Land Use Courthouse Annex • 2045 13th Street • Boulder, Colorado 80302 • Tel: 303.441.3930 • Fax: 303.441.4856 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 471 • Boulder, Colorado 80306 • www.bouldercounty.org
MEMO TO: FROM: DATE: RE:
Referral Agencies and Adjacent Property Owners Kim Sanchez, Planning Manager May 4, 2012 Docket DPR-12-0001
Docket DPR-12-0001: Gold Hill Minerals Development Plan Review Request: Development Plan Review for Exploration Drilling at Bueno Mine. Location: At 220 Ward Street, approximately 1/3 mile north of Jamestown, in Section 24, T2S, R72W. Zoning: Forestry (F) Applicant: Scott Haxlitt, Gold Hill Minerals, Inc. Agent: H. Bruce Humphries
This Development Plan Review is an administrative review procedure for subsurface mining that may impact important ecosystems, surrounding land uses and infrastructure needs and demands. Development plan review shall occur before subsurface mining commences on a mining site. Development plan approval is required prior to the issuance of any County building permits, or associated grading, access, or floodplain development permits, for the oil and gas operation. This development plan review process for proposed mining will allow any significant adverse impacts on the environment to be identified, evaluated, and avoided or acceptably mitigated through the imposition of reasonable conditions. The Land Use staff and County Commissioners value comments from individuals and referral agencies. Please check the appropriate response below or send a letter. Late responses will be reviewed as the process permits; all comments will be made part of the public record and given to the applicant. Only a portion of the submitted documents may have been enclosed; you are welcome to review the entire file at the Land Use Department, 13th and Spruce, Boulder. If you have any questions regarding this application, please contact the Land Use Department office. Please return responses to the above address by May 22, 2012. _____ We have reviewed the proposal and have no conflicts. _____ Letter is enclosed. Signed ______________________________ PRINTED Name______________________________ Agency or Address _________________________________________________________________
Cindy Domenico County Commissioner
Deb Gardner County Commissioner
Will Toor County Commissioner
Boulder County Land Use Department
Shaded Areas for Staff Only
Courthouse Annex Building 2045 13th Street. P0 Box 471 Boulder, Colorado 80302 Phone: 303.441.3930. Fax: 303.441.4856 Email:
[email protected] Web: www.BoulderCounty.org/lul Office Hours: Monday Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
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Intake Stamp
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BOULDER COUNTY LAND USE
Project Number
Project Name
No Application Deadline’s
Application Deadline: First Wednesday of the Month*
Application Deadline: Second Wednesday of the M onth*
U U U U U U U
U U
U U U U U
Limited Impact Special Use Limited Impact Special Use Waiver Site Plan Review Site Plan Review Waiver Subdivision Exemption Exemption Plat 1041 State Interest Review Other: DPR for Subsurface Minint
Location(s)/Street Address(es)
Lot(s)
MAY 04 2012
-
Application Form
Subdivision Name
EE C 1
Variance Appeal
U U U U
Sketch Plan Preliminary Plan Final Plat Resubdivision (Replat) Special Use/SSDP
Rezoning Road/Easement Vacation Location and Extent Road Name Change
(4-900A)
Approximately 1/3 mile north of Jamestown on Boulder County Road 94
NA NA
Area in Acres
Block(s)
NA
Existing Zoning Forestry
Proposed Water Supply Purchase or own water rights from Little James Cr.
Section(s)
Tonship(s)
1/4 Sec. 24 NW 1/4
Range
Existing Use of Property
72 W
Number of Proposed Lots NA
Mining Proposed Sewage Disposal Method Chemical toilet commercial provider
Applicants: Applicant/Property Owner
I Email Address davidbgoldhillminerals.com
Gold Hill Minerals, Inc. Mailing Address City
P0 Box 191127 State Miami Beach FL
ApProewRer/Agent/onit Scott ri ax tt Mailing Address P0 Box 191127 State City Miami Beach
Zip Code
Phone
33119-1127
305-726-7752
I Fax 305-397-8997
Email Address scotthgoldhillminerals.com
FL
Zip Cod e
Ph one
11 9-1127
Cell 970-214-8164
Fax 305-397-8997
]
Agent/Consultant H. Bruce Humphries Mailing Address 9050 Old Tom Morris Cir. CitYHighiands Ranch
,_, State Colorado
Email Address
Zip Code
80129
Phone
[email protected]
Cell 303-854-7499
Fax
NA
Certification (Please refer to the Regulations and Application Submittal Package for Complete application requirements.) (certify that I am signing this Application Form as an owner of record of the property included in the Application. I certify that the information and exhibits I have submitted are true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that all materials required by Boulder County must be submitted priorto having this matter processed. I understand that public hearings or meetings may be required. I understand that I must sign an Agreement of Payment for Application processing fees and that additional fees or materials may be required as a result of considerations which may arise in the processing of this docket. I understand that the road, school, and park dedications may be required as a condition of approval. I understand that I am consenting to allow the County Staff involved in this application or their designees to enter onto and inspect the subject prop7sk at any reasonable time, without obtaining any prior consent. All I d wners are rej9 togn application. If additional space is needed attach additional sheet signed and dated. of Pro
Signature of Property Owner
Date Date ate
Only if the Land Use Director waives the landowner signature requirement for good cause shown under the applicable provisions of the Land Use Code.
Form: P/01 . Rev. 11.09.09. g:/publications/planning/PolPlanningApplicationForm.pdf
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Land Use Department Pre-Application Map: Vicinity t Sain
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This map is for illustrative purposes only. Boulder County Land Use Department makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of these data. Boulder County Land Use Department disclaims any liability associated with the use or misuse of these data. In accessing and/or relying on these data, the user fully assumes any and all risk associated with this information.
Date: 5/4/2012
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Land Use Department Pre-Application Map: Location
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119 Boulder
Lafayette 36 287 Louisville
This map is for illustrative purposes only. Boulder County Land Use Department makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of these data. Boulder County Land Use Department disclaims any liability associated with the use or misuse of these data. In accessing and/or relying on these data, the user fully assumes any and all risk associated with this information.
Date: 5/4/2012
Land Use Department Pre-Application Map: Aerial
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119 Boulder
Lafayette 36 287 Louisville
This map is for illustrative purposes only. Boulder County Land Use Department makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of these data. Boulder County Land Use Department disclaims any liability associated with the use or misuse of these data. In accessing and/or relying on these data, the user fully assumes any and all risk associated with this information.
Date: 5/4/2012
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2. A detailed drawing of the site (affected surface area) at a scale of 1 inch to 100 feet or other appropriate scale, including the following: Expanded View of a Typical Set of Drill Pads
3
Typical Drill Pad Layout:
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3. Diagram showing adjacent properties and the approximate location of roads and buildings and their uses within a distance of 200 feet of any proposed structure, facility, or area to be disturbed. This may be drawn at a smaller scale than the site plan: Overall Rendition of the Proposed Exploration Sites:
4. One copy of application forms and/or approvals for all applicable local, state, or federal permits. Where such permits have not yet been 5
applied for, a listing of all such permits which will be needed shall be included, together with an explanation of which particular activities the permits will enable:
A copy of Gold Hill Minerals’ Plan of Operations (P00) filed with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is provided in Attachment I. A Notice of Intent will be filed with the Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (DRMS). This permit will allow for surface and subsurface disturbance, address site environmental issues and provide a plan for drill pad and road reclamation where needed. Both the DRMS and USFS require a site reclamation bond be posted prior to site disturbance. This is proposed as a two phase exploration operation. The first phase will be to conduct surface and subsurface exploration activities on our patented mining claims and underground. During the second phase, activity on the USFS unpatented mining claims will occur once the USFS approves the P00. We will conduct exploration activities on our privately held claims and in underground mine workings once the County and State Applications are approved. (We have submitted a request to the USFS as part of the P00 that the activity be allowed to operate for 11 months and 29 days. (This time period allows for part of the exploration drilling to occur in 2012 and the remainder in 2013. The goal is complete all surface exploration drilling activity this season.) Due to the proposed exploration site activities affecting less than 25 acres, an air quality permit will not be required. The combined area of disturbance for all exploration drill pads and surface area near the 350 Level Portal will be less than .65 acres. In addition, the activity in total should be less than 6 months. Even though an Air Emission Permit is not required, Gold Hill Minerals will take appropriate measures to control fugitive dust as discussed below. A Storm Water Management Plan and Permit will not be required due to the small nature of the proposed exploration activity. The combined area of disturbance for all exploration drill pads and surface area near the 350 Level Portal will be less than .65 acres. Any surface disturbing activity affecting one acre or more requires a Storm Water Management Plan and Storm Water Discharge Permit from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Water Quality Control Division. As part of our P00 submitted to the USFS, we have committed to follow the measures as described in the "U.S. Forest Service Handbook, Rocky Mountain Region (Region 2) Denver, Colorado - FSH 2509.25 Watershed Conservation Practices Handbook, Chapter 10 Management Measures & Design Criteria" for storm water runoff and erosion control. 5. A summary of the mining plan, per the State Division of Mining and Geology regulations, including:
Mining plan; Project Description. Exploration methods will include hand sampling, core drilling, pits or tanks to catch drill cuttings, reverse circulation drilling and sampling or other suitable drilling methods. In addition, remapping of the underground workings is planned. Underground drill locations may also be utilized as part of the exploration activities. Materials needed for the exploration operations will include water trucked in from off-site, biodegradable drilling polymer mud and bentonite mud, drill bits and drill stem, fuel (no tank storage on-site) plus other incidental supplies. The workforce will consist of up to six people, not counting Gold Hill Minerals supervisory personnel. Construction will involve grading of the existing roads as necessary for maintenance, preparation of drill pads and mud pits, drilling holes, and site reclamation. The Operation’s schedule will be 20 days on and 10 days off, 24 hours per day. We will comply with County noise regulations and work with neighbors to limit associated impacts. Power will be supplied by self-contained vehicles and small generators. Pad construction, mud pits, road grading and water bars will be done with a small dozer and backhoe. The proposed drill pad locations will be on and/or immediately adjacent to the access road. Topsoil will be stockpiled adjacent to each drill pad for site reclamation. (The drill pad area within the existing road will not be topsoiled during drill pad reclamation.) There will be no waste rock produced. There will be no tailings produced. We propose up to 11 drill pad locations, up to 50 drilled holes ranging in depth from 200 to 1,000 feet. Although not shown on the attached maps, the drill locations will be about 40 feet by 40 feet. Sampling will be done 7
in the underground workings by accessing the 350 Level Portal. An area approximately 100 feet by 100 feet will be needed for stockpiling timbers, drill stem plus other supplies needed underground. Total affected acres will not exceed .65 acres. (A storm water runoff control plan or permit will not be required by the Colorado Depart of Public Health and Environment, Water Quality Control Division since the affected area is less than one acre. However, we agree to implement the U.S. Forest Service recommend erosion control measures.) There will be no suction dredging associated with this operation. Drill cuttings will be collected for analysis. The remaining cuttings will be buried on-site. Equipment. Project equipment and vehicles will consist of pickup trucks, cars suitable to access the site, SUV’s, a water truck, a truck mounted drill rig, a drill rod/supply/pipe truck, a small dozer, a backhoe, commercial fuel truck for delivery of fuel to the drill rig, and possibly an ATV for site reclamation (seed bed preparation and seeding). Structures: A portable toilet (rented and properly maintained). A temporary shelter consisting of tarps, tent and plywood for use by the on-site geologist for field work and as shelter for the drilling crew. the method of and associated schedules for the production, milling or processing; ’moth balling’ and abandonment;
No mine production, milling or processing, "moth balling" or abandonment are planned as part of the exploration drilling program. hours of operation;
The Operation’s schedule will be 20 days on and 10 days off, 24 hours per day. We will comply with County noise regulations and work with neighbors to limit associated impacts. an access and transportation route plan;
Please see the Maps in Section A.3. above which shows site access. A transportation plan should not be required as part of this exploration activity. No ore, waste rock or other processed
material will be hauled from the site. Drill cutting will be collected and drill core may be removed periodically for analyses. anticipated truck traffic generation;
The only traffic associated with the proposed activity will be periodic traffic for a crew of 6 drill personnel, Gold Hill Minerals site supervisor, occasional delivery of drill stem and other supplies to each drill pad location, and trips for the operations water truck. Materials needed for the exploration operations will include water trucked in from off-site, biodegradable drilling polymer mud and bentonite mud, drill bits and drill stem, fuel (no tank storage on-site) plus other incidental supplies. We expect the water truck to make one to three trips per shift. We anticipate up to three shifts per day. The non-potable water will be pumped from either James Creek or purchased from Jamestown. (Gold Hill Minerals has sufficient water rights to pull what it will needfrom James Creek.) In addition, a commercial serviced chemical toilet will be delivered to the site and require periodic servicing. a waste disposal plan;
Solid waste will likely consist of empty drilling mud sacks, rags, plywood, plastic sheeting, spent grease cans as needed to complete the exploration drilling program. All waste materials will be placed in steel or plastic containers and hauled off-site for disposal in an approved facility. Upon completion of the exploration drilling program, the drill pad areas will be cleared of any remaining generated waste and transported off-site to an approved disposal facility. A commercially serviced portable toilet will be made available to the exploration drilling crew and Gold Hill Minerals on-site supervisor. production rates and total volumes of ore and waste rock;
This is a drill cuttings/core exploration operation. No ore, waste rock, tailings or ore concentrate will be produced. a drainage and erosion control plan for both on-site and off-site drainage; and
Access Roads: We are currently waiting for USFS approval to use the access roads. Approval of the P00 will allow for the installation of water bars, straw bales and silt fencing to control erosion where
needed. The main access road (shown in green) will be reclaimed according to the methods described below. Drill Pads: Topsoil will be pushed and stockpiled to the side of a drill pad. (No topsoil is present on portions of roads used as drill pad sites. Water bars will be installed up-gradient of drill pads located on roads to divert runoff around the drill pad.) Suitable erosion control material will be placed in a U-shape fashion down-gradient and around the sides of the drill pad to catch storm water runoff sediment, generated on a drill pad. All erosion control measures will be installed as recommended by the USFS. We will follow measures as described in the "U.S. Forest Service Handbook, Rocky Mountain Region (Region 2) Denver, Colorado - FSH 2509.25 Watershed Conservation Practices Handbook, Chapter 10 Management Measures & Design Criteria". 350 Level Portal Entrance: The Portal entrance area is a previously affected area, disturbed by past mining operations. Little or no topsoil exists in the area proposed for supplies storage, an area approximately 100 feet by 100 feet. The same erosion control methods described above for Dill Pads will be used for the Portal area. Once exploration operations are complete, all excess material, trash and debris will be removed and disposed in off-site at approved facilities. The area will be graded smooth if any significant surface disturbance occurred during underground exploration activities. The area will not be topsoiled and seeded since the area does not presently have significant topsoil or vegetation present. Please see Attachment III - Site Photographs which provides a current and visual example to site conditions. a description of the water source to be used in the operation where applicable:
The non-potable water will be pumped from either James Creek or purchased from Jamestown. (Gold Hill Minerals has sufficient water rights to pull what it will need from James Creek.) Potable water will be brought in as needed in five gallon containers for the drilling crew and other site personnel. 6.
Designated Mining Operations:
The proposed exploration drilling program is not a Designated Mining Operation. The permits being applied for at the local, state and federal level are for exploration operations. 10
7. A summary of the reclamation plan submitted or intended to be submitted to the DMG, including proposed recontouring, revegetation or other appropriate measures to restore the surface while operations proceed or after they cease:
Dill pad abandonment and site reclamation will be as follows and is taken from the P00 submitted to the USFS. The identical plan will be submitted as part of our Notice of Intent to be submitted to the DRMS: Reclamation: Drill Pads:
Each drill pad will be reclaimed according to the following plan once the core hole drilling is complete. All activities, to include site reclamation, shall be completed within 12 months of the approval date of the Plan of Operations. Any exploration drill pads and roads not needed for exploration activities in 2013 shall be reclaimed by October 15th, 2012. The reclamation goal is to ensure an erosionally stable site, with a stand of perennial vegetative cover, similar to the surrounding area. a. Core Holes: Each core hole will be back filled with bentonite to within approximately ten feet of the surface. Neat cement will then be placed in the remaining open hole. b. Mud Pits: The cuttings and sediment in the mud pits will be allowed to dry sufficiently to permit backfihling with the adjacent stockpiled subsoil. Cuttings will be left in the mud pit. The surface of the regraded mud pit will blend in with the surrounding topography and reclaimed along with the drill pad. Tanks: The water in the tanks will be decanted off the settled cuttings. The cuttings will then be placed in an excavated hole and buried on site. The area shall be reclaimed along with the drill pads. C.
d. Water Mist Drilling: In this method, very little water is used. Cuttings will collect close to the drill stem. Drilling cutting samples will be collected for analysis. The remaining cuttings will be placed in an excavated hole and buried on site. The area shall be reclaimed along with the drill pads. e. Drill Pads: The proposed drill pad locations will be on and/or immediately adjacent to the access road. All erosion control materials will be removed to an approved off-site disposal facility. The mud pits will be backfihled with adjacent subsoil and blended in with the surrounding topography. The stockpiled topsoil will be spread over the drill pad area not part of the historic roadway. The replaced topsoil will be left in a rough state. The USFS approved 11
seed mix will be broadcast over the drill pad area where topsoil was replaced and the seed lightly worked into the soil by raking or by other suitable methods. The drill pad area not part of the historic roadway will then be mulched and the mulch crimped into the soil surface, covered with a suitable erosion control mat, or hydromuiched. .
350 Level Portal:
The reclamation of the 350 Level Portal was not part of the USFS Plan of Operations since it lies on patented lands owned by Gold Hill Minerals. It is discussed as part of this Plan of Development (see above) and will be part of the Notice of Intent Application submitted to the DRMS. .
Evaluation of Reclamation Success:
The reclaimed areas will be evaluated for site reclamation biannually. A site inspection will be performed in early summer to evaluate the presence of noxious weeds and site erosion. Any necessary pad site maintenance will be performed. The U.S. Forest Service will be invited on the inspection and informed of proposed maintenance prior to conducting field activities on U.S. Forest Service lands. A second site evaluation will be made in late summer to evaluate vegetation stand establishment. Where interseeding or reseeding is determined necessary, it will be performed in the fall of that year, following the approved seeding practices. The U.S. Forest Service will be invited on the inspection and informed of proposed maintenance prior to conducting field activities on USFS lands. Proposed Seed Mix:
Ponderosa Pine/Spruce/Fir Vegetation Areas (6,000 - 9,000 feet) The below rates are for drilled seeding. Double the drill rates for broadcast seeding. Species
Scientific Name
Variety
Lbs. PLS/Acre
Y arrow*
Achillea lanulosa
Rocky Mtn. penstemon*
Penstemon strictus
Bandera
Western wheatgrass
Pascopyrum smithii
Arriba
2
Slender Wheatgrass
Elymus trachycaulus
San Luis
2
Mtn. brome
Bromus marginatus
Bromar
2
0.1
12
0.3
Big bluegrass
Poa ampla
Sherman
Canby bluegrass
Poa canbyi
Canbar
0 0.25 8.65
Total pls lbs./acre drilled
*To be bagged separately from the primary mix and attach the bag to the outside of the primary seed bag. (Please note the above seed mix has not been approved by the USFS or the DRMS as of the date of this submittal.)
A noise, odor, or dust abatement plan as specified in 4-907A to control 8. impacts on adjacent properties:
Please see Section 4-907A. 1(a) related to the Noise Abatement Plan. There will be no odor associated with the proposed exploration operations. In addition, a commercially serviced portable chemical toilet will be made available on-site to the drilling crew and Gold Hill Minerals on-site supervisor. Due to the size of the proposed exploration operation as discussed . above under needed operational permits, an air quality permit is not required. Regardless, Gold Hill Minerals will periodically water the access road as needed to control fugitive dust. Little or no dust will be produced by the exploration drilling operation since water is used to lubricate the down-hole drilling. Cutting brought to the surface will be either moist or suspended in a water/drilling mud slurry dependent on the type of drill utilized. Please see Section 4-907A 5. Any proposed measures, pursuant to the standards in 4-907A, 9. necessary to mitigate anticipated adverse impacts on the aesthetic features of the site, on views from surrounding properties or public rights-of-way, or on significant environmental resources such as wetlands or plant and wildlife habitats:
Please see Sections 4-907A 2., 3. and 4. 10. site:
Distance to nearest subdivided land or substantially developed town
The distance from the nearest claim boundary to the confluence of James Creek and Little James Creek is approximately .85 miles. From the Boulder County Assessor’s map, the confluence of
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Little James Creek and James Creek appears to be the location of the nearest Jamestown subdivision
11.
A noxious weed management plan for the site:
Please see Attachment II.
4-907A Development Plan Review Standards and Criteria for Approval A. A development plan shall be approved or conditionally approved in accordance with the following standards of criteria: 1. Any equipment used in production or reclamation of a mine must comply with Section 25-12-103, C.R.S., Maximum Permissible Noise Levels:
According to Colorado Revised Statute 25-12-103, the maximum noise level permitted at a distance of 25 feet from the property line or more for the Industrial category is 80 db(A) between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 pm. The maximum noise level permitted at a distance of 25 feet from the property line or more for the Industrial category is 75 db(A) between the hours 7:00 pm and 7:00 am. We expect the exploration drill rig and drill operation to be below these levels. In any event, Gold Hill Minerals will make every reasonable effort to limit noise impacts as provided for in the following example mitigation methods. If noise becomes an issue with adjacent residents, Gold Hill Minerals will work with the residents to limit/control nuisance noise levels. a.
For any mine where noise from the site will have a substantial impact in adjacent areas, additional noise mitigation may be required. One or more of the following additional noise mitigation measures may be required: (1)
acoustically insulated housing or covers enclosing any motor or engine;
(2)
screening of the site or noise emitting equipment by fencing or landscaping;
(3) a noise management plan specifying the hours of maximum noise and the type, periodicity, and level of noise to be emitted, including blasting; and
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(4) any other noise mitigation measures required by the Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology, or other responsible agency, or as proposed by the operator and accepted by the Director. 2. Subsurface mining facilities shall be located in a manner to minimize their visual and physical impact and disturbance of the land surface, and to maximize their compatibility with the character of the neighborhood and surrounding land uses:
This is a short term activity, an exploration drilling operation. There will be no permanent facilities. Essentially all exploration drilling operations will occur on existing access roads which cross the site. Very little new surface disturbance will occur. The existing forested area will provide a visual barrier between adjoining property and the locations of the drill pads. Since this is an historic mining site, the proposed drilling exploration is compatible and consistent with the character of the surrounding area. The proposed drill pad locations are surrounded by both patented and unpatented mining claims. a. Facilities shall be painted or otherwise finished in a noncontrasting, nonreflective color, to blend with the adjacent landscape:
There will be no permanent facilities. b. In areas where the facilities will have a substantial visual impact on the surrounding area, landscaping or screening of the site, or the use of less intrusive equipment, may be required. Specific landscaping or screening requirements may include, but are not necessarily limited to; establishing and properly maintaining ground cover, shrubs, and trees; shaping cuts and fills to appear as natural forms, designing the operation to utilize natural screens; or constructing fences for use with or instead of landscaping:
Please see above. The development plan will incorporate the use of wildfire mitigation measures, such as location of structures, fuel reduction, C.
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incorporation of a buffer around structures, and the use of fire resistant building material, if applicable:
All sources of ignition will have mufflers not only to prevent ignition sources but also control noise. The exploration drill rig will have adequate fire suppression equipment, such as fire extinguisher(s). In addition, the typical hand tools such as shovels will be available on-site. Each exploration drill pad will have topsoils and vegetation removed and pushed to one side so that the pad is void of vegetation. d.
The facilities will not have a significant adverse impact on surrounding land uses:
There should be no impact on surrounding land uses. This is a temporary operation and will return the drill pad sites to their existing use once the exploration operations are complete and the drill pad site reclaimed. e. The facilities will not have an adverse safety impact on adjacent parcels and rights-of-way:
The total area of disturbance is projected to be less than .65 acres. The drill pads will be approximately 40 ft. by 40 ft. and the 350 Level Portal entrance supplies storage area will measure approximately 100 ft. by 100 ft. The total number of drill pads will not exceed 11. All activity will essentially occur on existing access roads on Gold Hill Minerals and USFS properties. No other adjacent properties will be affected. Gold Hill Minerals will cross other properties using the existing access road. Approval to use the access road where it crosses nonGold Hill Minerals property will be secured prior to use. 3. All access and oversize or overweight vehicle permits must be obtained from the County Transportation Department prior to beginning operation. Existing roads shall be used to minimize land disturbance unless traffic safety, visual or noise concerns, or other adverse surface impacts clearly dictate otherwise:
There is no present intention to use or have a need for oversize or overweight vehicles. However, if such vehicles should be required, Gold Hill Minerals will obtain the necessary permits. 4. For any subsurface mining located in or adjacent to a significant wildlife habitat, as defined by the Colorado Division of Wildlife; or, Environmental Conservation Area; or, environmental resource, as designated in the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan, or identifiable on or near the site the operator shall consult with the Division of Wildlife or the county as applicable to determine appropriate mitigation
16
procedures. In no case shall an operator engage in activities which jeopardize a state, federal, or otherwise listed threatened or endangered species. As part of the USFS P00 NEPA review process, the USFS will evaluate the potential for the exploration drill operation to impact significant wildlife and plant species where the activity is proposed to occur on USFS lands. Some of the proposed exploration drilling will occur on Gold Hill Minerals property. No significant wildlife and/or plant species are known to occur on Gold Hill Minerals property. In addition, the majority of surface disturbance (drill pads) will occur on existing access roads, effectively limiting the actual amount of surface disturbance. The 350 Level Portal material supply storage site is a previously disturbed area, essentially devoid of topsoil and vegetation. The exploration drilling operations will be of short duration and any wildlife impacts (if any) will be short. 5. Air contaminant emissions shall be in compliance with the permit and control provisions of the Colorado Air Quality Control Program, Title 25, Article 7, C.R.S., and the fugitive dust regulations administered by the Boulder County Public Health Department. As stated above, given the limited area of surface disturbance, less than .65 acres, an Air Emission Permit from the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment, Air Pollution Control Division is not required. Regardless, Gold Hill Minerals will water the access road as needed to control fugitive dust. The drilling operation will not generate fugitive dust. The drill cutting will be either moist or a slurry water, cuttings and drilling mud, depending on the type of drill rig used. 6. All operations shall comply with all applicable state Water Quality Control and drinking water standards. This will be a non-discharging operation. A storm water permit will not be required since the combined areas of disturbance will not exceed .65 acres. This is less than the 1.0 acres threshold required for filing a Stormwater Management Plan and Permit Application. Regardless, as part of our operational procedures, Gold Hill Minerals will employ erosion and runoff control measures as recommended by the USFS Handbook, Rocky Mountain Region (Region 2) Denver, Colorado - FSH 2509.25 Watershed Conservation Practices Handbook, Chapter 10 Management Measures & Design Criteria". 7. All waste disposal or treatment facilities shall comply with all requirements of the state or County Public Health Department and responsible emergency response authorities as applicable. 17
Gold Hill Minerals will dispose all solid waste in an approved off-site disposal facility. A commercial chemical toilet and its maintenance will be handled by a contractor. There will not be any treatment facility associated with the exploration operation. Any spills of fuel will be promptly cleaned up and sent to an approved off-site disposal facility.
18
Attachment I Gold Hill Minerals Plan of Operations for the USFS PLAN OF OPERATIONS FOR MINING ACTiVITIES ON NATIONAl. FOREST SYSTEM LANDS USE OF THIS RISORTlOUAL TIME USERS SHOULD DIRECT DUESTIONS REGARDING THIS FORM OR REGULATION (36 C 228A1 TO THE FqT SERVICE DISTRICT OFFICE NEAREST YOUR AREA OF INTEREST
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I. GENERAL INFORMATION _-
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III. PROPERTY OR AREA Name of claim, if applicable, and the legal land description where the operation will be located. MC#
Section
Name
Township
Range
Please see attached list
IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE OPERATION A. Access. Show on a map (USGS quadrangle map or a National Forest map, for example) the claim boundaries, if applicable, and all access needs such as roads and trails, on and off the claim. Specifr which Forest Service roads will be used, where maintenance or reconstruction is proposed. and where new construction is necessary. For new construction. include construction specifications such as widths. grades, etc., location and size of culverts, describe maintenance plans, and the type and size of vehicles and equipment that will use the access routes. Please See attached
B. Map, Sketch or Drawing. Show location and layout of the area of operation. Identify any streams, creeks or springs if known. Show the size and kind of all surface disturbances such as trenches, pits, settling ponds, stream channels and run-off diversions, waste dumps. drill pads. timber disposal or clearance. etc. Include sizes, capacities. acreage, amounts. locations, materials involved, etc. Please see attached
(If more space is needed to fill
out a block
of information, use additional slicers and attach forn,)
-2-
C. Project Description. Describe all aspects of the operation including mining, milling, and exploration methods. materials, equipment, workforce. construction and operation schedule. power requirements. how clearing will be accomplished, topsoil stockpile. waste rock placement. tailings disposal. proposed number of drillholes and depth, depth of proposed suction dredging. and how gravels will be replaced. etc. Calculate production rates of ore. Include justification and calculations for settling pond capacities, and the size of runoff diversion channels. Please see attached
(If more space is iseeded loft!! on! a block of information, use additional sheets and attach forum)
-3-
D.
Equipment and Vehicles. Describe that which is proposed for use in your operation (Examples: drill, dozer. wash plant. mill. etc.). Include: sizes. capacity, frequency of use. etc.
Please see attached
F.
Structures. Include information about fixed or portable structures or facilities planned for the operation. Show locations on the map. Include such things as living quarters, storage sheds, mill buildings, thickener tanks, fuel storage. powder magazines. pipelines, water diversions, trailers. sanitation facilities including sewage disposal. etc. Include engineering design and geotechnical information for project facilities, justification and calculations for sizing of tanks. pipelines and water diversions. etc.
Please see attached
V. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES (SEE 36 CFR 228.8) A.
Air Quality. Describe measures proposed to minimize impacts on air quality such as obtaining a burning permit for slash disposal or dust abatement on roads.
Given the activity will affect less than 25 continuous acres. an air emission permit will not be required. However, roads will be watered as necessary to control dust. Little or no dust will be produced by the exploration core chilling operation. (Water is used in the process to lubricate the drill bit.)
(If more space Is needed to fill out a block of Infon,iatIou, use additional siseels and ailach form)
me
22
B.
Water Quality. State how applicable state and federal water quality standards will be met. Describe measures or management practices to be used to minimize water quality impacts and meet applicable standards. 1. State whether water is to be used in the operation, and describe the quantity, source. methods and design of diversions, storage, use, disposal. and treatment facilities. Include assumptions for sizing water conveyance or storage facilities. 2. Describe methods to control erosion and surface water runoff from all disturbed areas. including waste and tailings dumps. 3. Describe proposed surface water and groundwater quality monitoring, if required, to demonstrate compliance with federal or state water quality standards. 4. Describe the measures to be used to minimize potential water quality impacts during seasonal closures, or for a temporary cessation of operations. 5. If land application is proposed for waste water disposal. the location and operation of the land application system must be described. Also describe how vegetation. soil. and siuface and groundwater quality will be protected if land application is used.
Please see attached
C.
Solid Wastes. Describe the quantity and the physical and chemical characteristics of solid waste l)l’odlltced by the operation. Describe how the wastes will be disposed of including location and design of facilities, or treated so as to minimize adverse impacts.
Solid waste will likely consist of empty drilling mud sacks. rags. plywood. plastic sheeting, spent grease cans as need to complete the exploration drilling program. All waste materials will be placed in steel or plastic containers and hauled off-site for disposal in an approved facility. Upon completion the exploration chilling program. the drill pad areas will be cleared of any remaining generated waste and transported off-sire to an approved disposal facility.
D.
Scenic Values. Describe protection of scenic values such as screening, slash disposal, or timely reclamation. Scenic values will be protected through timely drill pad reclamation. All reclamation will be completed prior to the end of October. 2012 and/or 2013.
(If more space is needed to fill out a block of inforusation, use additional sheets and attach font:) -,-
23
E.
Fish and Wildlife. Describe measures to maintain and protect fisheries and wildlife. and their habitat (includes threatened, endangered, and sensitive species) affected by the operations. A site inventory has not yet been conducted. Based on that inventory. Gold Hill Minerals will work with the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the US Fish and Wildlife to ensure threatened. endangered. and sensitive wildlife species and their habitats are appropriately protected.
F.
Cultural Resources. Describe measures for protecting laiown historic and archeological values, or new sites in the project area. At the present time no cultural resources are known to exist at the site. If such features are discovered prior to begining our exploration drilling activities or during exploration drilling activities, the USFS will be contacted and appropriate resource mitigation implemented. If features are discovered during site preparation. work at that site will cease and the USFS contacted. We reserve the right to proceed to a different site in order to continue our exploration activities pending cultural resource site clearance.
G. Hazardous Substances. 1. Identify the type and volume of all hazardous materials and toxic substances which will be used or generated in the operations including cyanide, solvents, petroleum products. mill, process and laboratory reagents. Other than fuel used by the mobile drilling equipment and other vehicles, no hazardous or toxic substances will be on-site. Drilling equipment refueling will be done using a fuel truck which will make periodic deliveries to the site. No fuel storage tanks will be On-site.
2. For each material or substance. describe the methods. volume, and frequency of transport (include type of containers and vehicles), procedures for use of materials or substances, methods. volume, and containers for disposal of materials and substances. security (fencing). identification (signing/labeling), or other special operations requirements necessary to conduct the proposed operations. N/A
(If more space is needed 10)1/I out a block of information, use additional sheets and attach form)
-624
3. Describe the measures to be taken for release of a reportable quantity of a hazardous material or the release of a toxic substance. This includes plans for spill prevention, containment. notification, and cleanup. In the event of a reportable fuel spill, the appropriate regulatory agencies will be notified. to include the USFS and the Division of Reclamation. Mining and Safety (a Notice of Intent will be required from the DRMS). Any reportable spills will be immediately bermed up to prevent loss or movement off-site. Available absorbent will be placed on the spill. The waste fuel material will be collected into appropriate fire proof containers and transported off-site for disposal at an approved facility.
H.
Describe the animal and final reclamation standards based on the anticipated Reclamation. schedule for construction, operations, and project closure. Include such items as the removal of structures and facilities including bridges and culverts, a revegetation plan, permanent containment of mine tailings, waste. or sludges which pose a threat of a release into the environment, closing ponds and eliminating standing water. a final surface shaping plan. and post operations monitoring and maintenance plans. Please see attachment
VI. FOREST SERVICE EVALUATION OF PLAN OF OPERATIONS A. Required changes/modifications/special mitigation for plan of operations:
(If more space is needed loft!! out a block of inforinafion, use additional sheets and attach form)
-7-
25
B.
Bond. Reclamation of all disturbances connected with this plan of operations is covered by Reclamation Performance Bond No. . dated oznz/dd . signed by (Principal) and (Surety). for the penal sum of . This Reclamation Performance Bond is a guarantee of faithful performance with the terms and conditions listed below, and with the reclamation requirements agreed upon in the plan of operations. This Reclamation Performance Bond also extends to and includes any unauthorized activities conducted in connection with this operation. The bond amount for this Reclamation Performance Bond was based on a bond calculation worksheet. The bond amount may be adjusted during the term of this proposed plan of operations in response to changes in the operations or to changes in the economy. Both the Reclamation Performance Bond and the bond calculation worksheet are attached to and made part of this plan of operations. Acceptable bond securities (subject to change) include: 1. Negotiable Treasury bills and notes which are unconditionally guaranteed as to both principle and interest in an amount equal at their par value to the penal sum of the bond: or 2. Certified or cashiers check, bank draft. Post Office money order, cash. assigned certificate of deposit, assigned savings account, blanket bond, or an irrevocable letter of credit equal to the penal sum of the bond.
VII. TERMS AND CONDITIONS A.
If a bond is required. it must be furnished before approval of the plan of operations.
B.
Inforniatioii provided with this plan marked confidential will be treated in accordance with the agencys laws. rules, and regulations.
C.
Approval of this plan does not constitute certification of ownership to any person named herein and/or recognition of the validity of any mining claim named herein.
D.
Approval of this plan does not relieve me of my responsibility to comply with other applicable state or federal laws. rules. or regulations.
E.
If previously undiscovered cultural resources (historic or prehistoric objects. artifacts. or sites) are exposed as a result of operations. those operations will not proceed until notification is received from the Authorized Officer that provisions for mitigating unforeseen impacts as required by 36 CFR 228.4(e) and 36 CFR 800 have been complied with.
F.
This plan of operations has been approved for a period of or until smd Anew or revised plan must be submitted in accordance with 36 CFR part 228. subpart A if operations are to be continued after that time period.
(If more space is needed tofu out a block of iuformatio,,, use additio,,al sheets and attach form)
-826
VIII. OPERATING PLAN ACCEPTANCE EI/\Ve have reviewed and agreed to comply with all conditions in this plan of operations including the required changes, modifications, special mitigation. and reclamation requirements. [I1I/1]We understand that the bond will not be released until the Authorized Officer in charge gives written approval.
(Date)
DOperator (or DAuthorized Representative)
(in,nddlvii
IX. OPERATING PLAN APPROVAL
(Name)
(Title)
(Authorized Officer)
(Date) (mrnddii)
"According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB number. The valid 0MB number for this information collection is 0596-0022. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 8 hours per , response, including the time for revieiing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information." 01
(If more space is needed soft!! out a block of information, rise additlo,uui sheets and ariac/I form)
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28
Plan of operations for Mining Activities on National Forest System Lands
Ill. Properties or Area MC#
Name
421
Buena
7583
Central Pacific
7583
Section
Township
Range
24
T2N
R72W
24
T2N
R72W
Grant (Patented)
24
T2N
R72W
16449
Andrew Jackson (Patented)
24
T2N
R72W
CIVIC 281431
B-i Lode (Unpatented)
24
T2N
R72W
CIVIC 281432
B-2 Lode (Unpatented)
24
T2N
R72W
CMC 281433
B-3 Lode (Unpatented)
24
T2N
R72W
CIVIC 281434
B-4 Lode (Unpatented)
24
T2N
R72W
CIVIC 281435
B-S Lode (Unpatented)
24
T2N
R72W
CIVIC 281422
Wano Placer No. 1 (Unpatented)
24
T2N
R72W
CIVIC 281423
Wano Placer No. 2 (Unpatented)
24
T2N
R72W
CIVIC 281424
Wano Placer No. 3 (Unpatented)
24
T2N
R72W
CIVIC 281425
Wano Placer No. 4 (Unpatented)
24
T2N
R72W
CIVIC 281426
Wano Placer No. 5 (Unpatented)
24
T2N
R72W
CIVIC 281427
Wano Placer No. 6 (Unpatented)
24
T2N
R72W
CIVIC 281428
Wano Placer No. 7 (Unpatented)
24
T2N
R72W
CIVIC 281429
Wano Placer No. 8 (Unpatented)
24
T2N
R72W
CIVIC 281430
Wano Placer No. 9 (Unpatented)
24
T2N
R72W
4953 A
Pickard (Patented)
24
T2N
R72W
12569 A
Buffalo (Patented)
24
T2N
R72W
12569 A
Nevada (Patented)
24
T2N
R72W
12569 A
Equator (Patented)
24
T2N
R72W
12569 A
Colorado (Patented)
24
T2N
R72W
ii
(Patented) (Patented)
Plan of operations for Mining Activities on National Forest System Lands
12569 A
Kansas (Patented)
24
T2N
R72W
12569 A
Missouri (Patented)
24
T2N
R72W
12569 A
Illinois (Patented)
24
T2N
R72W
12569 A
Indiana (Patented)
24
T2N
R72W
12569 A
Ohio (Patented)
24
T2N
R72W
20668
Emmett (Patented)
24
T2N
R72W
20675
Afterthought (Patented)
24
T2N
R72W
2
Plan of Operations for Mining Activities on National Forest System Lands IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE OPERATION A.
Access.
Access to the proposed exploration area is via Boulder County Road #94, about 1 mile west of Jamestown, Colorado. Turn left or west/southwest onto the private access road (the private access road is located on the Pickard through Ohio patented claim group). Proceed up the main access road (from the Buffalo patented claim) to access the upper claims (Buena, Grant, Central Pacific, Andrew Jackson and B-i through B-5, and Wano Placers 1 through 9). Through our lands section, we have established the legal right of access across private land and are willing to grant access to the U.S. Forest Service as needed. We will provide supporting documentation as necessary. The proposed drilling locations are accessed by crossing US Forest Service land, along a road used by past mine operators since approximately 1879. Gold Hill Minerals will not access the drill pad locations by using any roads which go straight up the hill. Gold Hill Minerals will use the road which essentially follows the contours, winding its way up the hill. In order to prevent the use of steep access roads and other roads which we have agreed to not use, a fence post will be placed in the approximate middle of the road with a sign reading, "Road Closed". Grading will be performed as needed to ensure a reliable access once the U.S. Forest Service approves the Plan of Operations. Water bars, straw bales and silt fencing will be installed to control erosion as needed. The main access road (shown in green) will be reclaimed according to the methods described below.
31
Claims and Access:
32
Claims and Access (Detail):
0 C
C.
Project Description. Exploration methods will include hand sampling, core drilling, pits or tanks to catch drill cuttings, reverse circulation drilling and sampling or other suitable drilling methods. In addition, remapping of the underground workings is planned. Underground drill locations may also be utilized as part of the exploration activities.
33
> Materials needed for the exploration operations will include water trucked in from offsite, biodegradable drilling polymer mud and bentonite mud, drill bits and drill stem, fuel (no tank storage on-site) plus other incidental supplies. > The workforce will consist of up to six people, not counting Gold Hill Minerals supervisory personnel. > Construction will involve grading of the existing roads as necessary for maintenance, preparation of drill pads and mud pits, drilling holes, and site reclamation. The Operation’s schedule will be 20 days on and 10 days off, 24 hours per day. We will comply with County noise regulations and work with neighbors to limit associated impacts. > Power will be supplied by self-contained vehicles and small generators. Pad construction, mud pits, road grading and water bars will be done with a small dozer and backhoe. > The proposed drill pad locations will be on and/or immediately adjacent to the access road. Topsoil will be stockpiled adjacent to each drill pad for site reclamation. (The drill pad area within the existing road will not be topsoiled during drill pad reclamation.) There will be no waste rock produced. There will be no tailings produced. > We propose up to 11 drill pad locations, up to 50 drilled holes ranging in depth from 200 to 1,000 feet. Although not shown on the attached maps, the drill locations will be about 40 feet by 40 feet. Total affected acres will not exceed .4 acres. (A storm water runoff control plan or permit will not be required by the Colorado Depart of Public Health and Environment, Water Quality Control Division since the affected area is less than one acre. However, we agree to implement the U.S. Forest Service recommend erosion control measures as indicated below.) There will be no suction dredging associated with this operation. > Drill cuttings will be collected for analysis. The remaining cuttings will be buried onsite. D.
Equipment:
Project equipment and vehicles will consist of pickup trucks, cars suitable to access the site, SUV’s, a water truck, a truck mounted drill rig, a drill rod/supply/pipe truck, a small dozer, a 34
backhoe, commercial fuel truck for delivery of fuel to the drill rig, and possibly an ATV for site reclamation (seed bed preparation and seeding). E.
Structures:
A portable toilet (rented and properly maintained). > A temporary shelter consisting of tarps, tent and plywood for use by the on-site geologist for field work and as shelter for the drilling crew.
Environmental Protection Measures: B. Water Quality:
1. The operation will require non-potable water for drilling operations and potable water for the drilling crew. Potable water and non-potable water will be purchased from Jamestown. Water for drilling will be stored in a water truck or portable water tank of suitable size at a convenient location either near the Bueno Mine portal area or near the drill pads. (Actual water supply location will depend on the ability of the water truck to reach the location of the drill pads.) Water needed for exploration drilling will be pumped overland to the drill pad locations. A water line (such as a fire hose or other suitable device) will be used to transport non-potable water to the drill pads from the portable water tank/water truck. Potable water will be delivered daily by the drilling crew to the drill pads in suitable containers. 2. Drilling water containing cuttings will be collected in a series of two small catchment basins (mud pits) or tanks. Each pit will be approximately 6 feet by 12 feet by 3 feet deep, or less. The earth excavated for mud pit construction will be pushed to the sides within the drill pad area. The first mud pit or tank will settle out the coarse drill cuttings. Drilling water will then overflow or conveyed into the second pit or tank for further settling. The water will then be recirculated. Topsoil will be pushed and stockpiled to the side of a drill pad. (No topsoil is present on portions of roads used as drill pad sites. Water bars will be installed up-gradient of drill pads located on roads to divert runoff around the drill pad.) Suitable erosion control material will be placed in a U-shape fashion down-gradient and around the sides of the drill pad to catch storm water runoff sediment, generated on a drill pad. All erosion control measures will be installed as recommended by the USFS. We will follow measures as described in the "U.S. Forest Service Handbook, Rocky Mountain Region (Region 2) Denver, Colorado - FSH 2509.25 Watershed Conservation Practices Handbook, Chapter 10 Management Measures & Design Criteria" and is incorporated by reference herein. 35
3.
No surface or ground water monitoring is proposed for the exploration operation.
4. All drill core exploration operations, to include site reclamation, will be completed within 12 months of the approval date of the Plan of Operations. Any exploration drill pads not needed for exploration activities in 2013 shall be reclaimed by October 15th, 2012. 5. There may be some land application of water discharged from the mud pits and/or tanks. Waste water will be diverted from the side of the second mud pit or tank, through a small, short ditch cut along the approximate contour of the slope. If determined necessary, the ditch will be lined with erosion control material to prevent ditch erosion and to slow the flow of water, promoting settling of fine sediment. Please see Section C - G of the Plan of Operations form for responses to these sections. H.
Reclamation: .
Drill Pads:
Each drill pad will be reclaimed according to the following plan once the core hole drilling is complete. All activities, to include site reclamation, shall be completed within 12 months of the approval date of the Plan of Operations. Any exploration drill pads and roads not needed for exploration activities in 2013 shall be reclaimed by October 15th, 2012. The reclamation goal is to ensure an erosionally stable site, with a stand of perennial vegetative cover, similar to the surrounding area. 1. Core Holes: Each core hole will be back filled with bentonite to within approximately ten feet of the surface. Neat cement will then be placed in the remaining open hole. 2A. Mud Pits: The cuttings and sediment in the mud pits will be allowed to dry sufficiently to permit backfilling with the adjacent stockpiled subsoil. Cuttings will be left in the mud pit. The surface of the regraded mud pit will blend in with the surrounding topography and reclaimed along with the drill pad. 2B. Tanks: The water in the tanks will be decanted off the settled cuttings. The cuttings will then be placed in an excavated hole and buried on site. The area shall be reclaimed along with the drill pads. 2C. Water Mist Drilling: In this method, very little water is used. Cuttings will collect close to the drill stem. Drilling cutting samples will be collected for analysis. The remaining cuttings will be placed in an excavated hole and buried on site. The area shall be reclaimed along with the drill pads. 36
Drill Pads: The proposed drill pad locations will be on and/or immediately 3. adjacent to the access road. All erosion control materials will be removed to an approved off-site disposal facility. The mud pits will be backfilled with adjacent subsoil and blended in with the surrounding topography. The stockpiled topsoil will be spread over the drill pad area not part of the historic roadway. The replaced topsoil will be left in a rough state. The USFS approved seed mix will be broadcast over the drill pad area where topsoil was replaced and the seed lightly worked into the soil by raking or by other suitable methods. The drill pad area not part of the historic roadway will then be mulched and the mulch crimped into the soil surface, covered with a suitable erosion control mat, or hydromuiched. 4. Evaluation of Reclamation Success:
The reclaimed areas will be evaluated for site reclamation biannually. A site inspection will be performed in early summer to evaluate the presence of noxious weeds and site erosion. Any necessary pad site maintenance will be performed. The U.S. Forest Service will be invited on the inspection and informed of proposed maintenance prior to conducting field activities on U.S. Forest Service lands. A second site evaluation will be made in late summer to evaluate vegetation stand establishment. Where interseeding or reseeding is determined necessary, it will be performed in the fall of that year, following the approved seeding practices. The U.S. Forest Service will be invited on the inspection and informed of proposed maintenance prior to conducting field activities on USFS lands. Proposed Seed Mix
Ponderosa Pine/Spruce/Fir Vegetation Areas (6,000 - 9,000 feet) The below rates are for drilled seeding. Double the drill rates for broadcast seeding. Species
Scientific Name
Variety
Lbs. PLS/Acre
Yarrow*
Achillea lanulosa
Rocky Mtn. penstemon*
Penstemon strictus
Bandera
Western wheatgrass
Pascopyrum smithii
Arriba
2
Slender Wheatgrass
Elymus trachycaulus
San Luis
2
Mtn. brome
Bromus marginatus
Bromar
2
Big bluegrass
Poa ampla
Sherman
0
0.1
37
0.3
Canby bluegrass
Poa canbyi
Canbar
Total pls lbs.Iacre drilled
0.25 8.65
*To be bagged separately from the primary mix and attach the bag to the outside of the primary seed bag.
38
Attachment II WEED CONTROL PROGRAM I. Introduction: The existing land uses are forestry and mining. The site will be reclaimed to forestry. The access roads will be regraded to maintain their present use as access roads for mining. Various portions of the property are owned and controlled by Gold Hill Minerals and the USFS. The weed control plan was prepared for use during exploration and reclamation operations.
II.
Targeted Weeds Found:
The site was evaluated for noxious weeds. No noxious weeds were identified, likely due to the time of year. We believe, based on that evaluation, noxious weeds are not a significant problem. However, if noxious weeds are found, the weed control program will be implemented as soon as possible. Boulder County Weed Management Program and the USFS will be contacted to coordinate noxious weed control.
III.
Control Plan:
The control of noxious weeds listed in this Weed Control Program should be performed by a qualified commercial weed control professional. Many of the chemical products needed to control noxious weeds require a licensed professional to apply in order to properly protect nontarget species and other environmental resources. On an annual basis, Gold Hill Minerals will perform a noxious weed site survey by the end of June. The site survey will be conducted until the site is released from reclamation liability by the DRMS and the USFS. Any infestations will be mapped as to extent and species of noxious weeds. A local weed control commercial applicator will be used, if available to control noxious weed infestations. The commercial applicator will be required to contact the Boulder County Weed Control Department and the USFS and coordinate noxious weed treatment with the these agencies. A report will be prepared by the commercial applicator listing weeds sprayed, chemicals used, application rates, dates chemical applied, dates the noxious weeds were monitored for control effectiveness. The report will be supplied to the Boulder County Weed Control Department, the USFS and the DRMS prior to the end of a calendar year. Following is an excerpt from the Notice of Intent Application to be filed with the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety. This DRMS permit application commitment will be the base for control of noxious weeds on the affected area. 39
Gold Hill Minerals will utilize the following mechanical and chemical methods to control noxious weeds: Field Mowing: Prior to noxious weeds reaching full maturity (producing flowers/going to seed), the weeds shall be mechanically mowed to a height of 4" to 6" where such activity will not pose a hazard to equipment or equipment operators. This should be performed twice during the growing season in late spring and late summer. Additional mowing will be performed as necessary. Chemical Control: One initial application of an appropriate selective herbicide shall be applied, per manufactures recommendations, or by a certified applicator for control of noxious weeds. Application shall be done during the growth stage and when temperatures and other conditions are appropriate to achieve the most effective control. Follow-up applications will be done as needed. Following is the list of noxious weeds targeted for control within the State of Colorado. If Boulder County has additions to the following noxious weed list, Gold Hill Minerals will ensure any additional target species are controlled according to this plan:
Common name
-
NOXIOUS WEED LIST Scientific name
State List
Leafy spurge
Euphorbia esula
B
Russian knapweed
Acroptilon repens
B
Yellow starthistle
Centaurea soistitalis
A
Plumeless thistle
Carduus acanthoides
B
Houndstongue
Cynoglossum officinale
B
Scotch thistle
Onopordum acanthium
B
Canada thistle
Cirsium arvense
B
Spotted knapweed
Centaurea maculosa
B
Diffuse knapweed
Centaurea dffusa
B
iul
Dalmation toadflax
Linaria dalmatica
B
Yellow toadflax
Linaria vulgaris
B
Hoary cress
Cardaria draba
B
Saitcedar
TamarixparvUlora
B
Saltcedar
Tamarix ramosissima
B
Oxeye Daisy
Chrysanthemum leucantheum
B
Musk thistle
Carduus nutans
B
Purple loosestrife
Lythrum salicaria
A
Russian olive
Elaeagnus angustfolia
B
Absinth wormwood
Artemsia absinthium
B
Control Methods
List A species: All populations of these species in Colorado are designated by the Commissioner for eradication. It is a violation of the rules to allow any plant of any population of any List A species to produce seed or develop other reproductive propagules.
Yellow starthistle: Management:
Yellow starthistle is a winter annual that is blue-green in color, has a vigorous taproot, and produces bright yellow flowers with sharp , stiff spines surrounding the base of the flower that extend up to 1/4 of an inch long. Yellow starthistle grows from 1 inch tall to 4 feet tall. Basel leaves are 1-3 inches long and deeply lobed while upper leaves are smaller and narrow. Stems appear winged and both stem and leaves have a slight whitish nap covering them. Plumed and plume less seeds disperse at different times. Yellow starthistle typically germinates in the fall with increased moisture, overwinters as a seedling, and forms its rosette beginning in March through May. Flowering generally occurs from June to September and often later. 41
Yellow starthistle is fatally poisonous to horses, causing chewing disease. The key to effective control of yellow starthistle is to prevent seed set from occurring in existing populations, monitoring land for new infestations frequently, treating newly discovered invasions rapidly, and preventing new introductions from occurring. It is imperative to prevent seed production. Do not allow yellow starthistle plants to go to seed. Management must be persistent to deplete the seed bank in the soil once it gets established. Chemical Control of yellow starthistle The following are recommendations for herbicides that can be applied to range and pasturelands. Rates are approximate and based on equipment with an output of 30 gal/acre. Always refer to the label for exact application rates, the label is the law. HERBICIDE PICLORAM
APPLICATION RATE 1
pints of product / acre
(TORDON 22K - restricted use)
AM1NOPYRALID
5 fl oz of product / acre
(Milestone - general use) CLOPYRALID
0.67
pints of product / acre
(Transline - general use)
APPLICATION TIMING Apply during rosette growth stage or when adequate moisture is available, and plants are actively growing. (Early spring to late summer depending on conditions) Apply during rosette growth and bolting growth stages (Early spring to late summer) Apply during rosette growth to midbolt growth stages (Early spring to late summer)
Purple loosestrife: Management: Purple loosestrife can be found along riverbanks, ditches and wet meadows throughout the state. Purple loosestrife reproduces primarily by seed. The seeds can remain viable in the soil for five to twenty years. Pieces of roots and stems may also produce new plants. It produces multiple four- sided stems that can grow two to eight feet tall. Leaves are two to five inches long, lanceshaped and whorled on the stems. Flowers are tightly grouped in long, vertical heads; they bloom from the bottom up. They are pinkish purple in color, about one inch long and have five to seven petals. Flowers appear from late June through September.
42
The key to effective control of purple loosestrife is early detection when infestations are small. It is fairly east to control small numbers of loosestrife plants when the seed bank in the soil is low. Persistent management and monitoring of a site is a long-term program to ensure eradication. Small infestations should be eradicated by hand-pulling/cutting in combination with the application of the appropriate herbicide.
Chemical Control of purple loosestrife The following are recommendations for herbicides that can be applied to range and pasturelands. Rates are approximate and based on equipment with an output of 30 gal/acre. Always refer to the label for exact application rates, the label is the law.
HERBICIDE TRICLOPYR (Garlon 3A - general use)
GLYPHOSATE* (Rodeo - aquatic safe) *Non - selective, will kill all the vegetation it contacts
APPLICATION RATE
APPLICATION TIMING
1-2 qts/acre or 1.3 -2 oz/gal water + non-ionic surfactant @ 0.32 oz/gal water or 1 qt/ 100 gal water
Apply in summer. If plants are
1-2 qts/acre or 1.3-2 oz/gal water + non-ionic surfactant @ 0.32 oz/gal water or 1 qt/1 00 gal water
Apply in the summer during the
flowering, cut and properly dispose of flower heads before applying Garlon 3A
flowering stage. Cut and properly dispose of flower heads before applying Rodeo
List B Species: List B weed species are species for which the Commissioner, in consultation with the state noxious weed advisory committee, local governments, and other interested parties, develops and implements state noxious weed management plans designed to stop the continued spread of these species.
Oxeye Daisy: Management: Oxeye daisy is an erect, rhizomatous, creeping perennial that grows 10 inches to 2 feet tall. The basal and lower leaves are lance shaped and toothed with long leaf stems and the upper leaves are narrower and clasp the stem. The leaf size progressively decreases up the stem. Flower heads are mostly solitary at the end of the flower stalk and the flower head has 15 to 30 white ray flowers.
43
The habitats include meadows, native grasslands, pastures, waste grounds, railway embankments and along roadsides. It normally grows at high elevations in Colorado. The soil seed reserve is 86% viable for more than 6 years. The site must be monitored for at least 10 years after the last flowering adult plant has been eliminated and treatment repeated as necessary. The species may be controlled by any combination of chemical, mechanical and biological controls. Mechanical Control of oxeye daisy Hand pull or dig when the soil is moist and infestations are small. The plant is fairly shallow rooted, be sure to pull up all of the roots. Bag the specimens carefully so as to not scatter the seeds if the plants are removed during or after flowering. Chemical Control of oxeye daisy The following are recommendations for herbicides that can be applied to range and pasturelands. Rates are approximate and based on equipment with an output of 30 gal/acre. Always refer to the label for exact application rates, the label is the law. HERBICIDE METSULFURON (Escort XP)
CHLORSULFURON (Telar)
APPLICATION RATE
APPLICATION TIMING
1
oz of product / acre plus 0.25% v/v non-ionic surfactant
Surfactant is absolutely necessary. Apply at flowering growth stage. I oz of product is the minimum eradiation rate based on best treatment observed in several CSU experiments (Summer)
oz of product / acre plus 0.25% v/v non-ionic surfactant
Surfactant is absolutely necessary. Apply at flowering growth stage.
1
Absinth wormwood: Management: Absinth wormwood is a long-lived perennial possessing a strong sage odor and bitter taste. The plants grow 2 to 4 feet in height and are prolific seed producers. Plants are woody at the base and regrow from the soil level each spring. The stems are numerous and are covered with fine, grey hairs while the leaves are blue-olive green. Flowers are small, yellowish and are arranged in large, spike-like panicles. Absinth wormwood seed is viable for up to three years and is easily scattered by wind, water, animals and in hay. Habitats for Absinth wormwood include disturbed sites and moist soils. It can occur in the elevation range of 5,000 to 7,000 feet. 44
The key to effective control of Absinth wormwood include a combination of control methods, mechanical and chemical. Mechanical Control of Absinth wormwood Hand pull or dig when the soil is moist. Make certain to pull the entire root, including short horizontal roots. Bag removed specimens carefully, so as to not scatter seeds if removed during or after flowering. Multiple mowing prior to seed generation can cause plant stress and may provide a control option. Chemical Control of Absinth wormwood The following are recommendations for herbicides that can be applied to range and pasturelands. Rates are approximate and based on equipment with an output of 30 gal/acre. Always refer to the label for exact application rates, the label is the law. HERBICIDE PICLORAM
APPLICATION RATE 1
pint of product / acre
Apply when the plants are 12 inches tall through the flowering growth stage. Do not use near trees, desirable shrubs or water. (Summer or early Fall)
7
fl oz of product / acre
Apply when the plants are 12 inches tall through the flowering growth stage. (Summer or early Fall)
2
quarts of product / acre
Apply when the plants are 12 inches tall through the flowering growth stage. (Summer or early Fall)
1
quart of product
Apply when the plants are 12 inches tall through the flowering growth stage. Do not use near trees, desirable shrubs or water. (Summer or early Fall)
Jordon 22K- restricted use)
AMINOPYRALID (Milestone - general use) CLOPYRALID (Curtail - general use) DICAMBA
APPLICATION TIMING
(Banvel. Vanquish, Claritygeneral use)
/
acre
Leafy spurge: Management: Leafy spurge is difficult to manage and can recover from almost any control effort. Therefore, a management scheme that combines control methods over four to five years is recommended. Even after that time, monitor infestations for recurrence and adopt a maintenance program.
45
Mechanical Control of Leafy Spurge Vigorous grass growth is an important aspect of leafy spurge control. Over-grazing stresses grasses and makes them much less competitive with weeds, leafy spurge in particular. Irrigation, where applicable, may favor grass growth and make it more competitive with leafy spurge. Chemical Control of Leafy Spurge For optimum leafy spurge control, proper timing of herbicide application is imperative. Research from North Dakota State University indicates that Tordon 22K (picloram) 2,4-D, Banvel/VanquishlClarity (dicamba) are most effective when applied in spring when true flowers emerge (not just bracts). Fall application to leafy spurge regrowth also is good timing for these herbicides. Roundup (glyphosate) is most effective when applied sequentially (1.0 quart per acre (A) at one month intervals, coupled with fall grass seeding. Make the first application at the beginning of June and a second application one month later. Occasionally, leafy spurge will recover from these Roundup treatments. An application of 2,4-D (2.0 quart/A) in September can control regrowth. Sow perennial grasses in late fall. Tordon is the most effective herbicide for leafy spurge control. Treat large, readily accessible areas with 1 quart/A for three to four consecutive years. More remote areas may be treated with 2 quarts/A for two consecutive years or once every other year for three years, depending on leafy spurge recovery after the first treatment. With either treatment, monitor infestations. Retreat with 1 quart/A of Tordon when shoot control is less than 75 percent. Tordon may be tank-mixed with 2,4-D to provide adequate control. Apply 1 to 1 pints of Tordon with 1 to 1 quarts/A of 2,4-D in spring when leafy spurge flowers. When this application is made for three to five consecutive years, leafy spurge shoot control is generally 80 to 90 percent and cattle will feed in the area again. Banvel/VanquishlClarity also is effective against leafy spurge. Apply 2 quarts/A in spring for three consecutive years. Often control is not very good in the first year but improves over the next two years. At that time, a maintenance schedule that uses low rates of BanvelfVanquishlClarity + 2,4-D (4 to 8 ounces + 0 to 1 quart/A), or Tordon + 2,4-D (1 pint + I quart/A) as needed can be used to keep infestations under control. Note: Avoid using soilactive herbicides such as Tordon or Vanquish/Clarity near windbreak plants or other desirable woody vegetation. Plant injury or death can occur. Also, do not allow any herbicide to drift onto desirable woody vegetation for the same reasons. 46
Recently, Plateau (imazapic) was registered to control leafy spurge in noncrop areas. It can be used safely around trees but may temporarily injure cool-season perennial grasses. Apply Plateau at 8 or 12 fl. Oz/A in fall, followed by 4 fl. Oz/A the following spring at flowering. Add a methylated seed oil at 2 pints/A to the spray solution. A liquid nitrogen fertilizer solution may be added to the spray mixture to increase weed control, but it may increase cool-season perennial grass injury.
Canada thistle: Management: 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. Therefore, returning infested land to a productive state occurs only over time. Success requires a sound management plan implemented over several years. Cultural control of Canada thistle Grasses and alfalfa can compete effectively with Canada thistle if their growth is favored by good management. Maintain fertility and, if possible, moisture at optimum levels to favor grass or alfalfa growth. Soil analysis can easily determine fertility needs. Be cautious with nitrogen fertilizers, because excess available soil nitrogen may favor weed growth. These are essential management steps to ensure optimum desirable plant growth and competition. However, competition alone seldom is effective against Canada thistle. Chemical Control of Canada thistle Read the label, follow directions and use precautions. Research at Colorado State University shows that Tordon 22K (picloram), Curtail (clopyralid plus 2,4-D), Transline (clopyralid), Banvel/Vanquish/Clarity (dicamba), 2,4-D and Telar (chiorsulfuron) are effective against Canada thistle. These herbicides are most effective when combined with cultural and/or mechanical control. Banvel/VanquishlClarity, and 2,4-D may be used on pastures, rangeland and non-crop areas. Tordon, Curtail, Telar and Transline may be applied on noncrop areas only. Colorado State University data indicates that Banvel/VanquishlClarity or Telar are effective when combined with 2,4-D as a split-season application. Apply 2,4-D, 2 quarts per acre (A), in spring when Canada thistle is 10 to 15 inches tall, in prebud 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 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. Tordon (1 quart/A) or Tordon plus 2,4-D (1 quart + 47
quart/A) is effective whenever Canada thistle is actively growing. Fall applications are especially effective. 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 owing. When Canada thistle infestations occur in situations where root growth would be restricted, such as habitats with high water tables, begin mowing when it is 12 to 15 inches tall. Repeat owing 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 of Canada thistle Mowing hay meadows can be an effective tool if combined with herbicide treatments. Mowing 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 an effective management system because more Canada thistle foliage is present after cutting to intercept herbicide. Additionally, root nutrient stores decrease after mowing because the plant draws on them to develop new shoots. If a Canada thistle infestation exists in a field that will be rotated to alfalfa, control the weed before seeding alfalfa. Alfalfa is an effective competitor only after it is established. It will not adequately establish in a well-developed Canada thistle infestation. A Canada thistle management system can start with crop or grass competition combined with herbicides, with the field rotated to alfalfa when the management plan ends.
Musk thistle: Management: Cultural control of Musk Thistle 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. Fertilize only when necessary and according to soil testing recommendations. To successfully manage musk thistle, prevent seed formation.
Mechanical control of Musk Thistle 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 of Musk Thistle Several herbicides are registered in pasture, rangeland and noncrop areas to control musk thistle. Tordon 22K (picloram), Curtail (clopyralid +2,4-D), Banvel/VanquishlClarity (dicamba), 2,4-D, or Banvel/VanquishlClarity plus 2,4-D are commonly used. Apply these herbicides in spring or fall to musk thistle rosettes. Apply Tordon at 0 to 1 pint per acre (A), Curtail at 2 quarts/A, BanvellVanquishlClarity at 0 to 2 quarts/A, 2,4-D at 1 to 2 quarts/A, or Banvel/VanquishlClarity plus 2,4-D at 0 plus 1 quart/A. Cool temperatures (below 50 degrees F), particularly in fall, may adversely affect 2,4-D control of musk thistle; therefore, use 2,4-D in spring. Tordon is largely unaffected by cool temperatures. BanvellVanquishlClarity can be adversely affected but less than 2,4-D. Banvel/VanquishlClarity plus 2,4-D works well in spring or fall. Apply any of these herbicides before musk thistle bolts or seed production still will occur. Ally-Escort (metsulfuron) or Telar (chiorsulfuron) also can be used. Use Telar in noncrop areas only and Ally-Escort in pastures, rangeland or noncrop areas. Research from Colorado State University and the University of Nebraska shows that Telar or Ally-Escort prevents or dramatically reduces viable seed formation when applied in spring, up to early flower growth stages. The latest time to apply these herbicides is when developed terminal flowers have opened up to the size of a dime. Apply Telar at 1 ounce/A or Ally-Escort at 0 ounce/A. Add a good agricultural surfactant at 0.25 percent v/v2 to Ally-Escort or Telar treatments or control is inadequate.
Plumeless thistle: Management: Cultural control of Plumeless thistle Maintaining pastures and rangeland in good condition is a primary factor for Plurneless thistle management. To favor pasture and rangeland grass growth, do not overgraze. Fertilize only when necessary and according to soil testing recommendations. To successfully manage Plumeless thistle, prevent seed formation.
Mechanical control of Plumeless thistle Plurneless 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 bum mowed debris to destroy any seed that has developed. Chemical Control of Plumeless thistle Several herbicides are registered in pasture, rangeland and noncrop areas to control Plumeless thistle. Tordon 22K (picloram), 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 Plumeless thistle rosettes. Apply Tordon at 0 to 1 pint per acre (A), Curtail at 2 quarts/A, Banvel/VanquishlClarity at 0 to 2 quarts/A, 2,4-D at 1 to 2 quarts/A, or Banvel/VanquishlClarity plus 2,4-D at 0 plus 1 quart/A. Cool temperatures (below 50 degrees F), particularly in fall, may adversely affect 2,4-D control of Plumeless thistle; therefore, use 2,4-D in spring. Tordon is largely unaffected by cool temperatures. Banvel/VanquishlClarity can be adversely affected but less than 2,4-D. BanvellVanquish/Clarity plus 2,4-D works well in spring or fall. Apply any of these herbicides before Plumeless thistle bolts or seed production still will occur. Ally-Escort (metsulfuron) or Telar (chlorsulfuron) also can be used. Use Telar in noncrop areas only and Ally-Escort in pastures, rangeland or noncrop areas. Research from Colorado State University and the University of Nebraska shows that Telar or Ally-Escort prevents or dramatically reduces viable seed formation when applied in spring, up to early flower growth stages. The latest time to apply these herbicides is when developed terminal flowers have opened up to the size of a dime. Apply Telar at 1 ounce/A or Ally-Escort at 0 ounce/A. Add a good agricultural surfactant at 0.25 percent v/v2 to Ally-Escort or Telar treatments or control is inadequate.
Scotch thistle: Management: Cultural control of Scotch thistle Maintaining pastures and rangeland in good condition is a primary factor for scotch thistle management. To favor pasture and rangeland grass growth, do not overgraze. Fertilize only when necessary and according to soil testing recommendations. To successfully manage Scotch thistle, prevent seed formation.
’IC
Mechanical control of Scotch thistle Scotch 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 of Scotch thistle Several herbicides are registered in pasture, rangeland and noncrop areas to control Scotch thistle. Tordon 22K (picloram), Curtail (clopyralid +2,4-D), Banvel/VanquishlClarity (dicamba), 2,4-D, or BanvellVanquishlClarity plus 2,4-D are commonly used. Apply these herbicides in spring or fall to Scotch thistle rosettes. Apply Tordon at 0 to 1 pint per acre (A), Curtail at 2 quarts/A, Banvel/VanquishlClarity at 0 to 2 quarts/A, 2,4-D at 1 to 2 quarts/A, or Banvel/VanquishlClarity plus 2,4-D at 0 plus 1 quart/A. Cool temperatures (below 50 degrees F), particularly in fall, may adversely affect 2,4-D control of scotch thistle; therefore, use 2,4-D in spring. Tordon is largely unaffected by cool temperatures. Banvel/VanquishlClarity can be adversely affected but less than 2,4-D. BanvellVanquishlClarity plus 2,4-D works well in spring or fall. Apply any of these herbicides before scotch thistle bolts or seed production still will occur. Ally-Escort (metsulfuron) or Telar (chiorsulfuron) also can be used. Use Telar in noncrop areas only and Ally-Escort in pastures, rangeland or noncrop areas. Research from Colorado State University and the University of Nebraska shows that Telar or Ally-Escort prevents or dramatically reduces viable seed formation when applied in spring, up to early flower growth stages. The latest time to apply these herbicides is when developed terminal flowers have opened up to the size of a dime. Apply Telar at 1 ounce/A or Ally-Escort at 0 ounce/A. Add a good agricultural surfactant at 0.25 percent v/v2 to Ally-Escort or Telar treatments or control is inadequate.
Russian knapweed: Management: Like other creeping perennials, the key to Russian knapweed control is to stress the weed and cause it to expend nutrient stores in its root system. An integrated management plan should be developed that places continual stress on the weed. Currently, the best management plan includes cultural control combined with mechanical and/or chemical control techniques. A single control strategy, such as mowing or an herbicide, usually is not sufficient. Russian knapweed typically invades degraded areas, dominating the plant community and desirable plants (e.g. perennial grasses). Seeding competitive, perennial grass species (cultural 51
control) after Russian knapweed has been stressed by other control measures (set-up treatments) is essential. Set-up treatments may include chemical or mechanical methods. Cooperative research between Colorado State University and the University of Wyoming showed that chemical set-up treatments were superior to mowing. Curtail (clopyralid + 2,4-D), Escort (metsulfuron), and Roundup (glyphosate) were used to suppress Russian knapweed. Then perennial grasses were sown in late fall as a dormant seeding. Tillage is necessary to overcome the residual allelopathic effects of Russian knapweed. Curtail (3 quarts per acre) (A) or Escort (1 ounce/A) were applied at the bud-growth stage. Roundup was applied twice at 1 quart/A, first at the bud-growth stage and again about 8 weeks later. Curtail controlled Russian knapweed best, but Roundup failed to control it. None of the herbicides injured seeded grasses. Grasses established similarly among herbicide suppression treatments, even though Russian knapweed control varied. However, where Escort or Roundup was used to suppress Russian knapweed, additional herbicide treatments would be necessary to achieve acceptable control. While mowing twice, eight weeks apart (first at bud-growth stage), suppressed Russian knapweed during that year, the weed recovered vigorously the subsequent season. Perennial grasses established in the mowing treatments but much less than in herbicide treatments. Mowing twice per year for several years may control Russian knapweed better, but further research is needed to test this hypothesis. Currently, no biological control is available for this weed. Chemical Control of Russian knapweed
In most circumstances, an herbicide alone will not effectively manage Russian knapweed. However, there may be situations where desirable plants within a Russian knapweed infestation may compete effectively with the weed if it is stressed with a single weed management technique. When integrating chemical and cultural control, avoid using herbicide rates that injure grasses because effective competition will be reduced. Russian knapweed is controlled with Tordon 22K (picloram) at 1 to 2 quarts/A. Tordon may be broadcast sprayed up to 1 quart/A or spot sprayed at rates up to 2 quarts/A. Tordon plus 2,4-D (1 to 1 pints + 1 quart/A) also will control Russian knapweed. If low rates of Tordon or Tordon plus 2,4-D are used, application for two consecutive years may be necessary to achieve adequate control. Apply Tordon any time the weed is actively growing. For Telar (chiorsulfuron), a noncrop herbicide that controls Russian knapweed, application timing is critical. Apply (1 ounce/A) when Russian knapweed is in the bloom to post bloom stage. Earlier applications do not control the weed effectively. Fall is a good time to apply Telar, but it may injure smooth brome or other brome species. Always add a good agricultural 52
surfactant at 0.25 to 0 percent v/v to the spray solution. Escort (metsulfuron) is labeled for pasture and rangeland use. Apply it at 0.75 to 1 ounce/A with a good agricultural surfactant. Optimum timing for Escort is similar to Telar. The herbicide Milestone (Aminopyralid) is also recommended for control. Mechanical Control of Russian knapweed Russian knapweed tends to form monocultures and usually eliminates other plants. Therefore, sowing desirable plant species is necessary after the weed is controlled. Smooth brome will compete with Russian knapweed. Research shows that streambank wheatgrass, thickspike wheatgrass, crested wheatgrass and Russian wildrye established after Russian knapweed was suppressed with herbicides. Sod-forming perennial grasses, like streambank or thickspike wheatgrasses, help prevent reinvasion better than bunch grasses like crested wheatgrass. If the Russian knapweed stand is not too old and grasses are still present, stimulating grass growth by irrigation (where possible) should increase grass competition with knapweed and keep the weed under continual stress. Spotted knapweed: Management: 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 of Spotted knapweed Research conducted at Colorado State University indicates that Tordon 22K (picloram) at 1 to 2 pt/A, 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 pt/A control diffuse knapweed. Tank mixes of Banvel/Vanquish/Clarity plus 2,4-D at 1 Pt +2 pt/A or BanvellVanquishlClarity plus Tordon 22K at 1 to 2 pt + 0 to 1 pt/A or Tordon plus 2,4-D at 0.75 pt + 2 pt/A all control diffuse knapweed. These tank-mixes may save money and reduce grass injury resulting from higher use rates of a single herbicide. The herbicide Milestone (Aminopyralid) is also recommended for control. Spotted knapweed and diffuse knapweed generally occupy the same areas in Colorado, so the same herbicide treatments can be applied. Weed scientists at Montana State University indicate that 1 pt/A of Tordon (0.25 lb) controls spotted knapweed for two to three years, but the weed will reinvade the area unless other management techniques are used.
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Mechanical Control of Spotted knapweed If desirable grass competition is evident in diffuse or spotted knapweed stands, judicious herbicide application that does not injure grasses may allow them to compete effectively with the weeds. Irrigation (where possible) may help stimulate grass competition in these cases. However, infested rangeland or pastures often are degraded, allowing knapweed invasion, and herbicides alone will not restore the land to a productive state. Seeding suitable perennial grasses is necessary to prevent weed reinvasion.
Diffuse knapweed: Management: 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 of Diffused knapweed Research conducted at Colorado State University indicates that Tordon 22K (picloram) at 1 to 2 pt/A, Transline (clopyralid) at 0.67 to 1 pt/A, Curtail (clopyralid + 2,4-D) at 4 to 6 pt/A, or Banvel/VanquishlClarity (dicamba) at 1 to 2 pt/A control diffuse knapweed. Tank mixes of Banvel/VanquishlClarity plus 2,4-D at 1 pt +2 pt/A or BanvellVanquishlClarity plus Tordon 22K at 1 to 2 pt + 0 to 1 pt/A or Tordon plus 2,4-D at 0.75 Pt + 2 pt/A all control diffuse knapweed. These tank-mixes may save money and reduce grass injury resulting from higher use rates of a single herbicide. The herbicide Milestone (Aminopyralid) is also recommended for control. Spotted knapweed and diffuse knapweed generally occupy the same areas in Colorado, so the same herbicide treatments can be applied. Weed scientists at Montana State University indicate that 1 pt/A of Tordon (0.25 lb) controls spotted knapweed for two to three years, but the weed will reinvade the area unless other management techniques are used. Mechanical Control of Diffused knapweed If desirable grass competition is evident in diffuse or spotted knapweed stands, judicious herbicide application that does not injure grasses may allow them to compete effectively with the weeds. Irrigation (where possible) may help stimulate grass competition in these cases. However, infested rangeland or pastures often are degraded, allowing knapweed invasion, and herbicides alone will not restore the land to a productive state. Seeding suitable perennial grasses is necessary to prevent weed reinvasion.
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Yellow toadflax: Management: All toadflax species are very difficult to control and management plans should integrate as many strategies as possible to increase potential for success. Assess the condition and composition of the existing plant community in an infested area then determine the approximate composition of the desired plant community needed to achieve land management goals and objectives. Create a management plan that combines various control strategies to foster development of the desired plant community. Chemical Control of Yellow toadflax Yellow toadflax appears to be more difficult to manage than Dalmatian toadflax. In Colorado, control from Tordon applied at flowering has been most consistent and typically, 4 pt/A is recommended. Yellow toadflax usually recovers from a single application. For example, Tordon applied at 4 or 8 pt/A controlled 13 percent and 69 percent of yellow toadflax three years after treatments were applied. Other research conducted in Colorado suggests that yellow toadflax control may be improved if Tordon is applied over three consecutive years, but control varied with location. In one experiment conducted at high altitude (Camp Hale; elevation approximately 10,000 feet), 4 pt/A of Tordon applied at flowering for three consecutive years decreased shoot density to zero. However, the same treatment applied for three years at two other locations (White River drainage, elevation approximately 8,500 feet) controlled 69 percent and 35 percent of yellow toadflax. Telar also may be used to control yellow toadflax in non-crop areas. In an experiment conducted in Middle Park near Parshall, Telar at 1.25 ounce/A applied during flowering or in fall controlled 84 percent of yellow toadflax one year later. Escort, 2,4-D amine, Banvel, and Paramount controlled from 5 percent to 24 percent of yellow toadflax one year after single treatments were applied at flowering. Plateau showed some potential to control yellow toadflax in another Colorado experiment where 8 fluid ounces per acre applied once in fall controlled 59 percent of yellow toadflax one year later. While this level of control is unsatisfactory, sequential treatments may increase control but experiments must be conducted to test this hypothesis. Mechanical and Chemical Control of Yellow toadflax Mowing combined with spraying Tordon did not improve control in an experiment conducted near Hesperus, Colorado. Yellow toadflax was mowed three times per year then treated with Tordon at 4 pt/A in fall for two consecutive years and compared to Tordon applied at 4 pt/A at flowering also for two consecutive years. Yellow toadflax control was the same (85 percent) whether Tordon treatments were combined with mowing or not.
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Dalmation toadflax: Management: All toadflax species are very difficult to control and management plans should integrate as many strategies as possible to increase potential for success. Assess the condition and composition of the existing plant community in an infested area then determine the approximate composition of the desired plant community needed to achieve land management goals and objectives. Create a management plan that combines various control strategies to foster development of the desired plant community. Chemical and Cultural Management of Dalmatian toadflax Dalmatian toadflax may be controlled with Tordon 22K at 2 pt/A sprayed at flowering or in fall. In Colorado, rates of 2, 4, and 8 pt/A of Tordon were compared and control longevity was greatest from the 2 pt rate, apparently because competition from crested wheatgrass was maintained. Researchers in Wyoming treated Dalmatian toadflax in early September, 1994, with Tordon at 2 pt/A, then seeded the following year in April or August with ’Hycrest’ crested wheatgrass, ’Luna’ pubescent wheatgrass, ’Critana’ thickspike wheatgrass, ’Bozoisky’ Russian wildrye, or ’Sodar’ streambank wheatgrass. The combination of spraying and seeding competitive grasses controlled Dalmatian toadflax better than spraying alone. Three years after treatments were started, control of Dalmatian toadflax ranged from 61 percent to 86 percent where grasses were seeded in April and from 76 percent to 95 percent from the August seeding, compared to no control from spraying alone.
Houndstongue: Management: Houndstongue contains toxic alkaloids that stop liver cells from reproducing. Therefore, houndstongue reduces livestock and wildlife forage and grazing animals should be kept away. Animals may live six or more months after eating a lethal dose of houndstongue. Houndstongue is an early sucessional species on recently disturbed sites. Houndstongue is common on gravelly, alkaline soils. Maintaining a healthy population of native perennials is the best way to prevent the establishment and spread of houndstongue. Mechanical Control of Hound stongue Mowing second year plants during flowering but before seed maturation reduces seed production and may kill the plant. Chemical Control of Houndstongue Picloram at 0.25-0 lb., 2,4-D, or dicamba at 1.0 lb., or metsulfuron at 0.6 oz. ai/acre applied in spring provides conrol of houndstongue. Spring treatments with pocloram, dicamba, or metsulfuron are more effective than fall treatments. Chlorsufuron applied 0 IN ai/ac gave 56
complete control when applied any time beginning with the rosette stage until the bolted plant had attained 10 inches in height. Hoary cress (White Top): Management: Hoary cress is typically found on generally open, unshaded, disturbed ground. Hoary cress grows well on alkaline soils that are wet in late spring and generally does better in areas with moderate amounts of rainfall. It is widespread in fields, waste places, meadows, pastures, croplands, and along roadsides. Hoary cress is commonly found with saltcedar, antelope bitterush, bluebunch wheatgrass, big sagebrush, and Wyoming big sagebrush. Hoary cress flowers from May to June, are self-incompatible, and are pollinated by insects. Hoary cress will set seed by mid-summer. If conditions are favorable, a second crop of seeds can be produced in the fall. Hoary cress spreads by creeping roots and by seeding. Mechanical Control of Hoary cress Mowing 2-3 times a year for several years may slow the spread and reduce seed production of hoary cress. Mowing may increase the effectiveness of subsequent herbicide application. Mowing should be conducted during the bud stage and repeated when the plants re-bud. The effectiveness of a mowing program can be increased by planting perennial grasses as competitors. Burn Control of Hoary cress Bum control is not recommended since Hoary cress has a rapid growth rate when compared to non noxious weeds. Chemical Control of Hoary cress Hoary cress is most commonly controlled with herbicides. However, multiple applications are usually needed to provide lasting control. The best time to apply herbicides is in May or June before flowering. The non-crop herbicides metsulfuron and chiorsulfuron are the most effective herbicides as long as the plants still have green tissue. It is important to use a non-ionic surfactant with the herbicide. 2.413 + dicamba is very effective when applied during the early pre-bud stage (late May through early June) Glyphosate at 1 lb. ai/acre applied during the flower stage will provide good control of hoary cress. Picloram does not control Hoary cress. Saitcedar: Management: After managing saltcedar infestations, other vegetation must be established to prevent reinvasion. Competitive grasses and planted cottonwood cuttings have proven to be effective at 57
reducing the chances of re-invasion. Contact your local Colorado State University Extension office or Natural Resources Conservation Service office for proper seed mix recommendations. Mechanical and Chemical Control of Saitcedar A bulldozer or prescribed fire can be used to open up large stands of saitcedar. These methods must be followed up with an herbicide treatment of the resprouts when they are 1 to 2 meters tall. Chemical Control of Saitcedar For large stands of saitcedar that would essentially be monotypic, foliar applications of the herbicide Arsenal or Arsenal plus Roundup are effective. Late summer/early fall are optimum treatment times. This is recommended for areas that have little to no desirable shrubs and trees. In areas where woody native plants are present and their continued existence is desired, it may be necessary to cut and treat saltcedar stumps with an herbicide. This is referred to as the cut-stump method. Cuts should be made within 2 inches of the grounds surface, immediately followed by an herbicide application to the perimeters of the cut stems. The products Arsenal and Garlon are effective but must be applied within one minute after cutting because wound healing occurs very quickly and decreases herbicide penetration. Russian olive: Management: Russian olive tolerates a wide range of soil and moisture conditions, from sand to heavy clay, and can withstand flooding and silting. It grows best in deep sandy or loamy soils with only slight salt and alkali content. Russian olive can withstand temperatures ranging from 50 degrees F to 115 degrees F. It is also shade tolerant, which means it can grow under larger trees. Russian olive reproduces by seed, which is usually produced after trees are four to five years old. It generally flowers from May through June. The fruits mature from August to October and remain on the tree throughout the winter or until the crop is consumed. Seeds are ingested with the fruit by birds and small animals and dispersed in their droppings. Russian olive is a rapid growth rate tree with growth up to six feet a year. Control methods vary with tree size, habitat, and use of the area. Removal should be undertaken before seeds are fully developed to prevent further spread of seeds. Control is difficult once trees mature, so early detection and control are important. Mechanical Control of Russian olive Russian olives with small diameters can be pulled out with a weed wrench when soils are moist. In certain situations larger trees can be removed using a tractor/chain. Any remaining exposed roots should be cut off below ground level and buried. Grinding and cutting are not effective controls by themselves. The tree may resprout below the cut area or along root line.
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Chemical Control of Russian olive 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 RTUfi) 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 tree, monitoring should occur to ensure that the entire tree is affected. When cutting the stump should be as close to the ground as possible and treated with 5 10 cc of glyphosate (Roundupfi) applied at full strength. Non-immediately needed trees should be debarked at the bass and a herbicide should be sprayed on the area. Brushing on herbicide is the most effective application for Russian olive.
References:
"Weeds of the West" 9th Edition, 2000 Published by The western Society of Weed Science in cooperation with the Western United States Land Grand Universities Cooperative Extension Services, printed by Grand Teton Lithography, Jackson, Wyoming. "Creating an Integrated Weed Management Plan-A Handbook for Owners and Managers of Lands with Natural Values" Caring for the Land Series Volume IV March 2000, written and distributed by Colorado Natural Areas Program in conjunctions with Colorado State Parks in conjunctions with Colorado Department of Natural Resources. Idaho "ONE PLAN" that can be viewed at http:!/oneplan.org/Crop/noxWeeds.htm University of California Cooperative Extension, Weed MC that can be viewed at http://grounps.ucanr.org/WeedRIC.htm California Invasive Plant Council "CAL-IPC" that can viewed at http://group.ucanr.org/ceppc.htm
California Department of Food and Agriculture, Division of Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services that can be viewed at http://cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/ipc/weedinfo.hti -n Colorado State University Adams County Cooperative Extension, Adams County Weed & Pest control that can be found at http:/!www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/Adams/weeds.htm
WEED MANAGEMENT TRACKING TABLE Weed Name
Mine Site Location
Est. Infestation Size
Date Plant Growth Start Each Yr.
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Date Target Plant Flowers *
Best Time for Control
Best Control Method
Control Priority **
*Represents information available in the Weed Species Profile in Appendix 4 of the thtergraded Weed Management (IWM) Handbook available at the offices of the Colorado State Parks. 1313 Sherman Street, RM 618 Denver, CO 80203, or by consulting your local County Weed Supervisor. ** This column should be completed while in order to determine the priority of a certain weed, use the outline for the Alien Plants Ranking System provided in Appendix 6 of the Handbook, or consult your local County Weed Supervisor. (copy this
form as needed)
WEED MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVENESS
YEAR
WEED NAME
INFEST ATION
SIZE!
WEED DENSITY!
ACRE*
WEED VIGOR
TIME SPENT ON CONTROL
TOTAL
COST/ACRE
ACRE *
1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3
*Use consistent terms like larger, smaller, higher, lower, or about the same throughout the table.
m ol
