monitoring should be
done prior to vegetative activity to determine earliest possible time to commence control efforts.
Seven to ten days after herbicide or mechanical treatment, monitoring should be done to identify
missed spots or plants. Mid -summer monitoring should continue for observation of plant
phenology to identify earliest and best time to commence late summer and early fall treatment.
Herbicide and mechanical treatment areas should be monitored to identify missed spots or plants.
Use the form in Appendix C.
I. RESULTS OF EVALUATION
(Fill in after scheduled monitoring),
WesiWater Engineering
Appendix Page D - 31 June 2009
WEED MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE FOR RUSSIAN OLIVE
Scientific Name: Elaeagnus angustifolia Common Name: Russian olive
USDA Symbol: ELAN Life Form: Perennial tree
Date: October 2008 Updated:
A. PRIORITY: High, Garfield County List, State B List (contain, eradicate outliers)
B. DESCRIPTION
• A perennial tree or shrub reaching to 30 feet in height. Tree trunks and branches have I to
2 inch thorns. Tolerant of shade, can be confused with native silver buffaloberry
(Shepherdia argenta)
• Flowers small, light yellow, in clusters
• Olive -shaped fruits, silver when first formed becoming yellow -red when mature
• Leaves are simple, alternate (do not confuse with silver buffaloberry with opposite
leaves), narrow 2 to 3 inches long, and are un -toothed.
• The upper surface of the leaf is light green and the lower surface is silvery white with
dense scales
Russian olive tree
WestWater Engineering
Clusters of small, yellow flowers
Appendix Page D - 32 June 2009
Clusters of olive -shaped fruit
C. CURRENT DISTRIBUTION ON THE PROPERTY
D. DAMAGE & THREATS
Alternate leaves
Tamarisk and Russian olive thickets along rivers provide much poorer wildlife habitat than
native cottonwood and willow communities. Russian olive invades both upland and riparian
communities. Russian olive creates monotypic stands replacing native vegetation altering
structure of woody canopy disrupting nutrient cycling and watershed hydrology.
E. WEED MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE
Eradicate
F. MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
(1) Mechanical; (2) Herbicides; and (3) Combination mechanical and herbicide
G. CONTROL ACTIONS PLANNED
WWE recommends option (3), combination mechanical and herbicide.
!Species (Type* Flan IiiFs !March
Russian OliveIr dormant
Russian Olive Biology
April !May .lune kuly Aug lieptOct iVv Dec
Leaves emerge Flowering and seed set !Growth o irol T
P = perennial
!Shaded areas indicate best control timing.
Removal should be undertaken before seeds are fully developed to prevent further spread of
seeds.
Manual/mechanical methods: Russian olives with small diameters (3.5 inches) can be pulled
out with a weed wrench when soils are moist. In certain situations, larger trees can be removed
using a tractor. Any remaining exposed roots should be cut off below ground level and buried.
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page D - 33 June 2009
Chemical control: Most translocating herbicides (e.g., glyphosate) are effective at label strength
when applied during the growing season. Some dormant -season herbicides (e.g., imazipyr as
Chopper RTU®) are labeled for Russian olive control. Foliar spraying has been successful, as
has injecting herbicide capsules around base of trunk. When injecting herbicides into the
cambium of a standing tree, monitoring should occur the same year to ensure that the entire tree
is affected. Cut -stump treatments can be effective when combined with burying the stump or
painting the cut surface with chemicals. Cuts should be made as close to the ground as possible
and immediately be followed by 5-10 cc of glyphosate (as Roundup®) applied at full strength to
the cambium. For trees that do not have to be removed or immediately taken down, exposing
more than 50 percent of the cambium by cutting into the bark with a saw or ax close to ground
level and introducing herbicides into the exposed areas is effective. A syringe (size 14 needle)
works well for both of these combinations. Brushing also works, but requires a larger amount of
herbicide. Burying a stump after cutting can also prevent re -growth from the stump, but exposed
roots should be monitored for re -sprouting.
H. MONITORING
Monitoring re -growth of cut stumps or roots should be done one year after treatment with a goal
of 90% effectiveness short-term and eradication in 5 years.
I. RESULTS OF EVALUATION
(Fill in after scheduled monitoring).
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page D - 34 June 2009
APPENDIX E
FORMS
Date:
North Parachute Ranch
Ocular Reclamation Vegetation Monitoring Form
f
Examiner:
l ON-SITE
OFF-SITE
SITE/UTM:
Dominant
Species:
Percent
Cover:
Total
NPG
NAG
NPF
NA/BF
s
Total
NPG
NAG
NPF
NA/BF
S
IPG
IAG
IPF
IA/BF
T
iPG
IAG
IPF
IA/BF
T
Photo:
Noxious
Weeds: Y* / N
Erosion: Y / N
Grazing
Impacts Y /
N
Noxious
Weeds: Y* / N
Erosion: Y / N
Grazing
Impacts Y / N
Comments
t.
1 Revegetate Y / N
SITE/UTM:
Dominant
Species:
Percent
Cover:
Total
NPG
NAG
NPF
NA/DF
$
Total
NPG
NAG
NPF
NA/BF
S
IPG
IAG
IPF
IA/BF
T
IPG
IAG
IPF
IA/BF
T
Photo:
Noxious
Weeds: Y* / N
Erosion: Y I N
Grazing
Impacts Y /
N
Noxious
Weeds: Y* / N
Erosion: Y / N
Grazing
Impacts Y/ N
Comments
IRevegetate Y / N
SITE/UTM:
Dominant
Species:
Percent
Cover:
Total
NPG
NAG
NPF
NA/BF
S
Total
NPG
NAG
NPF
NA/BF
S
!PG
IAG
IPF
IABP
T
IPG
IAG
IPF
IA/BF
T
Photo:
Noxious
Weeds: Y* / N
Erosion: Y / N
Grazing
Impacts Y /
N
Noxious
Weeds: Y* / N
Erosion: Y / N
Grazing
Impacts Y / N
Comments
1 Revegetate Y / N
* Noxious weeds: If "Y" is circled, fill out appropriate form.
NPG Native Perennial Grasses
[PG Introduced Perennial Grasses
NAG Native Annual Grasses
IAG Introduced Annual Grasses
NPF Native Perennial Forbs
IPF Introduced Perennial Forbs
NA/BF Native Annual/Biennial Forbs
IA/BF Introduced Annual/Biennial Forbs
S Subshrubs/Shrubs
T Trees
WestWater Engineering Appendix Page E-1
June 2009
APPENDIX E
FORMS
NOXIOUS WEED INVENTORY FORM
North Parachute Ranch, EnCana Oil & Gas (USA), Inc.
PROJECT NAME:
SITEIUTM:
Examiners:
Ownership: BLM NPR OTHER
Photo: Y N
Date:
Noxious Weed Species, Cover, Phenological Stage, and Estimated Density within Project
Species
Cover
(%)
Phenology
Infested Area
(ft x ft)
Estimated Density (stem/0.01ac, i.e. 21 ft?)
Rose Bolt Bud Flwr Seed
<1 1-5 5-10 10-20 20-50
50-100
>100
Rose Bolt Bud Flwr Seed
<1 1-5 5-10 10-20 20-50
50-100
>100
Rose Bolt Bud Flwr Seed
<1 1-5 5-10 10-20 20-50
50-100
>100
Rose Bolt Bud Flwr Seed
<1 1-5 5-10 10-20 20-50
50-100
>100
Rose Bolt Bud Flwr Seed
<1 1-5 5-10 10-20 20-50
50-100
>100
Noxious Weed Species, Cover, Phenological Stage, and Estimated Density Adjacent to Project
Rose Bolt Bud Flwr Seed
<I 1-5 5-10 10-20 20-50
50-100
>100
Rose Bolt Bud Flwr Seed
<1 1-5 5-10 10-20 20-50
50-100
>100
Rose Bolt Bud Flwr Seed
<1 1-5 5-10 10-20 20-50
50-100
>100
Rose Bolt Bud Flwr Seed
<I 1-5 5-10 10-20 20-50
50-100
>100
Rose Bolt Bud Flwr Seed
<1 1-5 5-10 10-20 20-50
50-100
>100
Site Conditions (adjacent land use; existing disturbance including livestock/wildlife, vehicular, pipelines, erosion)
Weed Origination, if known (adjacent, elsewhere from project, other)
Comments/Recommendations: No Action
Monitor
Weed Control
Flagged site? Y N Hand -pulled weeds within project during inventory? Y N
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page E-2
June 2009
APPENDIX E
FORMS
Reclamation and Seed Mix Reporting Form
North Parachute Ranch, EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc.
Site or Project:
Surface Ownership:
Eneana BLM Other Private
UTM Projection Zone: ( ) Easting Northing
Earth Work
Start and completion dates for earth work:
Start Date: Completion Date:
Number of Acres:
Re -graded: Ripped:
Final slope:
Most Extreme Avg.
Number of Acres:
Topsoil: Growth medium:
Depth topsoil/growth medium:
Topsoil: Growth Medium:
Source of topsoil:
Source of Growth Medium:
Application Method for Topsoil:
Application Method for Growth Medium:
Erosion Control Type, Materials, Techniques:
Soil Moisture:
Soil Texture:*
Re -vegetation Activities
Start Date:
Completed date:
Number of acres planted:
Seed bed preparation methods utilized:
Seeding/planting methods used:
Seed covering method:
Seed mix and rate in lbs. PLS/Acre (attach
seed bag label):
Number of acres receiving fertilization, mulch,
or amendments:
Type of fertilizer, application method, and rate:
Mulches and soil amendments, application
method and rate:
Comments:
*F = fine, MF = moderately fine, M = medium, MC moderately coarse, C = coarse
WestWater Engineering
Appendix Page E-3
June 2009
APPENDIX F
ANNUAL WEED CONTROL CALENDAR
(Separate Excel Document)
WestWater Engineering Appendix F June 2009
NPR VEGETATION MANAGEMENT CALENDAR
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Appendix F
Record of Modifications to the North Parachute Ranch
Wildlife Mitigation Plan
Attached to this Appendix is a history of the modifications to the North Parachute -Ranch Wildlife
Mitigation Plan. Below is a sample modification form to be used by CDOW and EnCana. The effective
date is the date by which both parties have signed the modification form.
Sample Modification Form
EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. and the Colorado Division of Wildlife agree upon the following
modification to the Wildlife Mitigation Plan for the North Parachute Ranch:
[Insert revisions.]
EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. Date
Colorado Division of Wildlife Date
Effective Date:
Modification to the North Parachute Ranch
Wildlife Mitigation Plan
Modification 2009-1
EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. and the Colorado Division of Wildlife agree upon the following
modifications to the Wildlife Mitigation Plan for the North Parachute Ranch (additions are underlined
and deletions are in strikethrough):
Section IV.B.3.a.2. "Development Area" means one of the sevensix regions within the Northwest
NPR Subgroup. Each such Development Area is outlined in Appendix C,
Figure 4 and Figure 8, and the Development Areas are named "Double Willow
Unit," "Barnes Ridge," "Story Gulch," "North Central," "Central," and"Red
Point;". and "Story Gulch 2"... .
Section IV.B.3.a.6. "EnCana Plateau Project" means the five proposed new pads (four well pads
and one frac ad res ective tie-in i elines and access roads trunk i line
and major access road as depicted in Appendix C, Figure 7 (SE SE Sec. 25 to
SW SE Sec. 34 T4S R96W).
Section IV.B.3.a.7 "EnCana Plateau Pipeline Project" means the trunk pipeline and anyaccss road
upgrades related to the EnCana Plateau Project.
Section IV.B.3,c.9. For the EnCana Plateau Pipeline Project, construct the cut and fill slopes of the
main access road to a length that decreases the extreme slopes typical of cutand
fill to facilitate ground movement by sage grouse.
Section tV.B.3.d. 1. Each construction activity listed below is recognized and approved as a project
that may occur during the Vacated Period within a Development Area, as long
as the activities are scheduled outside of the Critical Habitat Season:
- EnCana Southern Pipeline Loop, awl
EnCana Story Gulch Compressor Station:, and
- EnCana Plateau Pipeline Project.
Appendix C, Figure 7. Enema Plateau Pipeline Project.
Appendix C, Figure 8. Development Areas defined for the Northwest NPR Subgroup, with Story
Gulch 2.
EnCana consulted with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management on the above practices for operations by
EnCana within the Story Gulch 2 Development Area, and the agency indicated support for use of the
above practices during develop and operations by EnCana in the Story Gulch 2 Development Area.
Signature Page Follows
EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc,
By
1/4
Daarin Henke
Vice President, South Rockies
Colorado Division of Wildlife
By
/'/IL /rn`f
Date
on Vclardc, NW Regional Manager Date
Effective Date:
CIDP J18 TO FRAC PIT
4170 m IN TO COP J7S
!U4! Of BITCH
OP TO 1R" 3 PMMA
Re4NTor26111IN
ROOK dF Qt1T:M _
UP TO IW' OM LIFT
UP TO 20 WI
u�TOIr stFauip
Mr T01 O' FRAC tI1Y1'list
F26 TIE IN TO TIP IN
Ur TO t>r' MONO
UP TOM'WO
► _I ri9ir WAn*
NMI OFOTOU
t'
I
K,1•.ollt.i
10.1.4
PROPOSE', Il
C0MPH1`!l&011
11YF
MAC PfT TO Yat TIM
UP TO it /RAO MALT
vr it vmwr
X4164
036 496 TO JIS OOP
9•.R +DA onto
VP T419" MOO !MIM
Jir.TU WWI
upTo1A'3P1l $6
WYR OP WON
Pae 496 TO MO 496 TIP IN
NM or ancsa
VP TO 13' Pray WAT>i11
lr To 1C" Q} urr
OM Or DITCH
LEGEND:
mem latmem
BXU l -1N( PIPELINE
rnoraaEbAf,f'R9%
Uiu111h tsllPluueli11�1 kt Laud SIuveyillg
Rt Satttnt Zan PAM Vent.d. 1.renls 8.10 78
(-I )51 780 101 7 PAX (.1.4'11 7HO -1St 4
MaY
EnC. ana OIL & ( b
5 (USA) INC.
i UP
01►'I11I!R1Nr1 NYS 111h1
SE1.TIUN 30, `EIS. !Lo! It', bth 1'.>4+.
6tCOONS 2'.20.31,3' & IS, W>OW.01111'M..
ECIIUN.L,'11S.PAM, ON EA!
Figure 7. EnCana Plateau Project
3
Development Areas
L.J North Parachute Ranch Boundary
NPR_$ubgroups
Canyons
Girls' Claims
Northwest NPR
Old Mountain and Long Ridge
Figure 8. Development Areas defined for the Northwest NPR Subgroup of the NPR with the addition
of Story Gulch 2.
4
Modification to the North Parachute Ranch
Wildlife Mitigation Plan
Modification 2010-1
I:nruna Oil Cias ( t SA) Inc. (I:neana) aid the Colorado Division of Wildlife (('1)()V) igrce upon the
li>Iloeving modifications to the Wildlife Mitigation E'Ian (tl'MP) for the North Parachute Rune') (N1'R)
(additions are underlined and deletions are in strikethrough):
Section II.;l. Development Activity:
Projection eol"l`.ricana's future tIeticloprnent on the NPR is basal on a combination of 4O -acre. 20 -acre.
and 10 -acre down -hole spacin)r and well density. The map included in AppendiN rt depicts En('u ti f
proposed development lnr the tern o1' this wmp and certain of 1,ncana"s IFpei 1411V.1Le.. tvel1pttcl;.
facilities, roads., and pipelines) on the NPR to date. Eneantt will consult with C1)(:)Vs' regarding any
changes to its proposed development (1.'.. drilling operatiolis. facilities. roads, and pipelines) depicted in
Appendix A that would affect RSO or St1°1:1 ureas. This \V I\IP includes 36 18 new well pads. 27 2.-3
reoccupied well pad . t l compressor stations. andassociated g ithering facilities and pipelines. (sec
Figure 1).
For the duration or this WNW. I.:vicana will place a priority on conducting its drilling operation in the
NPR from existing pads rather than 1 m. n newly constructed pads. In addition. during the vvinter months
(i.e.. from Jantr.ir) 1 through April 15)Ft-retina will endeavor to geographically consolidate the location
of its drilling rims within the (.'.uivons Subgroup.
"Pie Northwest NPI4-Subgroup..isdit<ided-into•Nix re. hitt: li>i' wifieli-t tit e1opm•exit-pittterf-will-he
lxtsec-on temporal Fetafict-torrw.,-t t-la--o-tl}e s-iti'eit") o tlte-I uhitot. A-fletailctl description -of -the
develOpilient-pian for thi Subgroup is in Section 1u. illi tlti:ti '-IVlpt.
Section I1I.13.6. Consider dedicating til least one lull -time Ii.nC.'tina employee for oversight of the
application 1)f the environmental t.onsidcritions in this \\ 1111'-sMl1iie- rl- 0144. The need Or .1
designated eruplove.t will be CyahililIC'.1 o ll year as part of the annual review p occss_
Section 1V. Northwest :NPR Speeifie Envii-ri mentsil :tial wildlife Hest \4ariagentent Practices
"Fl la�lt;wp riche— s -up p to -1 +!('arta s-ilpeFatio-tis in the Non-hwes1 NPR Stthtl,ro ip.-1-hese-resit ietiof'5
do-r7ol-ap plt-to-"that:tperationsof.t'pmt)et31z-liillip:l-t(:01 ),-Inft-Col -is-required tocooperate- w -aria-itt
it mp)littn e with -en rt>n trend+l..requiriments-on the -NP .
l;ncana will follow the following practices for Encai t operations on the Norihwes-t NPR Subgroup.
13. (treater Sage (i rouse
1. Continue to provide aceess to ('DOW research personnel for ongoing tinge grouse population
research.
Install raptor perch deterrents on cross arms of power poles and other documented raptor
perches,, such as radio towers where birds are noted perching. Monitor 1111 structures exceeding
six feet iii height for the prescnce.io1_perching raptors or ravens. Perch deterrents neat not bc
installed if they pose ;r safety issue (_.L.. ou the handrails of a tank battery).
Development Planning I'-tttter+a:
a. I )clinitiuns t31 'Icrtns
I ) "Critical 1 labitut Season means the (lute period Irum ipprctxilnulelk :11361 15th to -August
1'€
each year.
') ni ev lappet -t- Are f -,. ea+is-eatle-or- Eye-stvrit regionti.. thift•lkr Norti3i{•est..= 1•'Iz
fr.--14ulh-such--1_) lc pine+tl Arert:is.t utl-ined in A17l li (', i iz z+1t4-E i �tt►ct
K. and 11►e4)eve1-jErnaflat-A-rcas-nfa tf tt�etl lift}E�Ei• a}4riti la�tat::-E31flt)e f ifl�c�. ` ttf3°�-
Catieh.--North ('etittal.- afttP-1 _eel l'trint. -,.and "StorN l..;tfk:h .' :l.. taf-tiijtl-t*E`
the 1)cvelOpilpeaAFetts ifcOFE.i.1-r ftes-I-4K=t+trtt-le=tw-ne-tall e-eft+tSitke lht' 110111)tial,4 efl_F1}+s
W'IWI•'--tt-f-utllow in {levelt4pme+1i- l 1ftl m -n Paliern seclO ni
this .11'\=1114sect-it-f+i-1-v:1-+)--i.s4i*.-rlt}Iy piillicft}-ftE'this__W-MP dial-ttppl•ies tfl4te-atklitif3nal
a e _clt+tsidtt t -he prope-rt: -I>i-toodarrolLt e-NPRI
') -.New I)1:titur1 iiict.`- weans ani' new activity that trill cause or leak a king term and
noticeable change to the landscape. til)c'c'tlrcikll)' con tiueli011 Of ill:t.'l;.Sy roads. gathering
lrleilities anti pipelines, ttn(i any drilling or completion activities.
3) "No Disturbance- Includes. but is not limited lo. noise, lights. vehicle ti'al'lic and Nevx
Disturbance.
-I) "-Vitwited PeriotrInteans that period of torte--sl►atat+ttg-a-to}tea}}{tf}}..1.4-t }-tfl tl-lafa lertal?ly
ttire ,: t til sit rortse-€ ri-tia;al-E lahi-tilt-zSeasons t)ft+ttf` Nrl)ieh-N1eNN-4-itstrtrht)ry wilt -trot
i4eeolith-101A
a) -kricana Plateau Project- means the lige prt)I)tlsc:d 11L."6 pads { lour \veil pails and one lrte
pact). respective tic -iii pipelines iutcl ia. ess dial, trunk pipeline. and major access u.ad it
depicted in illapeticliN C. Figure 9 (S1'. SrSec. S to SW Sr: See. 34 145 R96W).
y) ..1..neanit Plateau Pipeline Project- Ineans die trunk pipeline and iii • access road upgrades
relaied to the 1-.nea inn Plateau 1'rttltc1.
b. 1°-n.an.t will t_pvtv Ills 1-trllgw1pg ari iicesitt:selk(lile NeE-4:)istttrtrrttiise.-aeti-vitk-{i :ti nit:+
+ it1)ittlk>� t opfut-=fit-; fens on the Northwest NPR 10 reduce disturbance Iu spec grouse
habitat: ast-iest riEaetE-l-ie-It1w:
1) I )!P 1 dnv new disturbance youth cf1'the tipper West Fork for 3 Critical Habitat Seitso is
GOO 't) 131It,llo\ completion o 2 wells. ineludjit :
a. tichetltiline the_ completion of. thc2 \N_ellson 621 outside the.,Critical 1labitt t
Season: and
b. Scheduling the i:uttiplcticin i;11 (ias Lill tines to the (i2! outside the Critical
[abil tt
Season
2) Drill areas )est of 13iu•ncs Itidtt£; s1s depicted in r'1ppendix ( l•;t lir 9.) from valley.
IOCatinns,
3) Leoctupy.eNi titwaitci ifppssible.
41 1-0eiltc. new pads (}uttilcie occuptcLi grc)usc habitat t+hc.rr)c.r p+tssilk t1r t+t Habitat that ir.s
already dist tubed.
) litre the timi 1 plipt-'II11L from Stork: f tile!_to `1tewa ttlllelt underneath Barnes IUdgc.
(1) Implement three-p.lt,isc-ltttthering onexisting locations where possthlc;to reduce oosile
titcl)Ities and increase th' acreage put . into interim reelairtaijon.
7) ,Reduce, traffic intpacts I)S' carpootine personncI from the temporary 1 ivi ng QuaRti r
14S 106W .Section 13) to project locations.
S) Redact: addlitional surface disturbance 1}y utilil,atrt}n of the `Iiiuitig'titorUUL.' Vail at the.
1.1-0 ,lit(1 IhC l'.ItCana gravel pit 11'5S 196\ksection 4).
c)) New, 1}is+E h1.tdWithin--a--13cvcyIopinentAft+ inn} ler-aal_v
ont+linetl-€c>-a-ridge i•n+ til --re rit3 tl+t,darttti-nu of -d verli3pmefit activity !k'tthin••4uch
I)tavt,lotari•1tr)1t-Ai-kci to the extant practicable. No new distL1rbance•lictivitres 41 ill acct}r
#-i1i-1Fiji+-l-)e'e1t) 31n R1 --Aria dar-i rtl[)re-tlii+t}-ti•}ree coIi eent-y-e i,itict+-1-14ak-ttlt-` .ketit}n+
between -V c-med-Perk ds.
It))ke sortable efforts will be Efsed -k4.04,1allive4ft++ iErtt Ei-nd accts -tit Crit .that
}111I1i}11+fes 11.1411 -i -V int 1.11+13t -ti x111.1-i+ti444-shite+hit'-si-}gt*iw1a4I+rthitat4-ti}+11e-tt:rvatest-exter+t
1?fa ticable,
11)1.-�ptlm-eom lef1of(41-!41-?New 1)isturbanee wit1iiwaptrticulaFI)evelo1)ine131-A-Eca..`++tc1i
Development-Afetewili t'- e14--tiitfl+tit+.t}'1 ed tof-41tk 'u - The- es+ ietii,I1 & m
ri stufbataxainc;lti ;-tt+ay-t t+ftttitityfor inerensed-n}inern t+eeessitr+>: 1l Ele Isit-y brit 11
may-oc-o n--citiritlg,-swell-Vaentecl period.
122) Alierthe Vactttetl.-l'-erit -hill; •� ► ifh+ 5l � i tt�t+rtir++lt+r Ik' elf+ r3te+tt}�+et+ ' klw
1)i+4twI t++}ce may FE`rsutne 1-41- a maxilr+i:tr3} t> t1wee e i}rive-'riti .al Habitat oris tt}!;
Cllriwed-l> -tl t --lac- 4- '-aei+tLcl l'eFic}�l.
c. 1..nctlna will implement the following practices in the Northwest NIR Stibvroirp:
1) Apply a 0.6 lode radios No Disturbance buffer around active 1eks .sites (documented
activity in the Iasi live years) tron) 5:00 AM to 9:O0 i\M. March 15II'throut"h May 1`41'
Where practicable, traffic and other disturbances will be restricted after sunset when sage
grouse are congregating around the Ick until 9:(i() AAM the following morning Nv1icn birds
depart the Ick. These restrictions will not apply to travel routes in valleys where there is
significant clevational separation between -traffic and the lek.
-) Apply. a RS(.) ().6 mile radius btilTr to active Ick sites (documented activity in the last
live years) at all times. Apply- the RS(:) btrl7er to all loans of New Disturbance that
\could alter the vegetative S1iruc1urc or tcipt,graphy or tisould result in the addition of
surfiicc structures. 131.M will be notified on any NON' Disturbance within the RS() huller -
3) dire' new disturbance so as to use topographic features to shield lcks from new
disturbance whenever feasible.
4) Restrict well site visitation in occupied habitat to between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4.0
I'M during lckking season (March 15th to May 15th).
5) Schedule cross-country pipeline construciton and ilistalliition (001 including lines along
roads) outside of the Critical 1-1iihital Season.
6) Restrict New Disturbance titithin nesting and brood -r'ear'ing habitat (occupied habitat as
mapped by 1'.nC a1)a until entre concise mapping is available) as much as passible from
(April 15th to .1u 1 �t
7) Use interim reclamation to redevelop. as quickly as possible, ground cover that 1)rt?'• ides
for scenic ground niu\cnlents asap: grouse and is an effective precursor to the
reestablishment of appropriate sagebrush cover. Detailed guidelines and practices for
interim and final reclamation are outlined in E._11('ana's North Parachute Ranch Illie .raletf
Vegetation Management Guidance (Appendix I:).
R) Reseed disturbances exceeding 11 Ice! ill ‘vldth in mapped occupied sage `2 rouse hallitat
vt ith local sag hrush seed. where t(.i1?uuraphy and Nvellther coltdlih ns itl}trvv' ,ale t ecss to
di) ser.
Construct the cut and ilii slopes (tithe main access road to a length that decreases the
extreme slopes typical of cut and Cal to f;.icil'aiatc ground movement by sage grouse for
the Fncana Plateau Pipeline Project,.
cl. The lill10 in tire tipprov'ed exceptions to the above described schedules
and piaci ices--he-li4I&wit ;n r1rt -fpr++Feel i x 4io+l to the -above described
sithed-ateti and pra cites
9)
1) Well maintenance smith oldie 1.41) ?erWcst Fi rkw.-t-1girt.-a--!)evelopillem-Are dtlril .the
Vaei+tecf-Period xvill not he considered Ncw 1)isiurhance, but will he itlininlircd to the
extent Ilrciclicabl ciut'ing Iht C'ritrcttl I lr€hila! Season. 1.n(7uiia wit! give --the CDOW. and
thee. -114 f-•i-I'i+pplieable ,not-t=e-niweI1-nln+inte+trtnee rtii-d will-- iailtttti-i+rccords 0111 e ee
operations.
Response to emergencies urns ininiedinite threat 10 file, properly, tit- the environment) -south of the l tlll�er
(West Fork within. a. I)eFE`1h113i+1e++t:'-fret luring-Ihe \ii}catecd Period -will not he considered Ncw
Disturbance and 11i11 be perEnitted without timing limitations. l:ilCtlna will notify" the ('1)()W. and the
f31.11'i It applicithll'•, lied will maintain records of these oI)erutiolis.-tlte reaso}-for_the- vg—tie itnd-i}1)1)1'ovol
f tiltl ('D-(3 t+t+t1 3I..\1. where i N .
AppendixC- - igur4-7-.--1 Kana-1+drain+t-Pipelilac--1't'ttjee .
i1iiRenclix C'. Et re k. evelop 3',ent-flues-dejiilet:l--fief-11-le: i 1rf11►-e;t-N-PlrS+1tt;3.c_,eta.-will)-11 tc-i+v.kittle t
Appe dl.N.C., Hon: IZe u-ii:tA:LI 1)istnrbalce:1rea for Stt—c G of je 172,011]
I:ncana consulted with the 1 .S. 13ureau of land Management on the above practices for -operations by
I•:rtcanct 1vitllrn the arca depicted in Figure 9. and the agency indicated support tier use of the above
practices during development and operations.
Signal HIT Pap' 1011oira
4
Lncana Oil & tias )SA )
Rv
Darr n ilenke
Vice Pn..-sident. S•LnaIT Roc:kies
'olorado Division or Wildlife
p A31/40,0
,
) , • :.)
FIN ( i / 6 - :i. _W A 7: A .,•,!: '..c....-;‘,.-1.•-kr/f)
Ron Velardc, NW Regional Manager 1)aie
Ifft:clivA:
1111 KITIMPICillitrrI i:f Ill Ulilii 11 IDI
Reception#: 839086
08/0812013 03:58:26 PM Jean Rtberioo
1 o► 10 Reo Fee.$56 00 Doc Fee:0.00 GARFIELD COUNTY CO
Short Form of Surface Lease
Attached to that certain Surface Lease for Wolf Ranch Compressor Station by and between
Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. and Hunter Ridge Energy Services LLC dated June 1, 2013.
SHORT FORM OF SURFACE LEASE FOR WOLF RANCH COMPRESSOR STATION
STATE OF COLORADO
COUNTY OF GARFIELD
THIS SHORT FORM OF SURFACE LEASE FOR WOLF RANCH COMPRESSOR STATION
("Short Form Lease") is executed effective as of June 1, 2013 (the "Effective Date"), by and between
Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc., whose address is 370 17th Street, Suite 1700, Denver, Colorado 80202
("Lessor"), and Hunter Ridge Energy Services LLC, whose address is 370 17'' Street, Suite 1700,
Denver, Colorado 80202 ("Lessee").
RECITALS
A. Lessor is the owner of the surface estate of the parcels of real property more particularly
described on Exhibit A attached hereto (hereinafter referred to as the "Surface Estate") and as depicted
on the site plan attached hereto as Exhibit B.
B. The Surface Estate is located within the boundaries of a larger tract of land owned by the
Lessor as more particularly described on Exhibit C (the "Property").
C. Lessee desires to construct and operate a compressor station located on the Surface
Estate commonly known as the Wolf Ranch Compressor Station together with all facilities, fixtures,
machinery, equipment, and other personal property associated therewith and the concrete foundation or
form on which such compressor station will be located (as the same may from time to time be altered,
modified, improved, relocated or otherwise changed, collectively the "Facility").
D. Concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Short Forrn Lease, Lessor agreed to
lease to Lessee the Surface Estate for purposes of constructing, operating and maintaining the Facility
pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Lease.
AGREEMENT
1. Surface Lease Agreement. This Short Form Lease is part of and shall be construed in
connection with that certain Surface Lease for Wolf Ranch Compressor Station dated effective as of June
1, 2013 (the "Surface Lease," and collectively with this Short Form Lease, the "Lease"). Nothing stated
herein shall expand or diminish the rights granted under the Surface Lease. Reference should be made to
the Surface Lease for the additional rights and obligations of Lessor and Lessee. In the event of any
conflict between the terms of this Short Form Lease and the Surface Lease, the terms of the Surface Lease
shall control.
2. Grant.
a. Pursuant to the Surface Lease and as further set forth herein, Lessor leases to
Lessee and Lessee hereby leases from Lessor, on a non-exclusive basis, the Surface Estate for the purpose
1�
1111Yrimonmr.C# Ir11rir''d 1411,11 i.li1iii 11111
Reception!: 839086
08/0812013 03.58 26 Phi Jean Rlberico
2 of 10 Rec Fee $5b 00 Doc Fee:0.0O GARFIELD COUNTY CO
of constructing, maintaining, inspecting, &tering, repairing, operating, protecting, replacing or removing
the Facility the Facility.
b. Lessee shall have the rights of ingress and egress to access the Surface Estate
only on existing roads located on the Property, as marked and identified on the attached Exhibit C (the
"Access Roads"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an emergency (as reasonably determined
by Lessee) Lessee may access the Surface Estate via any access that Lessee deems reasonably necessary
given the circumstances, in which case Lessee shall give notice to Lessor promptly of such alternate
access.
c. It is understood that the rights granted to Lessee in the Lease are granted on a
non-exclusive basis and that Lessor shall retain and reserve any and all property rights not teased to
Lessee under the Lease, including, without limitation, Lessor's reasonable use of the Surface Estate for
Lessor's oil and gas operations and the right to grant to third parties concurrent leases to the Surface
Estate, provided Lessor shall use its reasonable efforts to limit any use of the Surface Estate that would
materially interfere with Lessee's use of the Surface Estate as authorized under the Lease. The Parties
agree to consult in good faith to reasonably accommodate each other's operations on the Surface Estate.
Each Party shall provide the other Party with fifteen (15) days prior written notice before conducting any
operation that may materially affect or interfere with the other Party's rights in and to the Surface Estate.
Lessor and Lessee each represents and warrants that it has the full right and authority to enter into the
Lease.
d. The Lease is effective commencing on the Effective Date and shall expire at
11:59 P.M. on the day immediately preceding the ninety-ninth (991h) year anniversary of the Effective
Date, unless (i) Lessee, or any of its successors or assigns, ceases operation of the Facility for a period of
twelve (12) consecutive months (in which case the Lease shall expire on the last day of the calendar
month following such period of non -operation), provided that, in the event of any casualty, condemnation
or force majeure event, such twelve month period shall be extended on a day for day basis during the
period of time that Lessee is diligently undertaking design, development or construction activities, or
otherwise pursuing restoration of the Facility in connection with a casualty or condemnation relating to
the Facility, or during the period of time in which Lessee, the Surface Estate or the Facility are subject to
a force majeure event, or (ii) the Lease is terminated sooner pursuant to the terms hereof (the "Initial
Term"). The Lease shall extend on an annual basis for so long after the Initial Term as Lessee continues
to use the Surface Estate for the use of the Facility with no cessation of operation of the Facility for a
period of twelve (12) consecutive months and otherwise complies with the terms and conditions of the
Lease (the initial Term, as extended, the "Term").
e. Lessee shall not assign or sublease all or any portion of the Lease, other than
Permitted Assignments (as defined below), without the express written consent of Lessor, which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld. In connection with a Permitted Assignment described in subsections
(1) and (2) below, or if consent is granted to an assignment that is not otherwise a Permitted Assignment,
the assignee or sublessee must assume the Lessee's obligations under the Lease that accrue from and after
the date of such assignment or sublease (provided that Lessee continues to be responsible for obligations
that accrue prior to such date of assignment or sublease unless such assignee also assumes such
obligations as well) and agree to assume, and become bound by, the terms and conditions of the Lease.
The Lease shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Lessor and Lessee, their respective legal
representatives, successors and assigns. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein,
Lessee may, at any time and from time to time, and without the consent of Lessor (each, a "Permitted
Assignment"):
■III rililiii00.11:111 1,14/11tliii,N 1 rin 11 ill
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3 of 10 Rec Fee $56 00 Doc Fee:O 00 GARFIEL.D COUNTY CO
(1) Transfer, sell or otherwise convey all or any portion of Lessee's rights
and interests under the Lease to an affiliate of Lessee; and
(2) In connection with the sale of all (or substantially all) of Lessee's assets,
transfer, sell or otherwise convey all of Lessee's rights and interests under the Lease to a buyer of such
assets.
3. Survev. Prior to the first anniversary of the Effective Date and at Lessee's sole cost and
expense, Lessee shall obtain an as -built survey of the Surface Estate (the "Survey") and deliver a copy of
the same to Lessor.
4. Successors and Assigns. The Lease shall run with the land and shall inure to the benefit
of and shall be binding upon Lessor and Lessee, and their respective legal representatives, successors and
assigns.
[Signature Pages to Follow]
111E hY i F1111liTiP,rlfi l Itr, I ONA WI Pn 140.1ili 11111
Reception#: 839085
08/08/2013 03-58 25 PM Jean R1berico
4 of 10 Rec Fee:$56 00 boo Fee•O 00 GARFIELD COUNTY CO
IN WETNESS WHEREOF, Lessor and Lessee have executed this Short Form of Surface Lease
for Wolf Ranch Compressor Station effective as of the Effective Date.
LESSOR:
ENCANA OIL & GAS (USA) INC.
(J�
Name: H°len M. Capps
Title: Attorney -in -Fact cit)4(
STATE OF COLORADO )
) ss.
CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER )
h
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this 1 day of
by Helen M. Capps as Attorney -in -Fact of Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc., a Delaware c •poration.
Witness my hand and official seal.
My Commission Expires:
(Seal)
3phi 0 -
APRIL JACKSON
NOTARY PUBLIC
STATE OF COLORADO
NOTARY ID # 24094410261
MY CQMMI$SIQN EXPIRES MARCH 25, 2017
L mmuim
otary Public
(signature pages to Short Form ofSta face Lease for Wolf Ranch Compressor Station continued an nest page/
2013,
1111 WA FIR, tia "i 11111
Reception#: 839086
08100!2013 0:5826 Phi Jean Alberico
5 of 10 Rea Fee $56 00 Doc Fee:0 00 GARFIELD COUNTY CO
LESSEE:
HUNTER RIDGE ENERGY SERVICES LLC
Name: 1Rkilikil-kirf-
Title: !'rand er-
STATE OF COLORADO )
) ss.
CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER )
r2s
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this day of (. �,t �G i,v)i , 2013,
by par r i r l 11 (.r \ KC as >'1r‘LLMMAC Y" of Hunter Ridge Energy St!`vices LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company.
Witness my hand and official seal. j
My Commission Expires: ()ti I 1
(Seal)
APRIL JACKSON
NOTARY PUBLIC
STATE OF COLORADO
NOTARY ID 9 20094010281
MY COMMISSION EXPIRES MARCH 26, 2417
U(f I -)(1C1.6 c -
otary Public!!
(end of signature pages to Short form of Surface lease for Wolf Ranch Compressor Station]
11111 FPI 1111),I14.141111,111 .1F4141 kV, 111 1111 11111
Reception#: 839086
08108!2013 03 58.26 PM Jean Alberico
5 of 10 Rec. Fee $56 00 Doc Fee 0 00 CARF[ELD COUNTY CO
Exhibit A
Legal Description
Attached to that certain Short Form of Surface Lease for Wolf Ranch Compressor Station by and between
Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc., as lessor, and, Hunter Ridge Energy Services LLC, as lessee.
A Parcel of Land situated in the northwest % of Section 24, Township 4 South, Range 96 West of the 6`h
Principle Meridian, County of Garfield, State of Colorado, being more particularly described as follows:
Commencing at the west'/ corner of said section 24, whence the southwest corner of said section 24,
whence the southwest corner of said section 24 bears South 00°00'45" East, a distance of 2745.21 feet
with all bearings herein relative thereto;
Thence North 39031'05" East a distance of 1516.07 feet; to the point of beginning
Thence North 39°31'05" West a distance of 345.99 feet;
Thence North 01°33'3w' East a distance of 811.97 feet;
Thence South 82°43' 18" East a distance of 631.88 feet;
Thence South 01 °54'23" West a distance of 936.62 feet;
Thence South 40°30'44" East a distance of 282.30 feet;
Thence South 24°27'22" West a distance of 135.20 feet;
Thence North 62°19'52" West a distance of 592.79 feet;
which is the point of beginning,
The antecedent parcel description having an area of 695912.00 square feet, 15.98 acres
111 MI Friltil,41C1MU ICI WIinnitil 11111
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7 of 10 Ree Fee $56 DD Doc Fee.D 00 GARFIELD COUNTY CO
Exhibit B
Site Plan
Attached to that certain Short Form of Surface Lease for Wolf Ranch Compressor Station by and between
Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc., as lessor, and, Hunter Ridge Energy Services LLC, as lessee.
* The boundaries to the Surface Estate described on Exhibit A are outlined on the site plan included with
this Exhibit 13.
[see attached site plan]
r
f3
/ / 7
EXHIBIT B
M]x
uNcp
`{yir
a ue�f „iuhtiMmp
i LI
g.i`. .: x•
erwsimS
Y9a W
HUNTER RIDGE
ENERGY SERVICES U.0
RIVER CITY
Hunter Rrege Energy Sec LLL
1111 In.lilrrli1,61hLIWLIw'TIOIMHl W1110I'd Iiii.I11'111111
Reception#: 839086
08/0872013 03:58-26 PM Jean Rlberico
8 of 10 Rec Fee:556 00 Doc Fee -0.00 GARFIELD COUNTY CO
uii31MMIAIJ IMMKORNIV.r i r ' I}IIII 1I II I
Receptionl#: 839086
OB108/2013 03:58:26 PM Jean Aiberioo
9 of 10 Rao Fee $56 00 Doc Fee:0.00 GARFIELD COUNTY CO
Exhibit C
Property
Attached to that certain Short Form of Surface Lease for Wolf Ranch Compressor Station by and between
Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc., as lessor, and, Hunter Ridge Energy Services LLC, as lessee.
[see attached map]
45 96 W
C191NJ 4595W
Exhibit C
4396W
K22VK22a
CDP
R
L27
Storage
• Pond ENCANA OIL J25 Storage
M23 INJ
Wall
V
A27CDP M23
Storage weF26
Pond TF26
Storage
Pond
Wolf
Ranch CS
J25.CDP
A05
Storage
Pond
004 CDP
o*'
107 CDP-
#
,5597W
G1 CDP
i—
P09 CDP
Stog6G'al GIs
A03 CDP
HO4 INJ •
Well
T
ENCANA OIL
,& GAS
(USA) INC
,_B16
--Storage
Pond
G21
Storage
Pond
55 96W
Story'
Rooster
3} CS
K35 CDP
& GAS Pond
(USA) .INC
:ells
45 95W
659619
a 'd
■IIIlittr.61111911slifiri 1 111
Reception#: 839086
08106(2013 03:58:26 PM Jean Alberico
10 of 10 Rec Fee.$56 00 Doc Fee -0.00 GARFIELD COUNTY CO
STATE OF COLORADO
John W. Hickenlooper, Governor
Christopher E. Urbina, MD, MPI -4
Executive Director and Chief Medical Officer
Dedicated to protecting and Improving the health and environment of the people 01 Colorado
4300 Cherry Creek Dr. S.
Denver, Colorado 80246-1530
Phone (303) 692-2000
Located in Glendale, Culurciuu
http7i/www.cdpne.siate.co.us
1/02/2013
Cindy Allen, Team Lead
Hunter Ridge Energy Services LLC
370 17 St Ste 1700
Denver, CO 80202
Laboratory Services Division
8100 Lowry Blvd.
Denver, Colorado 80230-6928
(303) 692-3090
RE: Certification, Colorado Discharge Permit System
Permit No., COR030000, Certification Number: C0R03K022
Colorado Department
of Public Health
and Environment
Dear Mr./Ms. Allen;
The Water Quality Control Division (the Division) has reviewed the application submitted for the Hunter Ridge facility and determined that it qualifies
for coverage under the CDPS General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activities (the permit). Enclosed please find a
copy of the permit certification, which was issued under the Colorado Water Quality Control Act.
Facility: Hunter Ridge Garfield County
Construction Activities: Oil and Gas Production and/or Exploration,
Legal Contact {receives all legal documentation pertaining to the permit certification):
Cindy Allen, Team Lead Phone number: 720-876-5474
Hunter Ridge Energy Services LLC Email: cindy.aFlen@encana.com
370 17 St Ste 1700
Denver, CO 80202
Facility Contact (contacted for general inquiries regarding the facility):
Kathy Vertiz, Lead Surface Mgmnt
Billing Contact (receives the invoice pertaining to the permit certification):
Cindy Allen, Team Lead
Hunter Ridge Energy Services LLC
370 17 St Ste 1700
Denver, CO 80202
Any changes to the contacts listed above must be provided to the Division on a Change of Contact form. This form is available on the Division's website
at coloradowaterpermits.com.
Phone number: 970-285-2626
Email: kathy,vertlz@encana.com
Phone number: 720-876-5474
Email: cindy.allen@encana.com
The Annual Fee for this certification is $245.00, and is invoiced every July. Do Not Pay This Now. The initial prorated invoice will be sent to the legal
contact shortly.
The Division is currently developing a new permit and associated certification for the above permitted facility. The development and review
procedures required by law have not yet been completed. The Construction Stormwater General Permit, which will expire June 30, 2012, will be
administratively cun1inued and will remain in effect under Section 104(7) of the Administrative Procedures Act, C.R.S. 1973, 24-4-101, et seq (1982
rept. vol. 10) until a new permit/certification is issued and effective. The renewal for this facility will be based on the application that was received
12/28/2012.
Please read the enclosed permit and certification. If you have any questions please contact Matt Czahor, Environmental Protection Specialist, at (303)
692-3575.
Sincerely,
Karen Harford, Administrative Assistant II
WATER QUALITY CONTROL DIVISION
Enclosures: Certification page; General Permit; Highlight Sheet; Termination form
xc: Permit File
/keh cert
Colorado Dcparimenr
of Public Health
and Environment
CERTIFICATION TO DISCHARGE
UNDER
CDPS GENERAL PERMIT COR -0300000
STORMWATER ASSOCIATED WITH CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Certification Number: COR03K022
This Certification to Discharge specifically authorizes:
Hunter Ridge Energy Services LLC
to discharge stormwater from the facility identified as
Hunter Ridge
To the waters of the State of Colorado, including, but not limited to:
Tributaries to Clear Creek, Parachute Creek, Piceance Creek - Colorado River, White River
Facility Industrial Activity : Oil and Gas Production and/or Exploration,
Facility Located at:
CR 215 &I-70, Parachute
Garfield County, CO 81635
Latitude 39.71139, Longitude -108.26293
Certification is effective: 1/2/2013 Certification Expires: 6/30/2012
ADMINISTRATIVELY CONTINUED
This certification under the permit requires that specific actions be performed at designated times. The
certification holder is legally obligated to comply with all terms and conditions of the permit_
Signed,
Nathan Moore
Construction/MS4/Pretreatment Unit Manager
Water Quality Control Division
Page 1 of 22
Permit BOND Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America
(License or Permit - Continuous} One Tower Square, Hartford, CT 06183
Bond No. 105818406
KNOW ALL MI=N BY THESE PRESENTS:
THAT WE, Hunter Ridge Energy Services LLC, as Principal, and Travelers Casualty and
Surety Company of America, a corporation duly incorporated under the laws of the State of
Connecticut and authorized to do business in the State of Colorado, as Surety, are held and
firmly bound unto Garfield County. Board of County C mmissioners, as Obligee, in the
penal sum of Six Thousand Five Hundred and no/1001$6,500.00) Dollars, for the payment of
which we hereby bind ourselves, our heirs, executors and administrators, jointly and severally,
by these presents.
WHEREAS, the Principal has obtained or is about to obtain a license or permit for
Revegetation for a Garfield Limited Impact Review covering 2.6 acres for Wolf Ranch
Compressor Station Section 24, T4S, R96W, 6th. P.M., NW 1/4; Garfield County, CO
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CONDITIONS OF THIS OBLIGATION ARE SUCH, that if the
Principal shall faithfully perform all duties and protect said Obligee from any damage caused by
the Principal's non-compliance with or breach of any laws, statutes, ordinances, rules or
regulations, pertaining to the license or permit issued, then this obligation shall be null and void;
otherwise to remain in full force and effect.
This bond shall become effective on the 20th, day of May, 2013.
PROVIDED, that regardless of the number of years this bond is in force, the Surety shall not be
liable hereunder for a larger amount, in the aggregate, than the penal sum listed above.
PROVIDED FURTHER, that the Surety may terminate its liability hereunder as to future acts of
the Principal at any time by giving thirty (30) days written notice of such termination to the
Obligee.
SIGNED, SEALED AND DATED this 20th, day of May, 2013.
Hunter Ridge Energy Services LLC
By: 32 e, i
,Principal
jj, ^C X11; r
T velers Casualty and Surety Company of
merica '
ri
Candace D. Bosheers, Atto
S -2151A (02-00)
TRAVELERS J
Attorney -In Fact No.
WARNING: THIS POWER QF ATTORNEY IS INVALID WIT HOUT THE REU BORDER
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Farmington Casualty Company
Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Company
Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Underwriters, Inc.
St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company
St. Paul Guardian Insurance Company
St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company
Travelers Casualty and Surety Company
Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America
United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company
226555 Certificate No. 005467409
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That Farmington Casualty Company, St. Paul hire and Marine Insurance Company, St. Paul Guardian Insurance
Company, St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America, and United States
Fidelity and Guaranty Company are corporations duly organized under the laws of the State of Connecticut, that Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Company is a
corporation duly organized under the laws of the State of Iowa, and that Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Underwriters, Inc., is a corporation duly organized under the
laws of the State of Wisconsin (herein collectively called the "Companies'), and that the Companies do hereby make, constitute and appoint
Teresa D_ Kelly, Dan W. Burton, Benjamin D. Wilcox, and Candace D. Bosheers
of the City of Houston State of Texas their true and lawful Attomey(s)-in-Fact,
each in their separate capacity if more than one is named above, to sign, execute, seal and acknowledge any and all bonds, recognizances, conditional undertakings and
other writings obligatory in the nature thereof on behalf of the Companies in their business of guaranteeing the fidelity of persons, guaranteeing the performance of
contracts and executing or guaranteeing bonds and undertakings required or permitted in any actions or proceedings allowed by law,
IN WITNESSApril
r HEREOF, the Companies 3 have caused this iastrament to be signed and their corporate seals to be hereto affixed, this
day of p
Farmington Casualty Company
Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Company
Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Underwriters, Inc.
St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company
St. Paul Guardian Insurance Company
State of Connecticut
City of Hartford ss.
aLja
30th
St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company
Frawley.; Cacuaity and Surety Company
Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America
United Stales Fidelity and Guaranty Company
a r HARTFORD,
1 CO4es
By:
Robert L. Raney, enior Vier President
On this the 30th day of April 2013 before me personally appeared Robert L. Raney, who acknowledged himself to
be the Senior Vice President of Farmington Casualty Company, Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Company, Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Underwriters, Inc., St. Paul
Fire and Marine Insurance Company, St. Paul Guardian Insurance Company, St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company, Travelers
Casually and Surety Company of America, and United Stales Fidelity and Guaranty Company, and that he, as such, being authorized so to do, executed the foregoing
instrument for the purposes therein contained by signing on behalf of the corporations by himself as a duly authorized officer.
In Witness Whereof, l hereunto set my hand and official seal.
My Commission expires the 301h day of June, 2016.
58440-8-12 Printed in U.S, A.
V\ e.
Marie C. Tetreault. Notary Public
WARNING: TRIO POWER OF ATTORNEY 19 INVALID WITHOUT THE RED BORDER
WARNING: THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY IS INVALID WITHOUT THE RED BORDER
This Power of Attorney is granted under and by the authority of the following resolutions adopted by the Boards of Directors of Farmington Casualty Company, Fidelity
and Guaranty Insurance Company, Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Underwriters, Inc., St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company, St. Paul Guardinn Insurance
Company, St. Paul Mcrcury lasurancc Company, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company, Travelets Casualty and Surety Company of America, and United States
Fidelity and Guaranty Company, which resolutions are now in full force and effect, reading as follows:
RESOLVED, that the Chairman, the President, any Vice Chairman. any Executive Vice President. any Senior Vice President, any Vice President, any Second Vice
President, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Corporate Secretary or any Assistant Secretary may nppoint Attorneys -in -Pact and Agents to act for and on behalf
of the Company and may give such appointee such authority as his or her certificate of authority may prescribe to sign with the Company's name and seal with the
Company's seal bonds, recognizances, contracts of indemnity, and other writings obligatory in the nature of a bond, recognizance, or conditional undertaking, and any
of said officers or the Board of Directors at any time may remove any such appointee and revoke the power given him or her; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chairman, the President, any Vice Chairman. any Executive Vice President, any Senior Vice President or any Vice President may
delegate all or any part of the foregoing authority to one or more officers or employees of this Company, provided that each such delegation is in writing and a copy
thereof is filed in the office of the Secretary; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED, that any bond, recognizance, contruct of indemnity, or writing obligatory in the nature of a bond, recognizance, or conditional undertaking
shall be valid and binding upon the Company when (a) signed by the President, any Vice Chairman, any Executive Vice President. any Senior Vice President or any Vice
President, any Second Vice President, the Treasurer. any Assistant Treasurer, the Corporate Secretary or any Assistant Secretary and duly attested and sealed with the
Company's seal by a Secretary or Assistant Secretary: or (b) duly executed (under seal, if required) by one or more Attorneys -in -Fact and Agents pursuant to the power
prescribed in his or her certificate or their certificates of authority or by one or more Company officers pursuant to a written delegation of authority; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the signature of each of the following officers: President, any Executive Vice President, any Senior Vice President, any Vice President,
any Assistant Vice President, any Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, and the seal of the Company may be affixed by facsimile to any Power of Attorney or to any
certificate relating thereto appointing Resident Vice Presidents, Resident Assistant Secretaries or Attorneys -in -Fact for purposes only of executing and attesting bonds
and undertaking. and other writings obligatory in the naturethereof, and any such Power of Attorney or certificate bearing such facsimile signature or facsimile seal
shall be valid and binding upon the Company and any such power so executed and certified by such facsimile signature and facsimile seal shall be valid and binding on
the Company in the future with respect to any bond or understanding to which it is attached
I, Kev in E. Hughes, the undersigned. Assistant Secretary. of Farmington Casualty Company. Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Company, Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance
Underwriters, Inc., St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company, St. Paul Guardian Insurance Company. St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company, Travelers Casualty and
Surety Company, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America, and United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company do hereby certify that the above and foregoing
is a true and correct copy of the Power of Attorney executed by said Companies, which is in hill forr-e and effect and has not been revoked.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seals of said Companies this _day of v , 20 L.)
Kevin E. Hughes, Assistant Sec tary
To verify the authenticity of this Power of Attorney, call l-800321-3880 or contact us at www,travelersbond.com_ Please refer to the Attorney -In -Fact number, the
above-named individuals and the details of the bond to which the power is attached.
WARNING: THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY IS INVALID WITHOUT THE RED BORDER
August 13, 2013
RE: WOLF RANCH COMPRESSOR STATION — LIR
Follow up from August 12, 2013 BOCC Hearing and COA Compliance
ATTN: Glenn Hartmann
3. Prior to issuance of the Land Use Change Permit, the Applicant shall update the
Application with a copy of the State Storm -water Management Permit for the site.
Compliance with all Best Management Practices for the site shall be required.
Permit No. COR030000 was left out of original submittal and has been provided.
4. Prior to the issuance of the Land Use Change Permit, the Applicant shall provide
additional Dust Control - Mitigation Plans for the site including internal roadways
and storage areas.
Wolf Ranch Compressor Station will be incorporated into the Encana Dust
Control Plan (reference attached Fugitive Dust Control Plan).
5. Prior to issuance of the Land Use Change Permit the Applicant shall update the
safety and emergency procedures for the site to include reference to compliance
with all Federal, State, Local, and industry safety and fire protection
requirements. The emergency contact information and procedures shall be kept
updated.
The Wolf Ranch Compressor Station will be incorporated into the Encana Oil and
Gas (USA) Inc. field wide Emergency Response Plan. This facility will comply
with all Federal, State, Local and industry safety and fire protection requirements.
The Emergency Response Plan contact information will be updated as
necessary. All applicable local Fire Districts will be provided with all updates.
6. Prior to the issuance of the Land Use Change Permit, the Applicant shall provide
confirmation that the site is covered by bonding for long term site reclamation.
The Applicant shall also comply with the referral comments from the County
Vegetation Manager, dated July 26, 2013 including provision of required security
in an amount and form acceptable to the county for re -vegetation.
Surety ID 2012-0119 Surface Blanket Bond information has been provided
(reference attached COGCC Detail Report). Also, the original Revegetation Bond
in the amount requested by Steve Anthony is also provided (reference attached
Bond No. 105818406)
17. Kathy Friesen has provided the Encana Wildlife Mitigation Plan and map
STATE OF COLORADO
John W. Hickenlooper, Governor
Christopher E. Urbina, MCI, MPH
Executive Director and Chiel Medical Officer
Dedicated to protecting and improving the health and environment of the people of Colorado
4300 Cherry Creak Dr. S.
Denver. Colorado 80246-1530
Phone (303) 692-2000
Lucaled in Glendale, CufuraUu
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us
1/02/2013
Cindy Allen, Team Lead
Hunter Ridge Energy Services LLL
370 17 St Ste 1700
Denver, CO 80202
Laboratory Services Division
8100 Lowry Blvd.
Denver. Colorado 80230-6928
(303) 692-3090
Colorado Department
of Public Health
and Environment
RE: Certification, Colorado Discharge Permit System
Permit No., COR030000, Certification Number: COR03K022
Dear Mr./Ms. Allen;
The Water Quality Control Division (the Division) has reviewed the application submitted for the Hunter Ridge facility and determined that it qualifies
for coverage under the CDPS General Permit for Storrnwater Discharges Associated with Constructor Activities (the permit). Enclosed please find a
copy of the permit certification, which was issued under the Colorado Water Quality Control Act.
Facility: Hunter Ridge
Construction Activities: Oil and Gas Production and/or Expl
Legal Contact (receives ail legal documentation pertaining t
Cindy Allen, Team Lead
Hunter Ridge Energy Services LLC
370 17 St Ste 1700
Denver, CO 80202
Facility Contact (contacted for general inquiries regarding the facility):
Kathy Vertiz, Lead Surface Mgmnt
Garfield County
oration,
o the permit certification):
Phone number: 720-876-5474
Email: cindy.allen@encana.com
Billing Contact (receives the invoice pertaining to the permit certification):
Cindy Allen, Team lead
Hunter Ridge Energy Services LLC
370 17 St Ste 1700
Denver, CO 80202
Any changes to the contacts listed above must be provided to the Division on a Change of Contact form. This form is available on the Division's website
at coloradowaterpermits.com.
Phone number: 970-285-2626
Email: kathy.vertlz(g encana,com
Phone number: 720-876.5474
Email; cindy.allen@encana.com
The Annual Fee for this certification is $245.00, and is invoiced every July. Do Not Pay This Now. The initial prorated invoice will be sent to the legal
contact shortly.
The Division is currently developing a new permit and associated certification for the above permitted facility. The development and review
procedures required by law have not yet been completed. The Construction Stormwater General Permit, which will expire June 30, 2012, will be
administratively wntinued and will fermi!, in effect under Section 104(7) of the Administrative Procedures Act, C.R.S. 1973, 24-4-101, et seq (1982
rept. vol. 10) until a new permit/certification is issued and effective. The renewal for this facility will be based on the application that was received
12/28/2012.
Please read the enclosed permit and certification. If you have any questions please contact Matt Czahor, Environmental Protection Specialist, at (303)
692-3575.
Sincerely,
Karen Harford, Administrative Assistant II
WATER QUALITY CONTROL DIVISION
Enclosures: Certification page; General Permit; Highlight Sheet; Termination form
xc: Permit File
/keh cert
II
Cohnadd t)ep nnicnt
of Public -Health
and Environment
CERTIFICATION TO DISCHARGE
UNDER
CDPS GENERAL PERMIT COR -0300000
STORMWATER ASSOCIATED WITH CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Certification Number: COR03K022
This Certification to Discharge specifically authorizes:
Hunter Ridge Energy Services LLC
to discharge stormwater from the facility identified as
Hunter Ridge
To the waters of the State of Colorado, including, but not limited to:
Tributaries to Clear Creek, Parachute Creek, Piceance Creek - Colorado River, White River
Facility Industrial Activity : Oil and Gas Production and/or Exploration,
Facility Located at:
CR 215 & 1-70, Parachute
Garfield County, CO 81635
Latitude 39.71139, Longitude -108.26293
Certification is effective: 1/2/2013 Certification Expires: 6/30/2012
ADMINISTRATIVELY CONTINUED
This certification under the permit requires that specific actions be performed at designated times. The
certification holder is legally obligated to comply with all terms and conditions of the permit_
Signed,
Nathan Moore
Construction/MS4/Pretreatment Unit Manager
Water Quality Control Division
Page 1of22
ENCANA U.S.A. Inc.
Piceance Unit
Fugitive Dust Control Plan
Piceance Basin Natural Gas
Development Projects
Scope
The scope of these guidelines is to outline some basic principles to
minimize and control fugitive dust emissions during land development.
Requirements
Encana places the highest priority on the health and safety of our
workforce and protection of our assets and the environment.
Applicable Documents
Department of Public Health and Environment Air Quality Control
Commission Regulation 1 5CCR 1001-3
Quality
These guidelines will be reviewed periodically and will be shared with
employees and contractors to ensure that they have adequate knowledge
to minimize fugitive dust emissions.
1.0 Introduction
Land development activities, including clearing, excavating, and grading, release fugitive dust, a pollutant
regulated by the Air Pollution Control Division (Division) at the Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment. However, small land development activities that are less than 25 contiguous acres and less than
6 months in duration do not need to report air emissions to the Division, but must use appropriate control
measures to minimize the release of fugitive dust from the site.
This Fugitive Dust Control Plan addresses how dust will be kept to a minimum at the Encana's
Project sites.
This plan focuses action on:
1. Identifying specific individual sources of fugitive dust.
2. Control options for unpaved roadways.
3. Control options for disturbed areas.
4. Control options for transport, storage and handling of bulk materials.
5. Contingency Plan for alternative action in the event that control strategies are not adequate,
effective, or practicable.
2.0 Specific Sources
Specific types of fugitive dust sources may appear to have negligible dust emissions, but when
combined with other specific sources underway at the same time can create dust plumes that are visible
beyond that which is appropriate for designated speeds and designs and may exceed nuisance emission
limitation guidelines. It is important to consider all activities on the site together in determining
compliance with federal, state, and local air quality regulations.
Task:
Provide field personnel and contractors with the information required to limit fugitive particulate
matter (fugitive dust) from all specific sources to include:
• Unpaved Roadways and traffic areas.
• Construction activities including Earth Moving and excavation.
• Bulk Material (i.e. gravel and soils).
• Storage and handling of materials
3.0 Control Options for Unpaved Roadways
Any owner or operator responsible for construction or maintenance of any (existing or new) unpaved
roadway is required to use all available, practical methods to minimize dust emissions:
Task:
Provide guidelines for minimizing fugitive dust emissions from all specific sources on unpaved
roadways and traffic areas:
• Require that all passenger vehicles, construction equipment, and truck traffic obey the posted
speed limits on all unpaved County roads to and from the project site.
• Ensure that vehicle speeds on new and existing access roads on the project site do not exceed
15 miles per hour by posting speed limits along these roads.
• Restrict vehicle traffic to existing roads by posting signs and/or providing the locations of
allowable access routes to all field personnel and visitors.
• Encourage carpooling to and from the project site to limit traffic on existing County roads.
• Roads and well locations will be surfaced with compacted gravel to protect against wind
erosion, to reduce the amount of fugitive dust generated by traffic and other activities, and to
reduce carryout/trackout.
• Use dust inhibitors (surfacing materials, water, or non -saline dust suppressants) on all unpaved
collector, local, and resource roads to prevent fugitive dust problems (ensure that any dust
suppressants used are appropriate for road conditions and will not compromise the safety of
workers on the project site).
• Restrict vehicular access during periods of inactivity using gates, fencing, and/or onsite security
personnel.
4.0 Control Options for Disturbed Areas
Disturbed areas include new roads, well pads, parking and staging areas, and materials storage areas
that have been cleared of vegetation, leveled, or excavated. These areas are susceptible to wind
erosion and are a major source of fugitive dust emissions that require the appropriate controls and dust
mitigation methods. Note that specific sources are subject to change as project conditions change, and
will require an evaluation of current control options to ensure effectiveness and practicality.
- 2
Task:
Limit the adverse impacts of fugitive dust emissions through control measures and operational
procedures designed so that no off -property transport emissions occur at the project site:
• Ensure that land clearing, grading, earthmoving, and excavation activities are suspended when
wind speeds exceed a sustained velocity of 20 miles per hour.
• Surface all bare ground with gravel as soon as practicable after clearing, leveling, and grading.
• Use dust inhibitors (surfacing materials, water, or non -saline dust suppressants) on all
disturbed areas as necessary to prevent fugitive dust problems.
• Identify the water source to be used for dust suppression, and ensure that contract water
haulers are available when needed.
• Reduce the amount of time between initially disturbing the soil and revegetating or other
surface stabilization.
• Apply vegetative or synthetic cover to topsoil and spoil piles as soon as practicable following
stockpiling to prevent wind erosion and fugitive dust emissions.
• Compact the soil on disturbed areas that will not be surfaced with gravel or revegetated
immediately following construction.
• Minimize surface disturbance to only that necessary for safe and efficient construction and
operations.
• Use vegetative mulch, reseeding, or other methods of surface stabilization on all areas
adjoining development to include shoulders, borrow ditches, and berms if practical.
• Restrict vehicular access during periods of inactivity using gates, fencing, and/or onsite security
personnel.
• Identify any new sources of fugitive dust emissions and evaluate and implement the
appropriate control methods for that source.
• Incorporate fugitive dust controls in all lands projects.
5.0 Control Options for Transport, Storage and Handling of Bulk Materials
Transporting bulk materials, such as gravel and fill material, can result in off -property dust emissions and
other impacts (i.e. broken windshields) over some distance if the appropriate control measures are not
implemented. Storage and handling of bulk materials once they arrive at the project site also requires
that controls are in place to ensure that these materials do not exceed regulated nuisance dust
emissions.
Task:
Use control measures and operational procedures designed so that no off -property transport
emissions occur along public roadways to and from the project site:
• Enclose, cover, water, or otherwise treat loaded haul trucks to minimize the loss of material to
wind and spillage.
• Require that all contract haul vehicles obey the posted speed limits on all public roadways to
and from the project site.
• Ensure that haul truck speeds on new and existing access roads on the project site do not
exceed 15 miles per hour by posting speed limits along these roads.
• Restrict haul trucks to existing roads and pad locations.
• Do not attempt to load/unload haul trucks when wind speeds exceed a sustained velocity of 20
miles per hour.
• Promptly remove dust -forming material from haul trucks to minimize entrainment of fugitive
particulate matter.
• Avoid storage and handling of bulk material any more than necessary to complete construction.
• Use covers, enclosures, wind breaks, or watering to prevent fugitive dust emissions from
material storage piles
• Restrict access to construction areas and storage piles during periods of inactivity using gates,
fencing, and/or onsite security personnel.
3
6.0 Contingency Planning
Alternative control measures may become necessary in the event that the current dust control strategy is
not adequate or effective for conditions. An alternative plan may require addition planning, permitting, or
other regulatory compliance requirements to implement. In this case, the current activities at the project
site would necessarily be suspended until such time as the alternate dust control methods could be put
into place.
Task:
Implement alternative action to fugitive dust control plan and to each specific source if deemed
necessary to comply with federal, state, and local air quality regulations:
• Provide field personnel and contractors with contact information for responsible individuals in
cases where control measures need to be escalated in response to weather conditions (i.e.
increased windiness).
• Use an appropriate alternative dust inhibitor if water does not prove to be effective under
normal circumstances, and obtain all regulatory permissions for the use of chemical
suppressants on the project site.
- Use vegetative blankets or other methods for cover of topsoil, spoil, and bulk material storage
piles if immediate cover becomes necessary.
• Attempt to locate alternative sources of bulk material closer to the project site if fugitive dust
emissions or other impacts from contract haul trucks on state or federal highways become an
issue with public safety or regulatory compliance.
4
Appendix A
Contacts
5
ENCANA PERSONNEL
Name
Title
Office
CeII
CONTRACT CONSTRUCTION
6
COGIS - Surety Detail Page 1 of 1
COGIS - Surety Detail
COMPANY DETAIL REPORT for Surety ID: 2012-0119
HUNTER RIDGE ENERGY SERVICES LLC -#10442
370 17TH STREET #1700
DENVER , CO 80202
USA
SURETY DETAIL INFORMATION
Surety ID:
2012-0119
Status:
ACTIVE
Operator Number:
10442
Bond Amount:
$25,000.00
Instrument:
INSURANCE
Instrument Number:
105818383
Coverage:
BLANKET
Bond Type:
SURFACE
Limitation:
0
Deposit Number:
PDPA Number:
Received Date:
11/26/2012
Approved Date:
11/28/2012
Maturity Expire Date:
FA Provider Number:
798
FA Provider Name:
TRAVELERS CASUALTY AND SURETY COMPANY OF AMERICA
Deposit Date:
Release Request Date:
N/A
Release Date:
NIA
http:l/cogcc.state.co.uslcogis/SuretyDetail.asp?SuretylD=20120119&OPNum=10442 08/13/2013
Permit BOND Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America
(License or Permit - Continuous) One Tower Square, Hartford, CT 06183
Bonn No./05818406
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:
THAT WE, Hunter_Ridl_ge Eneriy Services LLC, as Principal, and Travelers Casualty_ and
Surety Company of America, a corporation duly incorporated under the laws of the State of
Connecticut and authorized to do business in the State of Colorado, as Surety, are held and
firmly bound unto Gar -field County, Board of County Commissioners, as Obligee, in the
penal sum of Six Thousand Five Hundred and no/100 ($6,500.00) Dollars, for the payment of
which we hereby bind ourselves, our heirs, executors and administrators, jointly and severally,
by these presents.
WHEREAS, the Principal has obtained or is about to obtain a license or permit for
Revegetation for a Garfield Limited Impact Review coverin• 2.6 acres for Wolf Ranch
Com • ressor Station Section 24 T4S R96W 6th. P.M. NW 114* Garfield Count
CO
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CONDITIONS OF THIS OBLIGATION ARE SUCH, that if the
Principal shall faithfully perform all duties and protect said Obligee from any damage caused by
the Principal's non-compliance with or breach of any laws, statutes, ordinances, rules or
regulations, pertaining to the license or permit issued, then this obligation shall be null and void;
otherwise to remain in full force and effect.
This bond shall become effective on the 20th, day of May, 2013.
PROVIDED, that regardless of the number of years this bond is in force, the Surety shall not be
liable hereunder for a larger amount, in the aggregate, than the penal sum listed above.
PROVIDED FURTHER, that the Surety may terminate its liability hereunder as to future acts of
the Principal at any time by giving thirty (30) days written notice of such termination to the
Obligee.
SIGNED, SEALED AND DATED this 20th, day of May, 2013.
Hunter Ridge Energy Services LLC
By: C.
T�ryS le, ret_,Principal %rtie� �
Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of
America
Candace D. Bosheers, Attorney -in- a
S -2151A (02-00)
TRAVELERS J�
Attorney -In Fact No.
WARNING: THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY IS INVALID WITHOUT THE RED BORDER
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Farmington Casualty Company
Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Company
Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Underwriters, Inc.
St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company
St. Paul Guardian Insurance Company
226555
St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company
Travelers Casualty and Surety Company
Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America
United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company
Certificate No. 005467 4 09
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That Farmington Casualty Company, St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company, St. Paul Guardian Insurance
Company, St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America, and United States
Fidelity and Guaranty Company are corporations duly organized under the laws of the State of Connecticut, that Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Company is a
corporation duly organized under the laws of the State of Iowa, and that Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Underwriters, Enc., is a corporation duly organized under the
laws of the State of Wisconsin (herein collectively called the "Companies"), and that the Companies do hereby make, constitute and appoint
Teresa D. Kelly, Dan W. Burton, Benjamin D. Wilcox, and Candace D. I3osheers
of the City of Houston , State of Texas , their true and lawful Attomey(s)-in-Fact,
each in their separate capacity if more than one is named above, to sign, execute, seal and acknowledge any and all bonds, recognizances, conditional undertakings and
other writings obligatory in the nature thereof on behalf of the Companies in their business of guaranteeing the fidelity of persons, guaranteeing the performance of
contracts and executing or guaranteeing bonds and undertakings required or permitted in any actions or proceedings allowed by law.
"N WITNESS WHEREOF, the Companies have caused this instrument to be signed and their corporate seals to be hereto affixed, this 317th
iv of April 2013
Farmington Casualty Company
Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Company
Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Underwriters, Inc.
St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company
St. Paul Guardian Insurance Company
State of Connecticut
City of Hartford ss.
St. Pant Mereisry Insurance Company
Travelers Casualty and Surety Company
Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America
United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company
tir�O1lV�A��ftm :'..,s 0$14rt;.ct,i.
1S a A11 !s ..,_... Fay
By:
Robert L. Raney, enior Vice President
On this the 30th day of April 2013
before me personally appeared Robert L. Raney, who acknowledged himself to
be the Senior Vice President of Farmington Casualty Company, Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Company, Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Underwriters, Inc., St. Paul
Fire and Marine Insurance Company, St. Paul Guardian Insurance Company, St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company, Travelers
Casualty and Surety Company of America, and United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company, and that he, as such, being authorized so to do, executed the foregoing
instrument for the purposes therein contained by signing on behalf of the corporations by himself as a duly authorized officer.
In Witness Whereof, I hereunto set my hand and nffirial seal
y Commission expires the 30th day of June, 2016,
58440-8-12 Printed in U.S.A.
V\Ftiii .
Marie C. Tetreault, Notary Public
WARNING: THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY IS INVALID WITHOUT THE RED BORDER
WARNING: THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY IS INVALID WITHOUT THE RED BORDER
This Power of Attorney is granted under and by the authority of the following resolutions adopted by the Boards of Directors of Farmington Casualty Company, Fidelity
and Guaranty Insurance Company, Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Underwriters, Inc., St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company, St. Paul Guardian Insurance
Company, St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America, and United States
Fidelity and Guaranty Company, which resolutions are now in full force and effect, reading as follows:
RESOLVED, that the Chairman, the President, any Vice Chairman, any Executive Vice President, any Senior Vice President, any Vice President, any Second Vii
President, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Corporate Secretary or any Assistant Secretary may appoint Attomeys-in-Fact and Agents to act for and on behalf
of the Company and may give such appointee such authority as his or her certificate of authority may prescribe to sign with the Company's name and seal with the
Company's seal bonds, recogntzances, contracts of indemnity, and other writings obligatory in the nature of a bond, recognizance, or conditional undertaking, and any
of said officers or the Board of Directors at any time may remove any such appointee and revoke the power given him or her; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chairman, the President, any Vice Chairman, any Executive Vice President, any Senior Vice President or any Vice President may
delegate all or any part of the foregoing authority to one or more officers or employees of this Company, provided that each such delegation is in writing and a copy
thereof is filed in the office of the Secretary; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED, that any bond, recognizance, contract of indemnity, or writing obligatory in the nature of a bond, recognizance, or conditional undertaking
shall be valid and binding upon the Company when (a) signed by the President, any Vice Chairman, any Executive Vice President, any Senior Vice President or any Vice
President, any Second Vice President, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Corporate Secretary or any Assistant Secretary and duly attested and sealed with the
Company's seal by a Secretary or Assistant Secretary; or (b) duly executed (under seal, if required) by one or more Attorneys -in -Fact and Agents pursuant to the power
prescribed in his or her certificate or their certificates of authority or by one or more Company officers pursuant to a written delegation of authority; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the signature of each of the following officers: President, any Executive Vice President, any Senior Vice President, any Vice President,
any Assistant Vice President, any Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, and the seal of the Company may be affixed by facsimile to any Power of Attorney or to any
certificate relating thereto appointing Resident Vice Presidents, Resident Assistant Secretaries or Attomeys-in-Fact for purposes only of executing and attesting bonds
and undertakings and other writings obligatory in the nature thereof, and any such Power of Attorney or certificate bearing such facsimile signature or facsimile seal
shall be valid and binding upon the Company and any such power so executed and certified by such facsimile signature and facsimile seal shall be valid and binding on
the Company in the future with respect to any bond or understanding to which it is attached.
I, Kevin E. Hughes, the undersigned, Assistant Secretary, of Farmington Casualty Company, Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Company, Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance
Underwriters, Inc., St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company, St. Paul Guardian Insurance Company, St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company, Travelers Casualty and
Surety Company, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America, and United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company do hereby certify that the above and foregoing
is a true and correct copy of the Power of Attorney executed by said Companies, which is in full force and effect and has not been revoked.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, 1 have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seals of said Companies this om,/ V day of
s
Kevin E. Hughes, Assistant Sec 'tary
,20 L
To verify the authenticity of this Power of Attorney, call 1-800-421-3880 or contact us at www.travelersbond.com. Please refer to the Attorney -In -Fact number, the
above-named individuals and the details of the bond to which the power is attached.
WARNING: THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY IS INVALID WITHOUT THE RED BORDER
AMMIL