HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.12 Weed Mgmt PlanExhibit L-1
Microgrid Energy
Ziegler Solar Garden Site
Integrated Noxious Weed Management Plan
November 2017
Prepared By:
Habitat Management
Environmental & Natural Resource Services
Table of Contents
1. Overview 1
2. Noxious Weed Rules and Regulations 1
3. Noxious Weed Management 1
3.1. Prevention 2
3.2. Integrated Weed Management 2
3.2.2 Mechanical Control 3
3.2.3 Biological Control 3
3.2.4 Chemical Control 3
3.3 Pesticide Safety 4
4. Monitoring and Follow-up 4
5. Existing Infestations 4
6. References 5
Appendix A Noxious Weed List 0
Habitat Management, Inc. i November 2017
Noxious Weed Management Plan for the Ziegler Solar Garden Site
1. Overview
The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) and Garfield County requires all landowners to prevent
the spread of State Listed Noxious Weeds. This Noxious Weed Management Plan for the Microgrid
Energy Ziegler Solar Garden Site has been developed on behalf of Microgrid Energy as part of their
application to develop the 5.4 acre site in Silt, Colorado. Prior to development of this plan, the project
area was inspected to assess site conditions, presence of noxious weeds, and other factors relevant to the
weed management process. This plan was prepared by Mark Ray, a Qualified Supervisor (License
#32504) with Habitat Management, Inc., a Licensed Commercial Pesticide Applicator (License #11318).
The Ziegler Solar Garden Site is located east of 30985 US -6 in Silt, Colorado. The site is a former pasture
with a diversion ditch running north -south through the center. Based on Habitat Managements survey on
October 30, 2017 the vegetation at the site consists of primarily Smooth Brome (Bromus inermis),
Western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), Rabbit Brush (Ericameria sp.), Russian Thistle (Kali tragus),
Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense), Bull Thistle (Cirisium vulgare), and Russian Olive (Elaeagnus
angustifolia).
Canada Thistle, Bull Thistle, and Russian Olive are List B noxious weeds by the Colorado Department of
Agriculture (CDA) and Garfield County.
Construction activities have the potential to introduce new noxious weed species to the site, or spread
existing species. This management plan was developed to prevent further spread of noxious weeds.
Microgrid Energy will comply with CDA and Garfield County regulations through implementation of this
plan. Periodic reviews and updates to this plan will be completed as necessary to keep it current with
noxious weed control issues.
2. Noxious Weed Rules and Regulations
The Colorado Noxious Weed Act designates noxious weed species for management and eradication as
categorized on the Colorado Noxious Weed List. List "A" species are required by state law to be
eradicated, and list "B" species are those for which the state has developed or is currently developing a
management plan. List "C" species are widespread and known to be problematic, but management is not
legally required. However, management of list "C" species may be beneficial to promote good native
vegetation establishment and prevent other site problems.
Garfield County's Noxious Weed Management Plans adopts the list designated by CDA. These lists allow
prioritization of weed management activities on the Ziegler Solar Garden Site. The state and county weed
list is provided in Appendix A. The Colorado Noxious Weed Act, rules pertaining to the Act, the state
weed list, and state management plans can be found at:
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/ag Conservation/CBON/1251618780047).
3. Noxious Weed Management
An Integrated Pest Management ("IPM") plan will be implemented for the control of noxious weed
species on the Ziegler Solar Garden Site. Appropriate management actions will be implemented whenever
noxious weed species are observed growing within the project area. The goals of weed management are
to:
1) Identify and manage noxious weeds within and immediately adjacent to the project areas to be
disturbed and after the area has been reclaimed. Conduct pre-treatment and post-treatment
evaluations, and continue or modify treatment measures as necessary;
2) Minimize the potential for transportation and importation of noxious weed species; and
3) Educate field personnel to encourage compliance with weed management program goals and assist
with identification and control efforts.
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Noxious Weed Management Plan for the Ziegler Solar Garden Site
To prevent or minimize infestations and the spread of noxious weeds, periodic inspections of the project
area will evaluate presence or absence, degree of invasion, and the response of previous treatments.
Specific treatment methodologies and timetables will be developed based on species of concern, location
and extent of the infestation(s), and other pertinent factors. A list of noxious weed species known to occur
in Colorado and have potential to occur within the project area is contained in Appendix A.
3.1. Prevention
Noxious weeds are spread through dispersal of seed and/or transport of plant propagules (i.e. rhizomes,
bulbs, roots and etc.). The most effective way to control noxious weeds is to prevent their introduction
into the site in the first place. A combination of methods and practices will be employed to prevent the
introduction of weed species and their regeneration within the project area.
The following methods and practices may be employed, either singly or in combination, to prevent the
introduction of weeds into the Ziegler Solar Garden Site:
1) A thorough cleaning of equipment will be conducted before entering the project area to prevent the
introduction of seed and plant propagules from other sites.
2) Seed mixtures used for revegetation or temporary site stabilization will be free of noxious weeds.
3) Hay, straw, and/or other materials used for mulch or other purposes will be certified weed free.
4) A periodic inspection will be conducted to identify any new weed infestations that may have
occurred. Any new infestations will be scheduled for management before they become well
established and/or spread.
5) Communication and coordination with adjacent land holders whose property is infested with
noxious weeds that may threaten the site should occur. Establishing partnerships for weed
management within the local area is essential for successful long-term weed management.
6) Noxious and pest weed infestations that threaten natural and reclaimed areas will be treated with
accepted Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods. These methods are further discussed below.
3.2. Integrated Weed Management
An Integrated Pest Management ("IPM") approach will be implemented for treatment of noxious weeds
within the project area. An IPM approach enables selection of one or more weed management methods
based on site specific environmental conditions and control needs. The following weed management
methods will be considered for the project area:
1) Cultural- Planting acceptable aggressive native or desirable plant species for site colonization and
promoting healthy vegetation communities in reclaimed areas. Prevent unnecessary disturbance
through precise planning of construction projects and other activities. Prompt revegetation of
disturbed areas.
2) Mechanical- Mowing, pulling, disking and plowing may be used on weedy species that can be
controlled mechanically.
3) Biological- Introduction of insects or other biologic agents which are known to inhibit or prevent
reproduction of noxious weed species. Biological controls will be coordinated with the Colorado
Department of Agriculture Insectary in Palisade, CO.
4) Chemical- Application of appropriate herbicides by a licensed applicator. All herbicides will be
applied in accordance with the manufacturer's label and in accordance with Colorado state laws.
In some cases, only one control method may be warranted, while in other cases a combination of control
methods may be appropriate. Control methods selected will be dependent upon species of concern, and
location and extent of infestation.
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Noxious Weed Management Plan for the Ziegler Solar Garden Site
The use of Integrated Pest Management methods will protect pollinators, reduce hazards to wildlife,
reduce the possibility of herbicide resistance, and minimize persistence and mobility of herbicides in the
soil. Weed control methods and practices will be applied at the appropriate time to maximize their
effectiveness. When herbicides are used they will be applied in a manner that conforms to applicable
federal, state and local laws.
3.2.1 Cultural Control
Germination and establishment of noxious weeds can be significantly reduced by following accepted
revegetation and vegetation management techniques that favor the growth of desirable plants. These
include prompt seeding and revegetation of disturbed areas with appropriate seed mixes, maintaining
optimum fertility and moisture levels, planting at optimum density of pure live seed ("PLS"), minimizing
use of fertilizers, and selecting suitable species for revegetation. Minimizing areas of disturbance and
exposed soil prevents opportunities for aggressive species to establish.
A revegetation plan has been developed for the site that utilizes native and pasture grass species that are
well -adapted to the site. Seeding native species in conjunction with other management practices will
provide some level of competition with noxious weeds.
3.2.2 Mechanical Control
Mechanical control of noxious weeds can be an effective tool to physically disrupt noxious weed growth
and seed development. A combination of mechanical methods may be used including tilling or disking,
mowing, hand-held weed trimmers, mulching, hand -pulling, hoeing, or livestock grazing. Mechanical
weed control practices must be applied with correct timing to maximize their effectiveness in preventing
vegetation development or seed production.
Annual weedy species may be readily controlled with mowing or physical removal. Perennial species
such as Dalmatian toadflax have extensive root systems with significant carbohydrate reserves. For such
weed species mowing may only control seed production without seriously affecting the plant's survival.
Mowing after seed production has occurred may spread the plants. Disking or tilling areas containing
Dalmatian toadflax or other noxious species may increase the area of infestation due to root sprouting. In
most cases mechanical control methods used alone are not effective against hardy perennial weed species.
3.2.3 Biological Control
Biological control of noxious weeds can be an effective tool to physically disrupt plant growth and seed
development. A combination of biological methods may be used including introduction of insect weed
predators and species-specific plant diseases. Biological weed control methods and practices will be
applied with appropriate timing to maximize their effectiveness in preventing seed production. It must be
noted that the use of biological controls normally does not eradicate an infestation of weeds; rather they
will reduce weed species vigor and reproduction. The Colorado Department of Agriculture's Biological
Pest Control Program has on-going biological control programs several noxious weed species. More
information is available from the Palisade Insectary at (970) 464-7916.
3.2.4 Chemical Control
Chemical control of noxious and pest weeds can be an effective tool to disrupt plant growth and seed
development. Herbicides must be applied at the appropriate time to maximize their effectiveness in
preventing seed production or for disrupting plant establishment and growth. To avoid development of
resistance to an herbicide through repeated use over prolonged periods of time, herbicides and plant
growth regulators with varying modes of action should be used. Also, herbicides will be applied
according to the manufacturer's label recommendations (i.e. application rate, method, and timing) to
prevent development of plant resistance.
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Noxious Weed Management Plan for the Ziegler Solar Garden Site
3.3. Pesticide Safety
Successful IPM begins with an understanding of the target plant species and the environment within
which it grows. Next, the physiologic effects of an herbicide on plant growth and development must be
understood. Understanding a pesticide's chemical nature is also important in minimizing impacts to non -
target species, the applicator, endangered species, and pollinators, as well as surface water runoff hazards
and leaching into groundwater.
All pesticides will be handled with care, and applied by qualified personnel. Product labels will be read
before use, and handling and application directions followed. Properly identifying the weed problem and
the most effective chemical control method for use during the plant growth cycle is critical to effective
weed control. Equipment will be properly calibrated before herbicides are applied. Special protective
clothing is usually specified on the label and appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be
used. Empty containers will be disposed of promptly, safely and accordance with product labeling.
Herbicides vary in the amount of time after an application before it is safe to re-enter the treated area
without protective clothing and equipment. The Restricted Entry Interval ("REI") is affected by the rate of
application, size of the area treated and the amount of time to be spent in the field. For the safety of
Microgrid's employees and contractors, the REIs listed on the herbicide's label will be followed.
Appropriate herbicide application records will be maintained as specified by the CDA. Records must be
retained by the applicator for three years from the date of application.
4. Monitoring and Follow-up
Even with effective weed management strategies, it often takes several seasons to eradicate or bring weed
populations to an acceptable level. With well-established infestations it is likely that a seed bank has
developed in the soil capable of producing new plants for several years. An infestation of weeds can
easily re -invade treated areas in one growing season if control and treatment activities are prematurely
curtailed. Weed management efforts should be carried out over an adequate number of growing seasons to
realize effective weed management within the target area.
As with all weed management, this multi -season effort is best served by effective documentation of
control efforts and continued vigilance in successive seasons of management. Information can be used to
modify treatment priorities and weed management strategies over time. Vigilance is required against new
infestations that may be moving into the site. These new sources of infestation may be worked into
prevention and management plans as necessary. This weed management plan will be modified over time
as site conditions change. Weed management strategies and priorities can be modified as weed
infestations change in response to continued control efforts.
5. Existing Infestations
Noxious weeds occurring on site include Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense), Bull Thistle (Cirsium
vulgare), and Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia).
Canada Thistle is a perennial forb that reproduces by seed and root sprouts from extensive root systems.
Plants should be treated with appropriate herbicides during active growth periods to prevent seed
production. Treatment in the fall is critical to ensure translocation of herbicides to the extensive root
systems. Canada Thistle infestations can be found at the north and south boundaries around the site. The
larger infestations are found near the irrigation ditches.
Bull Thistle is a biennial forb that reproduces by seed. Plants should be treated with appropriate
herbicides during the active growing periods to prevent seed production. Bull Thistle individuals can be
found sporadically throughout the site, most are near the disturbed path, that runs north to south through
the middle of the site.
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Noxious Weed Management Plan for the Ziegler Solar Garden Site
Russian Olive is a perennial tree or shrub that reproduces through seed or through root suckers from the
plants extensive root system. A foliar herbicide application can be done to younger Russian Olive
individuals, but a cut -stump treatment is more effective for the larger individuals. Russian Olives can be
found sporadically throughout the site, a large infestation can be found just north of the site.
A cut -stump treatment is used to treat trees and shrubs. Cut -stump treatments integrate mechanical and
chemical control to eliminate the plant. To perform a cut -stump treatment one will cut the tree down
leaving a small stump that will be treated with the proper herbicide at the correct rate in order to
translocate herbicide to the remaining roots. If the stump isn't treated with herbicide, it is possible for the
roots to develop more suckers.
Due to the high level of seed and shoot production of these noxious species, multiple herbicide
applications are necessary to capture plants growing at various times throughout the season. The site
should be visited multiple times during the growing season to treat new plants emerging from the seed
bank and underground roots. It is expected that multiple years of treatment will be required to reduce
weed infestations on the site. It is likely that repeated infestations will occur due to infestations in the
surrounding area.
6. References
Beck, K.G., S.K. McDonald, S.J. Nissen, and P.H. Westra. 1998. 1998 Colorado
Colorado Department of Agriculture, Conservation Services Division Noxious Weed Program Website.
(https://www.colorado.gov/agconservation/noxiousweeds) [accessed November 2017]
Colorado Revised Statutes Title 35, Article 5.5- Colorado Noxious Weed Act and rules pertaining to the
Administration and Enforcement of the Colorado Noxious Weed Act.
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension, Weed Management Guide for Field and Vegetable
Crops. Publication #XCM-205, Fort Collins, CO.
Colorado Weed Management Association, Noxious Weeds if Colorado, 10t'' Edition. 2009.
Bussan, A.J., T.D. Whitson, S.A. Dewey, and M.A. Trainor. 2001. Weed Management Handbook: 2001-
2002. Cooperative Extension Services of Montana, Utah, and Wyoming
Thornton, Bruce J., H.D. Harrington, and R.L. Zimdahl. 1974. Weeds of Colorado. Colorado State
University Experiment Station, Bulletin 514-S. Fort Collins, CO.
Whitson, Tom D., ed. Weeds of the West. 9th Edition. 2001. The Western Society of Weed Science,
Western United States Land Grant Universities Cooperative Extension Services, Newark, CA.
Habitat Management, Inc. 5 November 2017
Appendix A
Noxious Weed List
Appendix A - Noxious Weed List
Common Name
Scientific Name
State List
CDA
Mandate
Known to
Exist in
Garfield
County
Present on
Ziegler
Solar
Garden
Site*
Biology
African rue
Peganum harmala
List A
Yes
Perennial
Bohemian knotweed
Polygonum xbohemicum
List A
Yes
Perennial
Camelthorn
Alhagi pseudalhagi
List A
Yes
Perennial
Common crupina
Crupina vulgaris
List A
Yes
Winter Annual
Cypress spurge
Euphorbia cyparissias
List A
Yes
Perennial
Dyer's woad
Isatis tinctoria
List A
Yes
Perennial
Elongated mustard
Brassica elongata
List A
Yes
Perennial
Giant knotweed
Polygonum sachalinense
List A
Yes
Perennial
Giant reed
Arundo donax
List A
Yes
Perennial
Giant salvinia
Salvinia molesta
List A
Yes
Annual/Perennial
Hydrilla
Hydrilla verticillata
List A
Yes
Perennial
Japanese knotweed
Polygonum cuspidatum
List A
Yes
Perennial
Meadow knapweed
Centaurea pratensis
List A
Yes
Perennial
Mediterranean sage
Salvia aethiopis
List A
Yes
Biennial
Medusahead
Taeniatherum caput -medusae
List A
Yes
Annual
Myrtle spurge
Euphorbia myrsinites
List A
Yes
Biennial/Perennial
Orange hawkweed
Hieracium aurantiacum
List A
Yes
Perennial
Purple loosestrife
Lythrum salicaria
List A
Yes
Perennial
Rush skeletonweed
Chondrilla juncea
List A
Yes
Perennial
Squarrose knapweed
Centaurea virgata
List A
Yes
Perennial
Tansy ragwort
Senecio jacobaea
List A
Yes
Perennial
Yellow starthistle
Centaurea solstitialis
List A
Yes
Winter Annual
Absinth wormwood
Artemisia absinthium
List B
Perennial
Black henbane
Hyoscyamus niger
List B
Annual/Biennial
Bouncingbet
Saponaria officinalis
List B
Perennial
Habitat Management, Inc.
Al
November 2017
Appendix A - Noxious Weed List
Common Name
Scientific Name
State
List
CDA
Mandate
Known to
Exist in
Garfield
County
Present on
Ziegler
Solar
Garden
Site*
Biology
Bull thistle
Cirsium vulgare
List B
Yes
Present
Biennial
Canada thistle
Cirsium arvense
List B
Yes
Present
Perennial
Chinese clematis
Clematis orientalis
List B
Perennial
Common tansy
Tanacetum vulgare
List B
Perennial
Common teasel
Dipsacus fullonum
List B
Biennial
Corn chamomile
Anthemis arvensis
List B
Annual
Cutleaf teasel
Dipsacus laciniatus
List B
Biennial
Dalmatian toadflax- broad leaved
Linaria dalmatica
List B
Yes
Perennial
Dalmatian toadflax- narrow
leaved
Linaria genistifolia
List B
Perennial
Dame's rocket
Hesperis matronalis
List B
Biennial/Perennial
Diffuse knapweed
Centaurea diffusa
List B
Yes
Biennial
Eurasian watermilfoil
Myriophyllum spicatum
List B
Perennial
Hoary cress
Cardaria draba
List B
Yes
Perennial
Houndstongue
Cynoglossum officinale
List B
Yes
Biennial
Leafy spurge
Euphorbia esula
List B
Yes
Perennial
Mayweed chamomile
Anthemis cotula
List B
Annual
Moth mullein
Verbascum blattaria
List B
Biennial
Musk thistle
Carduus nutans
List B
Yes
Biennial
Oxeye daisy
Chrysanthemum leucanthemum
List B
Yes
Perennial
Perennial pepperweed
Lepidium latifolium
List B
Perennial
Plumeless thistle
Carduus acanthoides
List B
Yes
Biennial
Quackgrass
Elytrigia repens
List B
Perennial
Russian knapweed
Acroptilon repens
List B
Yes
Perennial
Russian -olive
Elaeagnus angustifolia
List B
Yes
Present
Perennial
Salt cedar
Tamarix ramosissima
List B
Yes
Perennial
Scentless chamomile
Matricaria perforata
List B
Annual
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November 2017
Appendix A - Noxious Weed List
Common Name
Scientific Name
State
List
CDA
Mandate
Known to
Exist in
Garfield
County
Present on
Ziegler
Solar
Garden
Site*
Biology
Scentless chamomile
Matricaria perforata
List B
Annual
Scotch thistle
Onopordum acanthium
List B
Yes
Biennial
Spotted knapweed
Centaurea maculosa
List B
Yes
Biennial
Spurred anoda
Anoda cristata
List B
Annual
Sulfur cinquefoil
Potentilla recta
List B
Perennial
Venice mallow
Hibiscus trionum
List B
Annual
Wild caraway
Carum carvi
List B
Biennial/Perennial
Yellow nutsedge
Cyperus esculentus
List B
Perennial
Yellow toadflax
Linaria vulgaris
List B
Yes
Perennial
Jointed goatgrass
Aegilops cylindrica
List B
Yes
Annual
Bulbous bluegrass
Poa bulbosa
List C
Perennial
Chicory
Cichorium intybus
List C
Yes
BienniaUPerennial
Common burdock
Arctium minus
List C
Yes
Biennial
Common mullein
Verbascum thapsus
List C
Biennial
Common St. Johnswort
Hypericum perforatum
List C
Perennial
Downy brome
Bromus tectorum
List C
Annual
Field bindweed
Convolvulus arvensis
List C
Perennial
Halogeton
Halogeton glomeratus
List C
Annual
Johnsongrass
Sorghum halepense
List C
Perennial
Perennial sowthistle
Sonchus arvensis
List C
Perennial
Poison hemlock
Conium maculatum
List C
Biennial
Puncturevine
Tribulus terrestris
List C
Annual
Redstem filaree
Erodium cicutarium
List C
Annual/Biennial
Velvetleaf
Abutilon theophrasti
List C
Annual
Wild proso millet
Panicum miliaceum
List C
Annual
* Based on October 30, 2017
observation
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