HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.01 ApplicationA variety of grasses and forbs are distributed throughout the understory. A few common species
include various wheatgrass species (Elymus spp. or Pascopyrum spp.), bluegrass (Poa spp.),
Indian rice grass (Achnatherum hymenoides), western yarrow (Achillea lanulosa), dandelion
(Taraxacum spp), lupine (Lupinus spp), and sulphur buckwheat (Erigonium umbellatum).
Riparian vegetation occurs along the perennial streams and species include aspen, mountain
willow (Salix spp.), chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), serviceberry, sedges (Carex spp.) and
rushes (Juncus spp.).
The climate for the Roan Plateau and Piceance Basin is considered semiarid with a wide range of
temperatures and precipitation. The closest National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) weather station is on the Altenbern Ranch on Roan Creek. The average annual
precipitation at the ranch is 16.41 inches, with a record low temperature of minus 38 degrees
Fahrenheit and a record high temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit (NOAA website:
www.noaa.gov). The average annual precipitation at the elevation of the project area should
equal, and likely exceed, that observed at the Altenbern station.
2.2 Soils
Soil types include loams and sandy loams that overlay broken shale derived from the Green
River Formation. In many areas, soil profiles are not extensive and often only 12-24 inches of
soil overlays deep, broken shale deposits. Soil types and the vegetation supported vary with
elevation and slope aspect. Mapped soil types, as published by the Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), were reviewed to
determine the soil types and vegetation characteristics of the project site and surrounding
property (NRCS 2009).
The primary soil types found in the project area include the following:
I. Parachute loam, slopes of25 to 65 percent. Vegetation of this soil type consists of
mountain big sagebrush, serviceberry, Gambel's oak, snowberry, mountain brome, elk
sedge, Letterman's needlegrass, and Idaho fescue. This soil type has severe limitations
for use, has a high risk for erosion, and is primarily used for pasture, rangeland, forest,
and wildlife habitat.
2. Rhone loams, slopes of30 to 70 percent. Supports serviceberry, Gambel's oak,
snowberry, Wood's rose, mountain brome, elk sedge, Idaho fescue, and Letterman's
needlegrass. This soil type has severe limitations for use, has a high risk for erosion, and
is primarily used for pasture, rangeland, forest, and wildlife habitat.
3. Parachute-Rhone loams, 50 to 30 percent slopes and vegetation includes serviceberry,
sagebrush, and bitterbrush.
2.3 Terrain
The proposed development is located in the upper reaches of Story Gulch and an unnamed
tributary to Schutte Creek. Story Gulch and the associated drainages are tributary to Piceance
Creek, located to the north. Schutte Creek is tributary to the Middle Fork of Parachute Creek.
The topography is typical of the Piceance Basin and Roan Plateau, which is comprised of steep
slopes rising to rolling ridge tops. A series of ridges and drainages bisect the area, creating a
Westwater Engineering Page 2 of21 December 2009
broken landscape supporting sagebrush steppe shrublands that are interspersed with deciduous
mountain shrubs, aspen groves and Douglas-fir forests. Elevations in the project area range from
7,800 to 8,350 ft.
3.0 WILDLIFE AND PLANT SURVEYS
3.1 Background Information
Descriptions of critical habitats for federally-listed threatened, endangered, and candidate fish
and wildlife species were reviewed in the Federal Register, U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Wildlife habitat (activities) maps, provided via the internet
by the Colorado Division of Wildlife's (CDOW) Natural Diversity Information Source (NDIS),
were reviewed and incorporated into this report in reference to big game habitat, and state-listed
threatened, endangered, and species of"special concern"(CDOW 2009a, CDOW 2009b).
A list of Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) of the Southern Rockies and the Colorado
Plateau was reviewed. This list is published by the USFWS through a Memorandum of
Understanding with the BLM and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), which places high
conservation priorities for BCC species (USFWS 2008). Avian literature sources such as the
"Birds of Western Colorado Plateau and Mesa Country" (Righter et al. 2004) and the "Colorado
Breeding Bird Atlas" (Kingery 1998) were reviewed to determine the likelihood for species
occurrence within the habitat present in the project area. Bird identification and taxonomic
nomenclature are in accordance with that applied by the Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas Project
(Kingery 1998).
The determination of the presence/absence of suitable habitat for Threatened, Endangered, and
"Sensitive Species" (TESS) plants was based on previous WWE observations of typical habitat
occupied by BLM or USFS sensitive plants, the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP)
Rare Plant Field Guide (Spackman et al. 1997), and locations of species documented in the
CNHP statewide database.
3.2 Survey Methods
A preliminary review of the project area, using aerial photography maps, was conducted to
familiarize personnel with vegetation types and terrain and as an aid to help determine the
likelihood of the presence of threatened, endangered, or sensitive wildlife and plant species.
Field data including general project location, boundaries, and reported features were verified
and/or recorded with the aid of a handheld global positioning system instrument (GPS) utilizing
NAD83/WGS84 map datum, with all coordinate locations based on the Universal Transverse
Mercator (UTM) coordinate system within Zone 12.
WWE biologists surveyed the area to identify and locate wildlife species, wildlife sign (tracks,
fecal droppings, and vegetation disturbance), vegetation communities, and wildlife habitats.
Vegetation types were determined through field identification of plants, aerial photography, and
on-the-ground assessments of plant abundance. Identification of plant species was aided by
using pertinent published field guides (Whitson et al. 2004, CWMA 2007, Kershaw et al. 1998,
Weber 2001).
WestWater Engineering Page 3 of2l December 2009
Visual searches for raptor and other bird species nests were focused on Douglas fir and aspen
groves on the North Parachute Ranch during the active nesting season. Nest searches and bird
identification were aided with the use of binoculars and song recognition, where needed. In
addition to these techniques, biologists used the recorded call play-back methodology described
by P. Kennedy (Kennedy and Stahlecker 1993; the "Kennedy-Stahlecker-Rinker" method) as
modified by R. Reynolds and others (1992) for the southwestern United States. WWE biologists
used Predation® MP3 Game Caller and FoxPro® NX3 units and played the call of a Great
Horned Owl or a Cooper's Hawk alarm call in an attempt to locate rap tors, which often respond
to the presence and calls of other raptors.
4.0 RESULTS OF SURVEY
4.1 Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Species (TESS) Plants
TESS plants that may be present in the project area, and their habitats, are listed in Tables I and
2 in two categories. Table I presents Federal Threatened, Endangered, and Candidate Species (3
species). Table 2 presents BLM or CNHP Sensitive Species (7 species). Nomenclature and
habitat descriptions are based on CHNP literature (Spackman et al. 1997). Based on pre-
development mapping of the project, the plants listed in Tables I and 2 are not likely to occur on
the site.
Table 1. Potential Federally-listed Threatened, Endangered and Candidate plant species.
Scientific Common Status* Habitat Preference Name Name
Physaria Dudley T Endemic to Rio Blanco County in the Piceance Basin.
congesta Bluffs Found on barren outcrops of the Green River and
bladderpod Uinta Formations. Elevation: 6,000 to 6, 700 ft.
Penstemon Parachute c Endemic to Garfield County with only five known
deb ii is penstemon occurrences; sparsely vegetated, south facing, steep,
white shale talus in the Mahogany Zone of the
Parachute Creek Member of the Green River
Formation. Elevation: 7,800 to 9,000 ft.
Phys aria Dudley T Endemic to Rio Blanco County in the Piceance Basin.
obcordata Bluffs Found on barren outcrops of the Parachute Creek
twin pod Member of the Green River Formation. Elevation
5,900 to 7,500 ft.
*E= Federal Endangered, T= Federal Threatened, C= Federal Candidate
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Table 2. BLM or CNHP listed sensitive plant species which may occur in the project area.
Scientific Common Habitat Preference Name Name
Astragalus Debris Moffat and Rio Blanco Counties. Found in pinyon-juniper and
detritalis milkvetch mixed desert shrub habitat in rocky sandy clay or sandy loam
soils. Elevation 5,400 to 7,200 ft.
Gentiane/la Utah gentian Rio Blanco County in the Green River Formation; barren shale knolls
tortuosa and slopes; elevation 8,500 to 10,800 feet.
Gilia Narrow-stem Known in Mesa and Rio Blanco Counties. Found in grassland,
stenothyrsa gilia sagebrush, mountain mahogany, and pinyon-juniper communities
on silty to gravelly loams derived of Green River or Uinta
Formations. Elevation 5,000 to 6,000 ft.
Lesquere/la Piceance Garfield, Mesa, and Rio Blanco Counties. Found on shale outcrops of
parviflora bladderpod the Green River Formation; on ledges and slopes of canyons in open
areas; elevation 6,200 to 8,600 ft.
Mentzelia Roan Cliff Garfield County on the Roan Plateau. Broken shale slopes of the Green
rhizomata blazingstar River formation. Typically found on steep talus slopes below the Roan
Cliffs. Elevation 5,280 to 9,000 ft.
Su//ivantia Hanging Endemic to Garfield, Gunnison, Montrose, Pitkin, and Rio Blanco
hapemanii garden Counties. Occurs in and around waterfalls, wet cliffs and boulders in
var.purpusii sullivantia shale geolo~v on the Roan Plateau. Elevation 7,000 to 10,000 ft.
Thalictrum Sun-loving Endemic to Garfield, Mesa, and Rio Blanco Counties. Broken shale
heliophilum meadowrue slopes of the Green River formation. Typically found on talus slopes
below the Roan Cliffs, often in habitat similar to Roan Cliff blazingstar.
Elevation 6,300 to 8,800 ft.
4.2 Federal Listed Threatened, Endangered, Candidate Wildlife Species
No federal listed threatened, endangered, or candidate wildlife species are known to occupy the
site and none of these species are likely to be affected as a result of the proposed project.
The White and Colorado Rivers provide designated "critical habitat" for the Federally
endangered Colorado pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius) and razorback sucker (Xyrauchen
texanus) (Maddux 1993). Drainages potentially affected by construction (silt loading, chemical
spills) drain to Piceance Creek and the White River, or into Parachute Creek and the Colorado
River.
4.3 State Listed Threatened, Endangered Special Concern Wildlife Species
WWE biologists determined that three state listed threatened, endangered, or special concern
species may occur within the project area and are listed in Table 3 (CDOW 2008b). Greater
Sage-Grouse and American Peregrine Falcon have been observed near the project area.
Colorado River cutthroat trout have been observed in the Middle Fork of Parachute Creek, which
is approximately 3.75 miles from the project site.
Westwater Engineering Page 5 of21 December 2009
Table 3. Potential State-listed Threatened, Endangered, and Special Concern wildlife species.
Scientific Name Common Name State Habitat Preference Status
Sagebrush dominated mountain steppe shrublands with
Centrocercus Greater Sage-rolling terrain. Large continuous areas of sagebrush on
urophasianus Grouse SC flat or gently rolling terrain with open areas in
vicinity for leks. Breeds in Garfield County.
Fa/co peregrinus American High, sheer cliffs, typically overlooking open habitats
anatum Peregrine falcon SC including canyons and the Roan Plateau. Elevation:
5,000 to 6,500 ft. Breeds in Garfield County
Oncorhynchus Colorado River clarki cutthroat trout SC Perennial mountain streams on the Roan Plateau.
pleuriticus
* E= State Endangered, T= State Threatened, SC= Species of Concern
4.4 Raptors & Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC)
4.4.1 Raptors
Several raptor species nest, roost, forage, or migrate through the general project area. Raptor
species common to the area include Golden Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel,
Cooper's Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, Swainson's Hawk,
Flammulated Owl, Long-eared Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, and Great Horned Owl. The
Douglas fir forests and aspen groves existing in the project area are of sufficient height and
density for tree nesting raptors.
Raptor species that are listed as BCC in the Southern Rockies and the Colorado Plateau which
may occur in the project area are listed in Table 4. In addition to the BCC list, several other
species ofraptors that could potentially be found nesting in the project area are listed in Table 4.
Table 4. Raptor species that may be present in the project area.
Common Scientific BCC Habitat & Breeding Records Name Name
American Falco Coniferous and deciduous forests and open terrain with
Kestrel sparverius N suitable perches. Nests in cavities in trees, cliffs and
buildings.
Cooper's Accipiter Cottonwood riparian to spruce/fir forests, including
Hawk cooperii N pifionljuniper woodlands. Nests most frequently in pines and
asnen.
Flammulated Otus y Found commonly on the Roan Plateau, nests in aspen groves
Owl jlammeolus above 7,000 ft.
Aquila Grasslands, shrublands, agricultural areas, pifion-juniper
Golden Eagle chrysaetos
y woodlands, and ponderosa forests. Prefers nest sites on cliffs
and sometimes in trees in ru~~ed areas.
Great Homed Bubo N Occupies diverse habitats including riparian, deciduous and
Owl virginianus coniferous forests with adjacent open terrain for huntin~.
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Table 4. Raptor species that may be present in the project area.
Common Scientific BCC Habitat & Breeding Records Name Name
Long-eared Occupies mixed shrublands. Nests and roost in sites in dense
Owl Asia otus N cottonwoods, willows, scrub oak, junipers, tamarisk and
dense forest of mixed conifers and aspens.
Northern Accipter N Typically in high elevation coniferous or aspen forest.
Goshawk gentiles Known to occur in pifion-iuniper habitat.
Grassland, shrubland, agricultural areas, and marshes. Nests
Northern Circus cyaneus N in areas with abundant cover (e.g., tall reeds, cattails, grasses)
Harrier in grasslands and marshes. Also known to nest in high-
elevation sagebrush.
Northern Saw-Aego/ius N Mountain and foothills forest and canyon country.
whet Owl acadicus Significant use ofpifion-iuniper woodland and Dou~las-fir.
Peregrine Falco Pinon-juniper woodlands and coniferous and riparian forest
Falcon peregrinus
y near cliffs. Nests on ledges of high cliffs away from human
disturbance.
Red-tailed
Diverse habitats including grasslands, pifton-juniper
Buteo N woodlands and deciduous, coniferous and riparian forests.
Hawk jamaicensis Nests in mature trees (especially cottonwood, aspen, and
oines) and on cliffs and utilitv ooles.
Sharp-shinned Accipiter High density young, or even-aged, stands of coniferous forest
Hawk striatus N and deciduous forests of aspen or oak brush with small stands
of conifers.
Swainson's Buteo N Nests in oak brush in shrubland and woodland communities
Hawk swainsoni on the Roan Plateau.
In this portion of Colorado, the raptor nesting season is generally considered to occur between
mid-February and mid-August. Typically, owls and eagles are the first raptors to begin the
annual nesting cycle followed by the hawks and falcons. Usually, by mid-August all young birds
have fledged and left the nest.
The occupancy status ofnests is based on the presence of primary or secondary evidence of
current use by raptors. Primary evidence consists of adult birds, young, or eggs visible in or near
the nest. Secondary evidence consists of new nest materials, whitewash, feathers, prey remains,
or other evidence that a raptor has recently used a nest. Occupancy status is different than
activity status in that a nest which has been used at any time in the previous 5 years is considered
by the CDOW to be active, whether or not a bird is occupying the nest during the current nesting
season.
A total of 16 nests are known within 0.33 miles of the project developments. Locations and
occupancy status ofraptor nests is included in Figure I and Table 5.
WestWater Engineering Page 7 of21 December 2009
Table 5. Locations of raptor nests in project area.
Number Zone Easting Northing Occupancy Date Species Status* Observed
COHA-70 12 744262 4393 642 0 6/14/20 09 Coo per's Hawk
RTHA-2 1 12 744 405 43938 28 0 6/14/20 09 Red-taile d Hawk
RTHA-08 12 744 77 3 4395 079 0 6/14/20 09 Red-tail ed Haw k
RTHA-5 5 12 7448 33 4395074 u 6/14/2009 Red-ta il ed Hawk
INRT-0 3 12 74 4969 439497 8 u 6/14/2009 Red -t ail ed Hawk
INAC-04 12 744994 439 4979 u 6/1 4/2 00 9 Red-t ailed Haw k
COHA -3 0 12 74772 4 4395 24 9 0 6/17/2009 Coope r's Hawk
LEOW-1 6 12 7465 03 439 605 7 0 6/1 5/2009 Long-eared Owl
INRT-10 12 74744 2 4394766 u 6/19/20 08 Red-t ail ed Hawk
RTHA-72 12 747 182 4394420 0 711/2009 Red-ta il ed Haw k
COHA-92 12 744 6 18 439 2713 0 7/6/2009 Coo per's Hawk
RTHA-3 3 12 74 6 177 439 5672 0 6/17/20 09 Red -t ail ed Haw k
RTHA-57 12 74 7306 4394601 u 6/15/20 09 Red-tail ed Haw k
COHA -14 12 7475 27 4395 45 9 0 6/23/2 00 9 Coope r's Haw k
COHA-69 12 745 020 43949 17 0 6/14/2009 Coope r's Haw k
RTHA -74 12 7448 35 4393060 0 7/6/2009 Red-tail ed Hawk
O =Occupied; U= U noccupied ;*= N est sta tu s as o f s urvey da te. Ad d iti o na l s urveys a re recommended during the
20 10 nest in g season i f constructi on activ ity takes pl ace in t he vicin ity of these nests.
4.4.2 Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) other than raptors
In additi on to raptors, WW E bi o log ist s s urveyed the proj ect a re a fo r the prese nc e of BCC ha bitat
th at could potentially occur in the project area. N ot all of th e li sted BCC specie s occ ur reg ul a rl y
in Colorado, and so me are prese nt onl y as seaso na l mi grant s. Of th ose kn own to bree d in
Colorado, only a porti on are kn own or sus pected t o bree d in or occup y the proj ect area. BCC
habitat and nestin g rec ord s fo r th ese species, as desc ribed in th e Co lorad o Br ee din g Bird At las
(Kingery 1998 ), Co lorad o Birds (Andrews and Ri ghter 199 2) and Birds of Western Co lorad o
Plateau and Me sa Country (Ri ght er et al. 2004), are summ ari zed in Tabl e 6.
Table 6. BCC that may be present in the project area.
Common Name Scientific Habitat & Breeding Records Name
Brew er's Spize lla
Sage bru sh or mi xe d sag ebru sh shrubl and s. Nests in sage bru s h
pla nts in dense fo li ag e near the to ps of the pl ant s. Nestin g has
Sparro w breweri bee n confi rmed in Garfi e ld County, inc lud ing on th e Roa n
Pl ateau. Likely nes ter in the proj ec t area.
Cass in 's Fin ch Carpo dacus Hi gh elevati o n coni fe r fo rests 8,000 to 11 ,000 ft. e levati on .
cass in ii Confirm ed neste r in Garfi e ld Co unt y. May nest in th e project
area.
Wes tW ate r Eng ineerin g Pa ge 8 of 2 1 Dece mb er 2 009
Table 6. BCC that may be present in the project area.
Common Name Scientific Habitat & Breeding Records Name
Williamson's Sphyrapicus Occupies conifer forest, often mixed with aspen from 7,000 to
Sapsucker thyroideus I 0, 700 ft. Mainly nests in aspen groves.
Migratory songbirds typically begin to arrive in Colorado in late April with the majority arriving
and initiating breeding activity during May and June.
The migratory species most likely to nest in this project area are the Brewer's Sparrow and
Cassin's Finch.
4.4.3 Greater Sage-Grouse
The Greater Sage-Grouse occurs in suitable habitat on the Roan Plateau and is recognized by the
BLM and CDOW as a species of special concern.
Greater Sage-Grouse occupy the sagebrush shrub lands on the divide between the Parachute
Creek and Piceance Creek drainages. They require large, continuous areas of sagebrush habitat
on flat, gently rolling terrain, with vegetation dominated by sagebrush.
Breeding occurs in the spring on leks (strutting grounds), where dominant males display to
attract females to mate. Once bred, the females disperse to build a nest and lay eggs. Recent
research by the CDOW reveals that approximately 80 percent of the females nest within a 4-mile
radius of the lek on which they were bred (Colorado Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Plan
2008). Residual grass cover mixed with a quality herbaceous component in the sagebrush
understory results in increased survival of the nests and chicks through their early weeks after
hatching.
Self-sustaining sage-grouse populations require extensive patches of sagebrush dominated
habitat for long-term viability. The patch size of sagebrush habitat necessary to support sage-
grouse is not known on the Roan Plateau. It is known that sage-grouse on the Roan Plateau
prefer ridge-tops and are thought to spend little time on steep hillsides or in the bottom of
gulches and draws.
Biologists surveyed the project area for sage-grouse sign in 2008, following transect routes
through suitable habitat while looking for grouse as well as grouse sign (droppings, feathers,
tracks). Special attention was focused on potential sage-grouse habitat on sagebrush dominated
ridge-tops and other suspected habitat within the project area.
Sage-grouse sign was observed in the project area in vegetative communities dominated by
sagebrush, forbs, and grasses, with slopes typically less than 20 percent (Figure 2). The project
area is known to be occupied sage-grouse habitat. An active Iek (Bragg Spring Lek) exists 2.6
miles west of the F25-496 well pad, and 1.8 miles from the nearest proposed pipeline segment.
The lek is found in Section 28, T4S R96W.
Westwater Engineering Page 9 of21 December 2009
4.5 Terrestrial Species
4.5.1 American Elk and Mule Deer
The project area lies within CDOW, Game Management Units (GMU) 22 and 32. The project
area is within mule deer and American elk overall range. It is also included in mule deer and elk
summer range and in an elk production area (Figure 3). No mule deer production areas are
mapped by NDIS, but the entire area is within mule deer fawning habitat. Mule deer and elk
with young have been observed in the area by WWE biologists. During surveys, mule deer and
elk droppings as well as fresh tracks were observed frequently in the project area.
Elk and mule deer utilize the summer range extensively on the Roan Plateau, following the snow
line to higher elevations in the spring. Mule deer rely on the existing sagebrush and shrubs for
their primary food source, while elk rely primarily on available grasses for food. Adjacent areas
of aspen, Douglas-fir, and scattered oakbrush/serviceberry provide necessary forage and
production areas as well as escape, thermal, and loafing cover for deer and elk, particularly
during the summer period.
There are no mule deer winter ranges in the project area, due to the high elevation and deep
snows that cover the area during the winter. An elk winter concentration area is mapped less
than Y, mile north of the project area, however.
4.5.2 Black Bear and Mountain Lion
CDOW "NDIS" mapping shows the project area is within overall range for black bear and
mountain lion.
Black bear are a common resident mammal on the Roan Plateau and bear sign was commonly
observed. Black bears are omnivorous and the diet depends largely on foods that are seasonally
available, although their mainstay is vegetation. In spring, emerging grasses and succulent forbs
are favored. In summer and early fall, bears take advantage of a variety of berries and other
fruits. In late fall, preferences are for berries and mast (acorns), where available. When the
opportunity is present, black bears eat a diversity of insects, including beetle larvae and social
insects (ants, wasps, bees, termites, etc.), and they kill a variety of mammals, including rodents,
rabbits, and young or unwary ungulates. The Roan Plateau provides important habitat to black
bear during the late spring, summer and fall months with an abundance of berry and mast
producing plants including serviceberry, chokecherry and Gambel oak. Black bear are in
hibernation from mid-November through May.
Mountain lion typically follow migrating deer herds in search of deer as the primary food source.
They tend to have large territories and are highly mobile as they search for food or new
territories. Rocky terrain near woodland habitats provides the habitat mountain lions prefer for
hunting. Mountain lion likely travel through and hunt in the project area during the summer
months. The project area is not mapped by CDOW as a potential mountain lion conflict area. No
mountain lion sign was observed.
WestWater Engineering Page 10 of21 December 2009
4.5.3 Small Mammals
Common small mammal species in the project area include coyote (Canis latrans), golden-
mantled ground squirrel (Spermophilus lateralis), northern pocket gopher (Thomomys talpoides),
white-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus townsendii), and least chipmunk (Tamias minimus) among many
others.
4.5.4 Other Bird Species
The shrub lands, aspen groves, understory grasses and Douglas-fir stands in the area provide
nesting and foraging habitats for various migratory and non-migratory bird species, depending
on the season of the year. Bird species observed in the area include American Robin (Turdus
migratorius), Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii), Black-billed Magpie (Pica pica), Common
Raven (Corvus corax:), Brewer's Sparrow (Spizella breweri), Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon
pyrrhonota), Green-tailed Towhee (Pipilo chlorurus), Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides),
Tree Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina), Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura), Vesper Sparrow
(Pooecetes gramineus), and Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana).
4.5.5 Reptiles
Western terrestrial garter snakes (Thamnophis elegans) have previously been observed in the
vicinity of the project area. This species is common on the Roan Plateau and is typically
observed near perennial creeks and ponds. Smooth green snake (Liochlorophis vernalis) were
not observed during surveys, but are known to occur on the Roan Plateau (Hammerson 1999).
This species is not abundant in western Colorado, but it is not listed as a sensitive species.
Short-horned lizards (Phrynosoma hernandesi) have been observed in the upland sagebrush
habitats in the area. This species appears to be fairly abundant along ridgelines in sagebrush
habitats on the Roan Plateau, and it is not listed by the CDOW as a sensitive species.
Other reptiles present may include fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) and sagebrush lizard
(Sceloporus graciosus), neither of which were observed.
4.6 Aquatic Species
4.6.1 Amphibians
Tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) are the only species of amphibian known to inhabit the
area. The salamanders have been observed by WWE biologists in livestock watering ponds on
the Roan Plateau. This species likely occurs across the area in suitable ponds and in perennial
streams and wetlands. Tiger salamanders prefer to breed in permanent ponds and small
reservoirs in western Colorado (Hammerson 1999). It is not listed as a sensitive species.
WestWater Engineering Page II of21 December 2009
4.6.2 Fish
The Middle Fork of Parachute Creek is the only perennial steam known to support fish
populations that could be affected by project development. The Middle Fork is inhabited by
brown trout and cutthroat trout, but no fish populations are known to occur in the headwater
drainages of the project area. All drainages that could be affected by the project flow either into
the Piceance Creek drainage and the White River or into the Parachute Creek drainage and the
Colorado River. Piceance Creek supports populations offish including rainbow trout, brown
trout, brook trout, speckled dace, Colorado sucker, mountain sucker, and white sucker.
4.7 Wetlands and Waterways
No wetlands or potential ACOE crossings are expected to be affected by development as
construction will primarily take place on or near the ridge-tops.
5.0 AFFECTS TO WILDLIFE
5.1 Wildlife Impact Assessment
Construction will likely affect site-specific native vegetation and the suitability of wildlife
habitat adjacent to the project site. Affects will be reduced by locating pipelines and roads
within and adjacent to currently disturbed ROWs where possible. The project and its ongoing
activities will contribute to the overall cumulative impacts to wildlife populations of the area that
are experiencing gradual habitat loss, fragmentation, alteration, and displacement through
increased development.
5.1.1 Terrestrial Species
5.1.1.1 Elk and Mule Deer
Potential affects include the temporary loss of a small amount of summer range, fawning, and
calving habitat in previously undisturbed areas. Effects to summering mule deer and elk are
expected to be small, as construction is scheduled to begin in February 20!0 when big game has
migrated to lower elevation winter range. Construction during the winter would not likely affect
big game species, because the area is not considered winter range.
5.1.1.2 Birds
Greater Sage-Grouse: Sage-grouse are highly dependent on sagebrush dominated habitats on
the Roan Plateau. The quality and quantity of this habitat type dictates its suitability for sage-
grouse. Disturbance to sagebrush shrublands that reduces the availability and suitability of
presently occupied habitat would affect this species.
Sage-grouse could potentially be affected by disturbances in breeding, brood-rearing, and winter
habitats. Direct effects would include loss of habitat caused by ground disturbance to sagebrush
vegetation. Indirect effects would result from factors such as equipment noise and the presence
of humans in suitable habitats.
WestWater Engineering Page 12 of21 December 2009
There is a known active lek (Bragg Spring) within 4 miles of the project area. The lek is near
enough to the planned development to be indirectly affected by construction activities. The lek
is located approximately 1.8 miles west of the nearest portion of the proposed development. The
most significant potential impact to sage-grouse would be lek abandonment due to human
disturbance; however, this is unlikely due to the distance and the topography involved.
The project may affect sage-grouse nesting habitat. After breeding, female sage-grouse nest in
close proximity to leks. Sage-grouse research shows that 52 percent of nest sites occur within
two miles of the lek and approximately 80 percent of nesting occurs within four miles of lek sites
(CCP 2008). Construction occurring during the breeding season (March 1 to May 31) could
interfere with mating and reduce the nesting success offemale sage-grouse. Disturbance to
suitable nesting habitat between April 15 and July 15 could negatively affect annual chick
production.
Migratory Species: The affects to foraging and nesting habitat of migratory bird species is
expected to be minimal due to the amount of suitable habitat available nearby.
Raptors: One nest site, COHA-30, may be located where removal of the nest tree is a concern.
One nest site, COHA-14, has been identified that is within 100 yards ofconstruction. Both nests
were occupied in 2009. These sites are the most vulnerable to potential negative effects of
construction activities, including abandonment causing mortality of chicks.
Raptor nesting within 0.33 miles of the pipeline alignment could potentially be affected
indirectly by disturbance associated with pipeline construction including equipment and human
presence. Nest sites that are in direct-line of sight of construction activities have the most
potential for being adversely affected. If there is vegetation or terrain features that tend to
protect the nest, effects of disturbance are often mitigated. Additional raptor surveys are
recommended during the 2010 nesting season.
5.1.1.3 Black Bear and Mountain Lion
Due to the large home range of both black bear and mountain lions, and because of the extensive
amount of available habitat for these species, no adverse affect from this project for these species
is expected.
5.1.1.4 Small Mammals
The amount of available habitat for small mammals should not be affected significantly by the
project. The amount of disturbance is not expected to affect small mammal populations.
5.1.1.5 Reptiles
The amount of available habitat for reptiles should not be affected significantly by the proposed
project. The small amount of disturbance is not expected to affect reptile populations.
WestWater Engineering Page 13 of21 December 2009
5.1.2 Aquatic Species
5.1.2.l Amphibians
The amount of available habitat for amphibians should not be affected significantly by the
proposed project. The small amount of disturbance is not expected to affect reptile populations.
5.1.2.2 Fish
Colorado River cutthroat trout habitat in the Middle Fork of Parachute Creek likely will not be
affected by the project due to the distance from construction and the absence of perennial waters
from the project area to the Middle Fork. There are no perennial streams in Story Gulch which
could affect Piceance Creek. It should be noted that any increase in erosion or silt loading from
storm water or spring runoff could negatively affect fish populations due to a decrease in water
quality.
6.0 AFFECTS TO TESS PLANT SPECIES
No TESS plants were found during the survey of the project area, and therefore will likely not be
affected by the proposed project.
7.0 AFFECTS TO WETLANDS
Affects to perennial stream habitats and ACOE waters are not likely. No aquatic wildlife species
should be affected in the project area. Water quality may be temporarily affected due to
increased sediment loads during storm and spring runoff.
8.0 MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations for mitigation are presented for maintenance and improvement
of wildlife habitat quality as well as for the prevention of human-caused wildlife affects.
8.1 Maintenance and Restoration of Habitat
In the Rocky Mountain Region, sagebrush communities have declined over the years and
continue to do so as a result of development and pinyon-juniper encroachment (Monson 2005).
In many areas, cheatgrass and invasion of other exotic grasses has limited the recovery of
habitats by reducing re-establishment ofnative species.
Mountain shrub, sagebrush, and native grasses are key food sources for elk, mule deer, and sage-
grouse and provide nesting and foraging habitat for a variety of migratory birds and small
mammals.
Reclamation plans should include efforts to restore these vegetation communities, particularly
the sagebrush community for sage-grouse. Reclamation recommendations include the following:
WestWater Engineering Page 14 of21 December 2009
I. Seeding or planting of native big sagebrush should be added to the re-vegetation plan.
Local, ecologically adapted sagebrush seed from the existing sagebrush vegetation within
the project area should be used in reclamation if seeding is the chosen method. Planting
locally collected, containerized plants may be more cost effective and successful.
2. Ongoing control of noxious and invasive weeds is recommended as an additional method
to maintain native vegetation communities and favorable wildlife habitats. A weed
management discussion is provided for this project in a separate report.
8.2 Planning for Sensitive Time Periods and Areas
8.2.1 Mule Deer and Elk
The project area lies within an American elk production area and near an elk winter
concentration area. According to the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission's
amended rules, effective April I, 2009, elk production areas are considered sensitive wildlife
habitat (COGCC 2009). A consultation with the CDOW is recommended for the protection
sensitive wildlife habitat as defined in the COGCC rules.
Disturbance associated with construction equipment and personnel may cause elk and mule deer
to select habitats in more secluded areas away from the project area during construction should it
occur when these species are present. Construction should be completed as quickly as possible,
especially near the elk production areas and it is recommended to restrict construction activities
from 15 May to 15 June. Confining activity to the construction footprint near the elk production
areas will minimize disturbance to elk. If construction occurs during the winter months, big
game animals are not likely to occupy the project area due to deep snow conditions.
8.2.2 Migratory Birds
Vegetation clearing activities, in relation to construction and development projects, would have
less impact to migratory birds if conducted outside the primary nesting season of May 15 to
August I.
8.2.3 Greater Sage-Grouse
The project area lies within a Greater Sage-Grouse production area, which is considered sensitive
wildlife habitat by the COGCC (COGCC 2009). Planning development with projects engineered
to avoid, minimize, and mitigate affects of natural gas development will result in the most
favorable mitigation outcomes. A consultation with the CDOW is recommended for the
protection of sensitive wildlife habitat as defined in the COGCC rules.
Wildlife managers have developed best management practices (BMPs) and guidelines that can be
used to help mitigate development impacts in these habitats. The opportunity exists to enhance
the existing sage-grouse habitat in order to offset habitat losses attributable to natural gas
development and should be implemented to protect and enhance leks, nesting habitat and
essential winter habitat. As with all guidelines, adaptive approaches should be used and the best
available science should be applied when implementing these guidelines. It is recommended that
WestWater Engineering Page 15 of21 December 2009
)
)
construction activities be done in such a way as to minimi ze di sturb ance to Greater Sage-Grouse
habitat.
Lek habitat , ne stin g habitat , and bro od rearing habitat are critical habi tats that are lin ked
bi o logic ally and cannot be easily separated for protective management practi ces. Habitat
protection and management is need ed year-round to sec ure sage-gro use populatio n integrity.
Protecti on co ncern s a re concentrated within a short radius of the lek during the breeding seaso n,
and thereafter th e radius of protection expands to include essential nestin g/broo d-rearing habitat.
After the completion of the matin g period (March I-May 31) protecti on tra nsitio ns into a broader
area th at includes nesting/brood rea rin g habi tat (April 15-July 15), suc h th at th e two fea tures
ca nnot be se parated .
Bas ed on previ ous CDOW recommendations, construction activiti es sho uld be avoided within
0.6 mile o f any ac tive lek during the March I-M ay 31 matin g peri od. The a rea s urroundin g leks
should be str ictl y avoided by crews working on thi s proj ect. As the distance of construction
inc reases from the lek the le vel of di sturbance decreases. Where pip e line alignments and roads
ca n be placed along an existing road or pipeline ROW , affects to nesting hen s in th e period from
April 15-July 15 is reduced. New disturbances should be planned outsi de the ne sting period.
8.2.4 Raptors
Activities assoc iated with the proposed proj ec t have the pot enti a l to impact raptor populations.
In areas of known raptor nest in g, construction and drillin g ac tiviti es sho uld not be sc hed ul ed
between ter rit ory esta bli sh ment and dis pe rsa l of yo un g fro m the nest. If wo rk is pl anned du rin g
the ne stin g seaso n, are as of known and potential nes ting shou ld be re -inve ntor ied by qualified
bio logi sts.
Timing limitation res tricti ons should be co nsi dered and applied to all occ upi ed nests. WWE
recommends temp ora l and s patial restrictions for ac tivities ne ar occ upi ed nests based on BLM
stipulati ons (BLM 1997), Co lora do Divi s ion of Wildlife (CDOW) recomme nd at ions (Cra ig 2002
and K lut e 2008) and literature revi ew of nes tin g season timing for raptors in the Roa n Plateau
reg ion (Andrews and Ri ght er 1992, Kin gery 1998 ). These reco mm endati ons are summ arized in
Ta ble 8.
T bl 8 T . a e 1mmg an db ff, d . u er recommen ahons fi or active raptor nes t s .
Soecies Buffer Zone Seasonal Restriction
American Kestrel * *
Bald Eagle 0.50 mile 15 October -3 1 July
Burrowing Owl 150 feet 15 March -31 October .....
t Coo per's Hawk 0.25 mile I April -15 August I
Ferrugi nous Hawk 0.50 mil e I Feb -15 July
Flammulated Ow l 0.25 mile l April -I Augu st
Go ld en Eag le 0.50 mil e 15 December -15 Jul y
Great Horned Ow l * * ..
Long-eared Owl 0.25 mile l March -15 July ~
Northern Goshawk 0.50 mile I March -15 September
Northern Harri er 0.25 mil e l Aori l -15 Augu st
Wes twater Eng in ee rin g Page 16 of2 1 December 2009
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)
Northern Saw-whet Owl 0.25 mile 1 March -15 July
Osprey 0.25 mile 1 April -31 Augu st
Peregrine Falcon 0.5 mile 15 March -3 1 July
Prairi e Falcon 0.5 mile 15 March -15 July
Red-tailed Hawk 0.33 mile .... 15 February -15 July
Sharp-shinned Hawk --0.25 mil e 1 April -15 August
Swain so n's Hawk 0.25 mi le 1 April -15 Ju ly
. . . . •Great Horned Owl s and Kestrel s are relallv ely tol erant of human ac11v1ty . Keep ac11v1ty to a 111m1mum during breeding seaso n .
8.3 Other Mitigation Pract ices
8.3.1 Erosion Control, Soil Stability, a n d Water Quality
Efforts to control soil erosion within the project area should be imp lemented. Disturbed soils
within the project area are susceptible to erosion and downstream water quality cou ld be
negatively affected by increased so il erosion. In addition to stormwater management around the
project site, other current factors (noxious weeds , livestock grazing, other natural gas
deve lopment) affecting soil erosion should be managed and remedial measures implemented.
Prior to construction in the vicinity of potential stream crossings and the wetland , appropriate
consultation with the ACOE is recommended. ACOE jurisdictional waters may not carry water
perennially. Jurisdictional drainages will exhibit an ordinary high water mark and will exhibit
signs of flow such as accumulation of debris, lack of perennial vegetation in the channel, and
water staining on rocks or soil.
Standard BMPs, including adequate barriers and filtration methods, should be use d to prevent
a nd reduce so il from eroding into perennial streams and riparian areas from storm or spring
runoff. This ma y include the installation of check dam s along small ephemeral drain ages and
re storation of vegetation.
9.0 REFERENCES
Andrews, R., and R. Righter. 1992 . Colorado Birds: A Reference to Their Distribution and
Habitat. Denver Museum of Natural History, Colorado .
Colorado Greater Sage-grouse Steering Committee. 2008. Colorado greater sage-grouse
conservation plan. Co lorado Divi s ion of Wildlife, Denver.
CDOW . 2009a . Co lorado Divi sion of Wild life. Natural Diversity Information Source.
http://n di s.nrel.colostate.edu /wildlife.as p.
CDOW. 2009b. Colorado Division of Wildlife. Wildlife Species of Concern. Threatened and
Endangered List. CDOW Web Home Page:
http://wildlife.state.co.u s/Wi ldlifeSpecies/SpeciesOfConcernffhreatenedEndangeredList.
COGCC. 2009. Amended Rules. Colorado Oi l and Gas Conservation Commission, Department
of Natural Re so urces. Denver, CO.
Craig, Gerald R. 2002 . Recommended Buffer Zones and Seasonal Restrictions for Co lorado
Raptors. Colorado Div ision of Wi ldlife, Denver.
We stwater Engineering Page 17 of2 1 December 2009
J
CWMA. 2007. S. Anthony, T. D' Amato, A. Doran, S. Elzinga, J. Powell, I. Schonle, and K.
Uhing. Noxious Weeds of Colorado, Ninth Edition. Colorado Weed Management
Association, Centennial.
Hammerson, G. A. 1999. Amphibians and Reptiles in Colorado, Second Edition. Colorado
Division of Wildlife, Denver.
Kennedy, P. L., and D. W. Stahlecker.1993. Responsiveness of nesting northern goshawks to
taped broadcasts of3 conspecific calls. Journal of Wildlife Management, 57:249-257.
Kershaw, Linda, A. MacKinnon, and J. Pojar. 1998. Plants ofthe Rocky Mountains. Lone Pine
Publishing, Auburn, Washington.
Kingery, H. E. I 998. Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas. Colorado Bird Atlas Partnership, Colorado
Division of Wildlife, Denver.
Klute, D. 2008. Recommended Buffer Zones and Seasonal Restrictions for Colorado Raptors.
Colorado Division of Wildlife, Denver.
Maddux, H., L. Fitzpatrick, and W. Noonan. 1993. Colorado River Endangered Fishes Critical
Habitat. Biological Support Document. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Utah/Colorado
Field Office, Salt Lake City, Utah, 225 pp.
Monson, S.B. 2005. Restoration Manual for Colorado Sagebrush and Associated Shrubland
Communities. Colorado Division of Wildlife, Denver.
NRCS. 2009. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Web
Soil Survey: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/.
Reynolds, R., R. Graham, M. Reiser, R. Bassett, P. Kenedy, D. Boyce, Jr., G. Goodwin, R.
Smith, and E. Fisher. I 992. Management recommendations for the northern goshawk in
the southwestern United States. United States Forest Service, General Technical Report
RM217.
Righter, R., R. Levad, C. Dexter, and K. Potter. 2004. Birds of Western Colorado Plateau and
Mesa Country. Grand Valley Audubon Society, Grand Junction, Colorado.
Spackman, S., B. Jennings, J. Coles, C. Dawson, M. Minton, A. Kratz, and C. Spurrier. 1997.
Colorado Rare Plant Field Guide. Prepared for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management,
the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by the Colorado Natural
Heritage Program.
USFWS. 2008. Birds of Conservation Concern 2008. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of
Migratory Bird Management, Arlington, Virginia.
Weber, W.A., and R.C. Wittmann. 2001. Colorado Flora: Third Edition. University Press of
Colorado, Boulder.
Whitson, T. D. (editor), L. C. Burrill, S. A. Dewey, D. W. Cudney, B. E. Nelson, R. D. Lee, and
Robert Parker. 2004. Weeds of the West, Ninth Edition. Western Society of Weed
Science in cooperation with Cooperative Extension Services, University of Wyoming.
Laramie.
WestWater Engineering Page 18 of21 December 2009
'.._/ ...../
Legend
-Proposed Access Road
~Proposed Pipeline
~ Proposed Well Pad
* Occupied Nest
* Unoccupied Nest
Figure 1
EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc.
Liberty Lease-Story Gulch
Wildlife and Sensitive Areas
December 2009
n \Nest Water Engineering "'::a Consulting Engineers & Scientists
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Legend
• Active Lek
• Inactive Lek
lgt~zJ GrSG Occupied Habitat
!lill GRSG Production Area
CJ GRSG Winter Range
EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc.
Liberty Lease-Story Gulch
Wildlife and Sensitive Areas-GRSG
December 2009
~ \NestWater Engineering -::;;JI Consulti ng Engineers & Scientists
Miles
0 0.5
'-,,,__... --
Legend
E lk Production Area
~
-Elk Winter Concentration Area
EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc.
Liberty Lease-Story Gulch
Wildlife and Sensitive Areas-Elk
December 2009
~ \NestWater Engineering
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Noxious Weed Management
ENCANA PLATEAU PROJECT
GARFIELD COUNTY, COLORADO
Cover Photo: View of Story Gulch near project location.
Prepared For:
EnCana Oil and Gas, USA
Parachute, CO
Prepared By:
Westwater Engineering
2516 Foresight Circle #1
Grand Junction, CO 81505
Decem her 2009
INTRODUCTION
EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. (EnCana) has requested WestWater Engineering (WWE) to
complete an "Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed Report" for a proposed natural gas
development project in Garfield County, Colorado. The project is located approximately 20.6
miles northwest of Rifle, Colorado. Project development will take place in Sections 24, 25, 26,
34, 35, and 36 ofTownship 4 South, Range 96 West (Figure I).
Construction will occur entirely on private land within EnCana's North Parachute Ranch. The
project site is accessible by both the Cow Creek Road and Sprague Gulch Road from Rio Blanco
County Road 5.
The primary use of the site and surrounding area is rangeland, wildlife habitat, and natural gas
extraction and development.
WWE identified noxious weed species that have the potential to occur in the project area based
on elevation, vegetation communities, and surrounding known noxious weed infestations near
the project area. It is recommended that the project area be surveyed for noxious weeds during
the next growing season to document specific infestations as this report was produced after the
2009 growing season and the first significant snowfall in the project area.
For detailed noxious weed management recommendations for weeds found in the project area
please refer to EnCana's North Parachute Ranch Integrated Vegetation Management Guidance
Reclamation and Noxious Weed Control, prepared by WWE in 2009.
NOXIOUS WEEDS
Four Colorado State Listed noxious weeds are likely to occur within the project area. Two of
these species are listed by Garfield County as noxious weeds. The weed species include:
common mullein (Verbascum thapsus), musk thistle (Carduus nutans), houndstongue
(Cynoglossum of!icinale), cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum). Recommended control methods for
these species are described in Table I.
REVEGETATION-RECLAMATION
Based on the soil types, terrain, and the potential for occurrence of noxious weeds in the project
area, successful reclamation is most likely if a seed mix of grasses and shrubs is used. For weed
management strategies and appropriate seed mixes for the project site, refer to EnCana's North
Parachute Ranch Integrated Vegetation Management Guidance Reclamation and Noxious Weed
Control.
Interim and final reclamation measures shall be consistent with those outlined in the Colorado
Oil and Gas Conservation Commission's (COGCC) amended rules, effective April I, 2009
(COGCC 2009). These regulations are expected to fulfill Garfield County's requirements for
interim and final reclamation standards.
WestWater Engineering Page I of3 December 2009
'--.._..,. ._/
Legend
-Proposed Ac cess Road
=-=-=-Proposed Pi peline
11111 Proposed We ll Pad
Figure 1
EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc.
Liberty Lease-Story Gulch
Integrated Weed Management
December 2009
n~stWater Eng ineering
9::;J1 Con sulting Eng ineers & Sci e nti sts
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2.000 4 .000
uk:h\G iS\\'VeedV igure t _Loc mxct nq
REFERENCES
COGCC. 2009. Amended Rules. Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, Department
of Natural Resources.
Sirota, J. 2004. Best management practices for noxious weeds of Mesa County. Colorado State
University Cooperative Extension Tri River Area, Grand Junction, Colorado. URL:
http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/TRA/W eeds/weedmgmt.html
State of Colorado. 2005. Rules pertaining to the administration and enforcement of the Colorado
Noxious Weed Act, 35-5-1-119, C.R.S. 2003. Department of Agriculture, Plant Industry
Division, Denver, 78 pp.
Whitson, T. D. (editor), L. C. Burrill, S. A. Dewey, D. W. Cudney, B. E. Nelson, R. D. Lee, and
Robert Parker. 2004. Weeds of the West, Ninth Edition. Western Society of Weed
Science in cooperation with Cooperative Extension Services, University of Wyoming.
Laramie.
WWE. 2009. North Parachute Ranch Integrated Vegetation Management Guidance
Reclamation and Noxious Weed Control. WestWater Engineering, Grand Junction,
Colorado.
Westwater Engineering Page 3 of3 December 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 1
INTEGRATED VEGETATION MANAGEMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR NPR ..... 3
LANDSCAPE SETTING ............................................................................................................... 3
Climatic Zones within the NPR .......................................................................................... 3
Upp er Zone ............................................................................................................. 3
Middle Zone ............................................................................................................ 4
Lower Zone ............................................................................................................. 5
RECLAMATION CHALLENGES AND AVOIDANCE RECOMMENDATIONS .................... 7
Best Management Practices (BMPs) .................................................................................. 8
RECLAMATION CONSIDERATIONS ...................................................................................... 10
Timing of Re-vegetation Work ......................................................................................... 10
Topsoil Handling .............................................................................................................. 11
Use of Fertilizers ............................................................................................................... 11
Use of Mulch ..................................................................................................................... 12
Use of Certified Seed ........................................................................................................ 12
Use of Local Seed ............................................................................................................. 12
Seed Testing ...................................................................................................................... 12
Inoculation of Legumes .................................................................................................... 13
Inoculation of Sterile Soils ................................................................................................ 13
Determination of Pure Live Seed (PLS) Ratio ................................................................. 13
SEED MIXTURE RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................ 13
Greater Sage-Grouse Occupied Habitat ............................................................................ 14
Harvesting Local Seed ...................................................................................................... 14
Adding Shrubs and Forbs .................................................................................................. 14
Developing a Seed Mix ..................................................................................................... 15
Reclamation Seed Mix Reporting ..................................................................................... 15
Reclamation Monitoring ................................................................................................... 15
NOXIOUS WEED MANAGEMENT .......................................................................................... 17
Background .. . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . ... . .. . . . . . . .. .. . . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. .. . . . . .. . .. . . . . .. . . .. . . . .. .. .. . .. .. . . .. . . .. . . . . . . .. .. . . . . .. .. . . . . . . 17
Inventory of Weed Species ............................................................................................... 18
Eradication, Control, Containment ................................................................................... 19
NPR Weed Management Objectives ................................................................................ 19
Priorities for Weed Management ...................................................................................... 21
Weed Species Priorities .................................................................................................... 21
Weed Infestation Priorities on NPR .................................................................................. 21
NOXIOUS WEED SPECIES PROFILES .................................................................................... 22
WestWater Engineering Page i June 2009
ANNUALS ....................................................................................................................... 24
BIENNIALS ..................................................................................................................... 27
PERENNIALS .................................................................................................................. 29
Monitoring ........................................................................................................................ 34
EVALUATION OF RE-VEGETATION SUCCESS ................................................................... 36
POST-RECLAMATION REMEDIATION AND REPORTING ................................................ 36
Remediation ...................................................................................................................... 36
Reporting ........................................................................................................................... 37
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................. 37
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A -List of Common and Scientific Plant Names
APPENDIX B -Menu-Based Seed Mixes by Habitat Type for Use in Interim and Final
Reclamation
APPENDIX C -Reclamation Seed Mix Preferred Species for North Parachute Ranch Plant
Communities, EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc.
APPENDIX D-High Priority Noxious Weed Species Management Guidance for Individual
Species (separate document)
APPENDIX E-Forms (Reclamation and Seed Mix Monitoring Form (Form El], Noxious
Weed Inventory Form (Form E2], and Ocular Vegetation Monitoring Form
[Form E3])
APPENDIX F -Annual Weed Control Calendar (separate document)
WestWater Engineering Page ii June 2009
INTRODUCTION
This Integrated Vegetation Management Guidance (IVMG) for North Parachute Ranch (NPR)
was requested by EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. (EnCana) to as a guide to remediation where oil
and gas development activities have disturbed the surface. EnCana has asked WestWater
Engineering (WWE) to provide recommendations and guidance to facilitate re-vegetation and re-
establishment of a natural succession of native plant species. This IVMG supersedes a
reclamation plan that was developed for NPR in 2006, which identified appropriate reclamation
seed mixes (WWE 2006). The 2006 reclamation plan includes a small section on weeds
management and recommends the creation of this IVMG.
Integrated vegetation management goals for the property support EnCana's corporate
responsibility policies, principles, and expectations. These principles are driven by an overall
mission to maintain the highest level of land stewardship while developing resources.
Four surface-management types of land use are found on NPR; two are developed and two are
undeveloped landscape. The developed landscape varies from intensively-developed, bare-
ground sites for the life of the development such as compressor stations, pipe yards, fabrication
yards, warehouses, and roads, to temporarily-disturbed landscapes (e.g., pipelines which are
intended to recover to productive rangeland conditions after successful reclamation). Other
surface management types include non-developed woodlands or rangelands and protected areas
(e.g., wetlands).
Re-establishing a self-sustaining vegetation cover that is integrated with the surrounding
ecosystems would fulfill EnCana's land use objectives. This guidance is intended to be a
"working document" and is subject to amendment and revision based on new information
developed through inventory and monitoring. Specific objectives of re-vegetation, grazing
management, and noxious weed control on NPR are to:
• Control erosion and sedimentation;
• Provide a self-perpetuating, drought-tolerant vegetative cover that is compatible with post-
construction land use;
• Use adapted native species for re-vegetation that are beneficial to livestock and wildlife and
will reduce the visual effect ofrights-of-way and other project components;
• Encourage native plant re-establishment by avoiding the use of highly competitive
introduced species such as smooth brome (Bromus inermes);
• Limit the introduction and spread of noxious and other annual weeds through prompt re-
vegetation; and
• Return disturbed land to a level of productivity comparable to pre-construction levels.
The recommendations included herein apply to disturbances on upland plant communities.
Wetland habitats that are not included as disturbance to these plant communities are expected to
be minimal. A partial list of wetland best management practices (BMP) are listed in the BMP
section of this guidance for the purpose of addressing aquatic resource crossings.
WestWater Engineering Page 1 of37 June 2009
This guidance provides recommendations for the following major subject areas:
(I) Reclamation challenges and critical area avoidance;
(2) Reclamation;
(3) NPR seed mixtures;
(4) Noxious weed control; and
(5) Reclamation monitoring.
Recommendations in this guidance are focused on increasing the desired plant species and
communities, rather than the elimination of weeds. Preventive programs keep undeveloped areas
free of species that are not yet established, but which are known to be pests elsewhere in the area.
Priorities are set to contain, control, or eradicate regulated weeds as prescribed by State law that
have been established on the property. Actions on other unregulated weeds will be taken if, after
careful consideration, there are indications that leaving the weeds unchecked would result in
greater damage than controlling the weeds. These weeds will be managed with the best available
methods, according to the actual and potential impacts on the land management goals for the
property, and according to the ability to control the weeds immediately rather than later.
This guidance follows an eight-step adaptive management approach:
o First, important natural vegetation and weed species are identified through inventory of the
property and by gathering information from other sources.
o Second, land management goals and weed management objectives are established and
recorded for the property.
o Third, priorities are assigned to the weed species and weed patches based on the severity of
their impacts, while considering the ability to control them.
o Fourth, methods are considered for controlling or otherwise diminishing the impacts of
weeds and, if necessary, priorities will be re-ordered based on likely impacts on target and
non-target species.
o Fifth, Integrated Weed Management (!WM) plans are developed based on this information.
o Sixth, the !WM plans are implemented.
o Seventh, the results of management actions are monitored and evaluated in light of weed
management objectives for the management area.
o Finally, this information is used to modify and improve weed management objectives,
control priorities, and !WM plans, thereby, starting the cycle again.
The premise behind a weed management plan is that a structured, logical approach to weed
management, based on the best available information, is less expensive and more effective than
an ad-hoc approach. WWE scientists add a postscript to the steps above and take the !WM to the
Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed Management Plan (IVNWMP) level.
West Water Engineering Page 2 of38 June 2009
INTEGRATED VEGETATION MANAGEMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR NPR
To meet the objectives listed in the introduction, the following goals will be established:
• Maintaining fully functional biological communities (e.g., sagebrush shrub-land, riparian
areas) and the processes (e.g., flooding, that maintain the biological community);
• Providing for species of special concern, including Greater Sage-Grouse, the appropriate
suite of raptor avifauna that are rare and valued, and sensitive plants;
• Preserving corridors for wildlife movement between seasonal ranges and migratory stopover
ranges;
• Producing natural forage for wildlife and livestock; and
• Maint11ining stable, ecologically functional landscapes supporting fisheries, wildlife,
liw;;tock, and landscape integrity by maintaining functional watersheds.
The above recommended land management goals are intended to preserve and sustain biological
communities, while sustaining a level of development sufficient to fully develop the natural
resources of the property. Biological communities of this area include: big sagebrush
shrublands, aspen, sub-alpine fir, Douglas fir woodlands, riparian woodlands, and riparian
shrublands. An important population of Greater Sage-Grouse ( Centrocercus urophasianus), a
species of special concern that is of considerable interest, is found on and adjacent to the West
Fork watershed on NPR. The Colorado River cutthroat (Oncorynchus clarkii pleuriticus) is also
a species of special concern, and is found in West Fork. Preservation of aquatic ecosystems
requires sound land management and reclamation practices. A major factor in the quality of
cutthroat habitat is overhead cover by narrowleaf cottonwood and mountain boxelder along with
excellent water quality. Further downstream, below NPR and other EnCana properties,
important aquatic species potentially affected by watershed activities include flannelmouth
sucker (Catastomus latipinnis), bluehead sucker (C. discobo/us), and roundtail chub (Gila
robusta). In the Colorado River below the Parachute Creek confluence, Colorado pikeminnow
(Ptycocheilus lucius), razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus), and humpback chub (G. cypha) are
potentially affected.
LANDSCAPE SETTING
Climatic Zones within the NPR
Three climatic zones are found within the NPR and are referred to as the Upper, Middle, and
Lower Zones. Similar precipitation patterns, soils, and plant communities exist within, but not
between, the three zones. The Upper Zone consists of lands above the rim rock escarpment of the
Roan Plateau at elevations between 7,500 to 8,500 feet, excluding slopes greater than 20% and
south facing areas. The Middle Zone consists of lands between the escarpment of the plateau to
the toe of the slope along the valley floors at elevations between 7,500 and 6,000 feet, including
steep, south facing slopes above 7 ,500 feet. The Lower Zone consists of the lower terraces and
floodplains along the valley bottoms of the major drainages below elevations of6,000 feet. The
location ofNPR is shown on Figure I, page 20.
Upper Zone
The Upper Zone receives 16 to 25 inches of annual precipitation. A majority of the annual
precipitation is received during the non-growing season (late fall/winter). Primary plant
communities in the Upper Zone are mountain big sagebrush/wheatgrass or needlegrass, upland
WestWater Engineering Page 3 of38 June 2009
deciduous shrub/wheatgrass or needlegrass shrublands, with lesser occurrences of aspen and
Douglas fir forests and riparian shrub, tree, and wetland habitats (see Appendix A for scientific
nomenclature of vegetation).
The plant communities in the Upper Zone have the greatest diversity of plant species. Most of
these species have adapted mechanisms for establishment and survival in the presence of the
competition exerted by other species in the community. These communities are dominated by
short-lived cool season bunch grasses, which are an important factor in providing interspaces for
establishment and maintenance offorbs and shrubs within the community. Some of the major
species in the Upper Zone are listed in Table I.
Table 1. Major Native Plant Species within select Upper Zone Plant Communities
(See Appendix A for scientific nomenclature)
Grass/Grass like Forbs Shrubs
Letterman Needlegrass Mountain Lupine Mountain Big Sagebrush
Colombia Needlegrass Silky Lupine Antelope Bitterbrush
Slender Wheatgrass Rocky Mtn. Penstemon Mountain Snowberry
Mountain Brome Watson Penstemon Low Rabbitbrush
Nodding Brome Sulphur Buckwheat Utah Serviceberry
Green Needlegrass American Vetch Gambel's Oakbrush
Idaho F es cue Western Yarrow Chokecherry
Elk Sedge Many-Flowered Phlox Red Elderberry
Basin Wildrye Arrow! eaf bal samroot
Blue Wildrye
Upper Zone Soils
Soils within this zone are primarily loam textured soils within the Parachute-Rhone-lrigul series.
These soils are mostly well-drained, cool soils with dark-colored, organic-rich surface layers
derived from shale and sandstone. Soil textures above the rim are generally loam with loam to
clay loam sub-soils and range in depth from <20 inches on ridges to >60 inches in swales. All of
the upland soils above the rim are in low to medium erosion classes (Fox et al. 1973).
Middle Zone
The Middle Zone receives 13 to 14 inches ofannual precipitation. A majority of the annual
precipitation is received during non-growing season (late fall/winter). A significant portion of
this zone consists of unstable slopes that are relatively barren ofany vegetation. According to
Fox et al. 1973, these barren slopes are fairly erosion resistant if undisturbed. Primary plant
communities on more stable slopes are bunchgrass/forb open grassland, upland deciduous
shrub/wheatgrass shrublands, pinyon/juniper woodlands, and Douglas fir forests (Table 2).
These communities are dominated by cool season bunch grasses.
WestWater Engineering Page 4 of38 June 2009
Table 2. Major Native Plant Species within select Middle Zone Plant Communities
Grass/Grass like Forbs Shrubs
Bluebunch Wheatgrass Fringed Sage (Half-Shrub) Utah Serviceberry
Indian Ricegrass Watson Penstemon Mountain Big Sagebrush
Thickspike Wheatgrass Sulphur Buckwheat Antel ope Bitterbrush
Green Needlegrass Western Yarrow Mountain Mahogany
Junegrass Lewis Flax Gambel's Oakbrush
Basin Wildrye Silky Lupine Mountain Snowberry
Elk Sedge Utah Sweetvetch Low Rabbitbrush
Middle Zone Soils
The area below the rim encompassing the cliffs, talus, and steep colluvia l slopes at the base of
the cliffs are derived from the Green River shale. Below the cliffs and talus is a zone of soils
formed from colluvium and Wasatch Formation. Soils are shallow and poor ly developed. There
are many rock outcrops and badlands. Badlands are steep, nearly-barren areas dissected by
several ephemeral drainages (Photo 1 ).
Lower Zone
Soils on the upper slopes of this zone
have a thin, organic -ri ch surface layer
and littl e development of so il horizons.
Soils on lower slopes are shallow-to-
moderately deep and are well drained .
Surface texture is loam, clay loam, or
silty clay loam with variable amounts of
gravel, cobb les and boulders, talus
slopes, and colluvial slopes below rock
outcrops . Soils are moderate to highly
alkaline. Sub-soils usually have higher
clay content and are calcareous. The
erosion hazard is usually severe.
The Lower Zone receives 10 to 13 inches of annual precipitation. A majority of the annual
precipitation is received during non-growing season (late fall /winter). This zone contains some
of the most arid and harsh sites on the Colorado Plateau. Primary plant communities in the
Lower Zone, on benches and terraces, are Wyoming big Sagebrush/wheatgras s shrublands
grading to salt desert shrubs like fourwing saltbush or shadsca le on the most arid sites. The
floodplain communities include basin big sagebrush/greasewood shrubland s on old floodplain
terraces and streamside riparian woodlands with cottonwood or box-elder habitats (Table 3).
Coo l-s eason bunchgrasses or cool-season sod-forming grasses or both dominate plant
communities in the Lower Zone.
WestWater Engineering Page 5 of38 June 2009
)
)
)
Table 3. Major Native Plant Species within select Lower Zone Plant Communities
Grass/Grass like Forbs Shrubs
Western Wheatgrass Hoods Phlox Wyominl! Big Sa11ebrush
Indian Rice11:rass Scarlet Globemallow Basin Bi11: Sa11:ebrush
Needle-and-Thread Grass Utah Sweetvetch Greasewood
Bottlebrush Squirreltail SilverleafLupine Rubber Rabbitbrush
June11:rass Lewis Flax Antelope Bitterbrush
Sandberg Bluegrass Longleaf Phlox Low Rabbitbrush
Bluebunch Wheat11:rass Thickleaf Penstemon Broom Snakeweed
Basin Wildrve Winterfat
Shadscale Saltbush
Four Win11: Saltbush
Riparian Habitat in tile Lower Zone
Streams are narrow and low, and high points in the annual hydrograph are widely divergent.
Riparian plant communities below the cliffs are deciduous woodlands on lower stream terraces,
floodplains dominated by Fremont cottonwood at lower elevations, and narrowleaf and box-elder
at higher elevations up to the escarpments. Mature box-elder woodlands, with a dense
understory of shrubs including river birch, alder, and red-osier dogwood, dominate the lower
West Fork immediately below the West Fork Falls (Table 4). The East Fork woodlands may
include Douglas fir. Woody plant diversity is greatest in undisturbed riparian habitat in this
zone.
Table 4. Major Native Plant Species within select Lower Zone Riparian Communities
Grass/Grass like Forbs Shrubs/Trees
Inland saltgrass Western white clematis Fremont cottonwood
Foxtail barley Marsh-elder Narrowleaf cottonwood
Arctic rush Wild licorice Box-elder
Switch grass Wild mint Black chokecherry
Western Wheatgrass Brook cinquefoil Skunkbush sumac
Prairie cordgrass Canada goldenrod Wood's rose
Golden currant
Sandbar willow
Peachleaf willow
Bebb willow
Lower Zone Soils
Soils in the lower zone are calcareous, moderate to strongly saline, loams and silty clay loams on
benches, terraces, and alluvial fans. Floodplain soils are sandy loam or loam stratified with sand,
gravel, or cobbles derived from shale or sandstone. Soils formed in the alluvium are derived
from sandstones, shales, and marls and appear on benches, terraces, alluvial fans, and floodplains
in the Lower Zone. Surface texture ranges from loam and sandy loam to clay loam with sub-
soils of sandy loam toclay(Foxetal.1973).
West Water Engineering Page 6 of38 June 2009
RECLAMATION CHALLENGES AND AVOIDANCE RECOMMENDATIONS
NPR presents extreme reclamation challenges from a broad array of climate and
geomorphological factors inherent to the site. Factors in this terrain often act synergistically and
increase the negative effects exponentially. These factors include:
• Steep slopes and potential for soil movement;
• Effective soil moisture issues including timing of seeding to coincide with natural
precipitation;
• Difficulty in re-contouring to blend with extreme slopes of natural topography;
• Thin soils due to infertility from slope, exposure, and soil source materials;
• Slumps (instability, difficulty in holding slopes);
• Difficulty preventing establishment ofnoxious weeds in disturbed land; and
• Riparian areas -especially those dominated by mature cottonwoods, box-elder, or shrubs
(due to wildlife and water quality value and long-term need to establish diverse age classes of
trees).
Such areas, if disturbed, are very likely to require more time and expense to effectively reclaim.
For example, riparian woodland and shrubland disturbances may require installation of live plant
materials in the form of containerized trees and shrubs. Installation and three years of careful
oversight and watering of these woody species to ensure survival, is far more costly than
disturbance on ridge-top and meadow sites which can be successfully re-seeded.
In addition to susceptibility to the erosion and sediment problems listed, noxious weeds also
present a reclamation challenge. For these reasons, it is recommended that new livestock grazing
leases for this area be deferred for the foreseeable future, and existing leases be managed
carefully. Canada thistle on the West Fork and houndstongue on the East Fork seriously threaten
riparian plant communities. It is likely that these problems are amplified by the grazing of
domestic livestock upstream from the NPR property. The spread of invasive weeds can be
reduced by preventing physical contact and ingestion of weed seeds by domestic livestock and
wildlife, thus avoiding biological transport of seeds via coat attachment (Photo 2) and fecal
excretion of viable seeds. Feasible contact prevention methods include, but are not limited to,
mechanical removal of mature seed heads, stunting plant maturity using herbicides,
herding/pasture management of domestic livestock, or livestock removal. Additionally,
preservation of native plant community competition and vigor is attainable by monitoring and
managing livestock grazing intensity, duration, distribution, rotation, and season of use.
Finally, this guidance addresses reclamation to enhance wildlife habitat, including that for birds
of prey, greater sage grouse, and Colorado River cutthroat trout. Reclamation seed recipes and
noxious weed control is a priority driven in part by the desire to protect indigenous wildlife
resources. For reclamation, seed recipes for greater sage grouse occupied habitat will include
forbs and shrubs and the appropriate sub-species of big sagebrush. In noxious weed control,
herbicides will not be used in riparian areas along streams unless approved for use around
aquatic resources. The native, mature riparian vegetation community in the riparian zones must
not be damaged by herbicide usage.
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)
)
Photo 2. Common burdock seeds on livestock. Weeds such as burdock and houndstongue
can be transported via coat attachment.
Best Management Practices (BMPs)
BMPs are important in integrated vegetation management. Many common reclamation and
stormwater BMPs ensure environmental protection and support preventative weed control. For
example, proper handling of topsoils encourages greater reclamation success, and greater spatial
and resource competition against weed species. The following BMPs will be used in areas of
surface disturbance where appropriate:
• Top soil, where present, will be segregated from deeper soils and replaced as top soil on the
final grade. A process known as live topsoil handling places newly excavated topsoil on
areas ready for re-top soiling.
•
•
•
•
Wetland vegetation, when encountered, will be live handled like sod, temporarily watered if
necessary, and placed over excavated sub-soil relative to the position from which the wetland
sod was removed.
Cut-off collars will be placed on all pipeline wetland and stream crossings to prevent back
washing or draining of important aquatic resources.
In all cases temporary disturbance will be kept to an absolute minimum .
Egui{'ment and .materials handling will be done on established sites to reduce area and extent
of soil compaction.
WestWater Engineering Page 8 of38 June 2009
• Disturbances will be replanted in the fall with the recommended mix in the re-vegetation
section. Due to the high demand for re-vegetation services, this is not always practical.
Planting done during less desirable seasons will likely have higher failure rates and a greater
need for post-reclamation remediation.
• Prior to delivery to the site, equipment will be cleaned of soils remaining from previous
construction sites, which may be contaminated with noxious weeds and ensure that vehicles
and equipment are free of soil and debris that are capable of transporting noxious weed seeds,
roots, or rhizomes.
• During the project, if sites with weed-seed contaminated soil are encountered, equipment will
be cleaned of potentially seed-bearing soils and vegetative debris prior to moving to
uncontaminated terrain (Photo 3).
Photo 3. Accumulated soil on equipment may transport seeds of
undesirable species between work sites.
• Periodic inventories of the property will be conducted to find new weed species or
locations.
• Bare ground will be reseeded and soil amendments (i.e., Biosol® humates , arbuscular
mycorhizal fungi) will be used as necessary, particularly in areas where soi l compaction
is a problem.
• Livestock management practices will be modified to reduce grazing stress on native
plants.
• Pipeline and road routes will be inspected for noxious weeds prior to vegetative clearing.
Any infestations will be recorded for construction and post-construction.
• In areas where infestations have been id entified, the following recommendations will be
applied:
WestWater Engineer in g Page 9 of38 June 2009
)
)
o Topsoil will be stripped from the project feature including trench and working side of
pipelines to create a "weed-free construction zone" for subsequent activities.
o Cleared vegetation and salvaged topsoil from weed infestation areas adjacent will be
stockpiled to the area from which they were stripped.
o Separation between stockpiles that contain noxious weed seed or plant parts and
surrounding stockpiles will be maintained.
o Stockpiles that contain noxious weed seed or plant parts and soil conditions.
o Vegetative material and topsoil from weed infestation sites will be returned to the
areas from which they were stripped.
• Re-vegetation activities will be implemented following construction as specified in Re-
vegetation Plan below, including:
o The use of supplemental re-vegetation efforts, where required, to ensure adequate
vegetative cover to help prevent the invasion of noxious weeds; and
o Soil amendments will be used where compaction, loss of soil microbes from
stockpiling or allelopathic noxious weeds have degraded site quality and soil
conditions.
• Imported gravel and padding material will be source-certified to ensure that the
originating site is noxious weed-free.
RECLAMATION CONSIDERATIONS
This section provides recommendations for actions that will be taken in conjunction with seeding
of sites undergoing reclamation as appropriate. This includes recommendations for sites affected
by lack of topsoil, compaction, or difficult sites. EnCana will consider the following prior to and
during reclamation:
(I)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Soil texture and moisture at the time of seeding;
Seed purity and germination percentage;
Seed mixture and seeding rates;
Seasonal precipitation, distribution, and temperature;
Soil fertility;
Season of seeding (late fall is much preferred);
Seeding and weed control contractor experience and availability when needed;
Time (it is likely to take from I to 5 years to achieve an acceptable vegetative cover);
Weed contro I.
Timing of Re-vegetation Work
Timing of re-vegetation is critical to the success of the reclamation project. Replacement of
topsoil will occur just prior to re-seeding to prevent early germination and establishment of
highly competitive annual weeds. In nearly all cases, re-vegetation will occur as quickly as
possible after topsoiling, in order to maintain soil nutrients and microbe levels, discourage weed
invasion, and control erosion.
West Water Engineering Page IO of38 June 2009
Re-seeding will occur immediately prior to the season of greatest precipitation, which is late fall
to early winter. Seeds of many native plant species exhibit dormancy and require a period of
moist, near freezing temperatures prior to germination. This will ensure that the seed will
germinate in spring when soil moisture and temperature conditions are optimum for
establishment and survival of the seedling. Also, several native species, such as big sagebrush,
begin their slow germination process under snow cover.
Ideally, topsoil replacement will occur in late August and September followed by re-seeding in
late September to early December prior to freezing of the soil surface. If re-vegetation occurs
too early, the seeds are subjected to unnecessary exposure to seed predators and spoilage. If it
occurs too late (spring planting), seeds and plants may encounter insufficient moisture to
germinate or to survive after germination and will be faced with higher competition from annual
weeds.
Topsoil Handling
Proper handling and storage of topsoil is critical to successful re-vegetation, especially in the
case of re-establishing important native plant species on disturbed areas. The topsoil contains
soil microbes (bacteria, micorrhiza, invertebrates) and seed banks of viable seed for the native
plants present on the site. Many native plant species depend upon the activity of soil microbes
for germination in some instances and for establishment and survival of most seedlings.
Topsoil is usually stripped from a site and stored in the smallest place possible in deep, unstable
piles. Stockpiling topsoil in deep, unstable piles for long periods (over 30 days) results in the
loss of topsoil microbes and viable seed. This is especially so where soils are stockpiled more
than several feet in height and biological activity is diminished from lack of oxygen.
Topsoil will be protected from erosion and weed invasion. Topsoil will be stockpiled in piles no
deeper than 2 feet, with stable slopes, and be positioned to minimize exposure to wind and water
erosion. Topsoil piles stored for longer than 30 days will be immediately seeded to provide
cover and reduce erosion, provide competition for weed species, and to maintain viability of the
soil fungi and microbe communities. Several fast germinating sterile cover crops ("Regreen"
and "Quickguard") are commercially available and will be used for shorter periods when topsoil
must be stored. Topsoil stored for more than one growing season will be seeded with one of the
recommended seed mixes, based upon the zone in which the soil is stored. Using the
recommended seed mixes on long-term storage piles will help maintain biological activity and
provide a seed bank of viable seed. Iflong-term stockpiling or deep stockpiling cannot be
avoided, application ofvesicular-arbuscular mycorhiza inoculants (see section below) may be
beneficial.
Use of Fertilizers
Fertilizer will not be used in the reclamation of arid or semi-arid sites such as NPR. These areas
are typically at high risk of invasion by exotic annual weeds, almost all of which are favored by
higher levels of nitrogen. Native western species are well adapted to the low fertility of soils in
these areas. There are many cases of severe weed infestations, which are directly attributable to
addition of nitrogen. In addition to the considerable cost incurred, the routine use of fertilizer
may well trigger problems with undesirable annual invaders, which can be essentially impossible
to correct.
Westwater Engineering Page I 1 of38 June 2009
Use of Mulch
Typically, all reclamation areas are mulched to ensure compliance with over-lapping, ever-
tightening regulation. Certified weed-free mulch is used on all reclamation sites. On steep
slopes (>25%), erosion matting/blankets are applied. Straw mulch is typically broadcast over the
prepared seed-bed followed by drilling of seed and crimping in a single pass. Drilling and
crimping should be cross-slope where possible to discourage rill erosion.
Use of Certified Seed
The two types of certified seed are "Blue Tagged Certified Seed" and "Yellow Tagged Source
Identified Seed".
Certified Seed (Blue Tag): Seed Certification is the means of maintaining the pedigree
(genetically pure seed) of a specific variety of seed. Each state has a seed certifying agency or
crop improvement association that certifies seed. Blue Tagged Certified Seed must meet high
purity and germination standards and have low weed content, usually less than 0.25 percent.
Blue tagged certified seed can not contain any prohibited noxious weeds of the state of
certification. Many native species are now available in certified cultivars and in most cases the
certified cultivars are lower cost.
Source Identified Seed (Yellow Tag): There is a strong market for native plant materials, but
there may not be certified ecotypes available due to a lack of breeding, low supply, high cost to
produce, or unreliable demand. Where feasible, native plant material will be acquired from
harvest areas with the same or higher latitude of the area of intended use. State seed laws only
require that the actual state of origin be on the label. To receive seed from a designated area,
EnCana will request "Source Identified Seed" to ensure that a certification agency has verified
the exact location from which the seed was harvested. Source Identified certification is in place
in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana. Yellow tags do not guarantee that the
seed is free ofnoxious weeds. EnCana will refer to the vendor's label for analysis and weed
content.
Use of Local Seed
Plant species commonly display considerable site adaptation and variability within and between
sites. Thus, seed collected far from its eventual planting site, perhaps from a north facing aspect,
often performs poorly compared to seeds of the same species collected closer to the planting site
or on the same aspect as the site where it is to be planted. Most professional seed suppliers
record the collection site and it may be possible to choose seed that is from locally adapted
plants. This is the source indentified, or yellow tag seed mentioned above. If acceptable yellow
tag seed is not available, the collection of local seed will be required.
Seed Testing
Testing seed is the only way to insure the quality of the seed (purity and viability) and that no
undesirable species are present. Purity tests show the percentages of crop, weed, and inert matter
(material other than seed such as stems or chaff), and show ifthe percentage of each species in
the mix meets the standards ordered. The terms germination and viability are sometimes used
interchangeably, but do not have the same meaning. A germination test will determine how
seeds perform under favorable conditions; however, some seeds are dormant and do not
germinate even though they are still alive. Dormant seeds have the potential to germinate if
West Water Engineering Page 12 of38 June 2009
dormancy is broken, usually through time and/or physiological stimulus. A viability test will
show the sum of the percent germinated and percent dormant seeds in a seed lot, providing
information on the potential germination of the lot. Proper seed sampling is very important and
reputable seed vendors will provide the testing information.
Inoculation of Legumes
Most legume seeds will be treated with commercially available Rhizobium inoculants to ensure
that they are able to make best advantage of their capabilities for nitrogen fixation. Due to the
noxious weed problems and the lack of selective herbicides for herbaceous plants, shrubs and
trees, no legumes are recommended in the seed mixes proposed by the Glenwood Springs Field
Office (GSFO), Bureau of Land Management (BLM). WWE recommends the use of these seed
mixes to facilitate the handling of seed. Directions have been provided on modifying the BLM
seed mixes to add forbs and shrubs where noxious weed problems do not exist or when
reclaiming sagebrush shrublands in greater sage grouse occupied habitat.
Inoculation of Sterile Soils
Vesicular-Arbuscular mycorhiza (AMF) is fungi components oflive topsoil significant to
approximately 80 percent of all native species. AMF form symbiotic relationships with plant
roots and increase water and nutrient uptake capacity of the plant by as much as three orders of
magnitude. There are two types of AMF and both are critical for plants in infertile soils or
drought prone areas, such as those often found on NPR. In most cases on NPR, endo-mycorhiza
will be used to inoculate the soil because this is the type of fungi that associates with herbaceous
and broad-leafed woody plants. If coniferous species such as pinyon pine, Utah juniper, or
Douglas fir are prescribed in reclamation, ecto-mycorhizal fungi would also be desirable.
Improperly stored topsoil and areas with little or no topsoil will be treated with commercial AMF
(Barrow and Mccaslin 1995).
AMF inoculants are available in two forms: as a granular form for application during broadcast
seeding; and as a fine powder for mixing in and coating of seeds prior to seeding or mixing into a
hydromulch applicator. Granular forms are typically applied at a rate of20 lbs/acre and powder
inoculants are applied to the seed at a rate of I lb/acre. When broadcast seeded, the granular
form must be incorporated into the soil with seed by harrowing.
Determination of Pure Live Seed (PLS) Ratio
Seed application rates are based on the percentage of pure live seed (PLS) in the supplied seed.
Seed may contain weed seeds, seed of other species, chaff, sand, other inert material, and broken
seeds. PLS equals the percent purity times the percent germination. Most species are sold on a
PLS basis, with the price adjusted accordingly. Seed will always be purchased based on PLS
rather than bulk. Less expensive seeds with lower purity and germination may actually cost
more on a PLS basis than more expensive seed.
SEED MIXTURE RECOMMENDATIONS
The recommended menu driven seed mixtures, shown in Appendix B, follow BLM guidance and
include native grasses that provide good soil protection, are not overly competitive to allow
native forbs and shrubs to repopulate disturbed areas, and are commercially available in
quantities for small acreage projects. Big sagebrush, Artemesia tridentata spp. and other native
WestWater Engineering Page 13 of38 June 2009
shrubs and forbs have been omitted from the BLM mixes due to widespread noxious weed
infestations and the priority of controlling noxious weeds first in temporary and long-term
disturbances. Because weed infestations are not generally as severe on NPR, the addition of the
appropriate sub-species of big sagebrush and forbs is desired whenever sagebrush dominated
plant communities are found. The process for substituting a portion of the grass with forbs and
shrubs in appropriate amounts is explained below and in Appendix B.
Greater Sage-Grouse Occupied Habitat
Where occupied habitat of Greater Sage-Grouse is found, the appropriate sub-species of
sagebrush will be added to the menu driven mixes in Appendix B. For example, where mountain
big sagebrush, Artemesia tridentata vaseyana or Wyoming big sagebrush, A. t. wyomingensis are
found, the use of Basin big sagebrush, A. t. tridentata will not be permitted. Where basin big
sagebrush is found on terraces and benches above streams, the use of basin big sagebrush would
be appropriate. In all situations if the appropriate subspecies cannot be acquired through seed
providers as yellow tag from an acceptable site, seed will be harvested from adjacent sagebrush.
Harvesting Local Seed
If no commercial sources of the appropriate sub-species of sagebrush are available, local seed
will be harvested. This relatively simple process involves monitoring the sagebrush
inflorescence to judge when the majority of seeds are ripe and easily expelled. This occurs in
late fall to early winter. Seeds are harvested by shaking the flower heads over a ground cover or
open container. Seeds are difficult to see and average about 2.5 million per pound. Seeds must
be immediately broadcast planted over the first snow pack of winter or carefully stored for later
use. Proper storage means first allowing the seeds and flower materials to dry by spreading out
over a ground cover or cotton cloth in a drying room (usually a large storage area). After air
drying for 24-48 hours, seeds will be placed in breathable cotton bags. Airtight bags result in
remaining moisture causing problems with and often ruining stored seed.
Sagebrush requires different seeding strategies than those most used (broadcast on frozen soil or
on early snow cover on roughened surfaces). It is very difficult to seed by drill, and often
requires the addition of rice hulls, wheat bran, or other coarse organic matter to help meter the
seeds slowly enough through the drill to prevent all the sagebrush seed being planted in the first
pass of a drill.
Adding Shrubs and Forbs
Activities that result in the removal of more than five acres of sagebrush, which are done in areas
that are not within 100 feet of sagebrush to provide seed source, will have the proper subspecies
of sagebrush included in the seed mixture at the rate of0.25lb/acre PLS added to the appropriate
mix for the site. The effect on the number of seeds per square foot will be ignored for sagebrush.
Forbs from the appropriate lower, middle, or upper zone lists in the preceding report will be
added in an appropriate ratio to maintain 60 seeds/sq. ft. total (see Tables I, 2, and 3, Appendices
A, B, and C).
Appendix B contains directions to add forb and shrub seed to the grass only mixes. By reducing
the total grass seeds/ft2 and adding the correct number of pounds offorb or shrub seed depending
on the species selected to provide the specified number of seeds of a species in the total mix.
Westwater Engineering Page 14 of38 June 2009
Appendix B includes a list of 13 forbs which can be used in the lower, middle, and upper zones
ofNPR.
For the menu driven recipes, the total pounds of mix will be reduced by the percent of grass
seeds replaced with forb and shrub seeds. An example of a decision to provide 5 seeds per
square foot for each of two species of forbs would reduce the total pounds of seed without forbs
by 17 percent per acre. Five seeds per square foot in an acre (43,560 square feet) are 217,800
seeds of each species. If species A has seeds which are 33,000/lb it would require 6.6 lbs of pure
live seed to provide 5 seeds/sq ft of Species A. In this example, if Species B has seeds which
number 144,000/lb then it would require 1.5 lbs of Species B to provide the 5 seeds/ft2 • So, by
adding 6.6 lbs of Species A and 1.5 lbs of Species B which when added to the mix, which was
reduced by 17 percent weight of PLS, the number of seeds/ft2 will be 60 total.
Developing a Seed Mix
Appendix C is the table Reclamation Seed Mix Preferred Species for NPR Plant
Communities, a listing for potential species suitable for reclamation work on NPR developed by
WWE biologists for the original NPR reclamation plan (WWE 2006). The list is provided to
account for site diversity, unstable prices, and highly variable availability of plants useful for
reclamation. The table can be used to replace a single, unavailable species or to develop a
complete seed mix. Of great importance is the soil texture adaptation information. Species with
wide ranges of tolerance (i.e., species with adaptation ratings of mostly twos and threes in the
table) will be selected whenever possible (Appendix C, Table C-7, page C-1).
It may be necessary to adjust the total number of seeds planted per square foot to precipitation,
soil moisture and texture, slope, and aspect. In the Lower Zone and riparian terraces, fewer total
seeds per square foot will likely yield better results if seedling plants are not affected by
crowding and competition from an excess number of surviving seedlings. In the Middle Zone of
NPR, more seeds can be planted due to generally higher precipitation and better soils in localized
areas, while Upper Zone precipitation and deeper soils will successfully sustain higher numbers
of seedlings per square foot.
Grasses have consistently performed better than forbs or shrubs in land reclamation. More
species of grasses will be in a mix than forbs or shrubs, except in the case of shrub-only
plantings.
Reclamation Seed Mix Reporting
Due to the size, complexity, and number of entities involved with reclamation on NPR, it is
important to record what type of plant materials, land treatments, and soil amendments are used
on each project. This information allows for future analysis of plant material selections and
application and land treatment used to help guide future reclamation decisions. A form,
Reclamation Seed Mix Reporting Form, page E3, is provided in Appendix E for this purpose.
Reclamation Monitoring
Success ofre-vegetation will be evaluated on the effectiveness of the vegetation for the post-
development land use of the property, and the extent of cover compared to the cover occurring in
natural vegetation of the area. Projected cover of desirable species will be based on cover
West Water Engineering Page 15 of38 June 2009
)
)
)
measured in undisturbed reference areas (not including non-native, invasive species such as
noxious weeds). Specifics will be addressed in a later section of the report.
A Natural Reference Area for each zone will be established over time in order to measure the
success of reclamation . Transects would be established in each zone for representative plant
communities to enable biologists to determine if desirable species have been successfully
established, and if they provide sufficient ground cover to adequately protect the site from
erosion and invasive weeds. Reclamation monitoring will provide evidence of whether a self-
sustaining plant community has been re-established and whether vegetative processes such as
reproduction and seedling survival are occurring.
If resource availability permits, transects will be done in late spring and late summer and would
provide identification and percent contribution of most, if not all, dominant plants found on
NPR. Monitoring results can be compared to studies conducted for oil shale projects in the
1970s(Ferchau 1973).
Representative views of current conditions reflect the diversity of plant communities on NPR.
f 1. ,~ /~ ' ~/ ; ' \:o .. f
':· .,,~ .~ . ·~, . . ' ' '.:
Upper Zone Ridgetop Shrublands
East Fork Parachute Creek Riparian
Westwater Engineering
I
I
Lower Zone Terraces
Riparian Woodlands below West Fork
Falls
Page 16of38 June 2009
Middle Zone cliffs , colluviums harsh
slope and aspect
Douglas fir on steep hillsides and ridge-tops Aspen woodlands
NOXIOUS WEED MANAGEMENT
Background
Weeds create large economic losses for agr iculture in cropland and range land situatio ns,
resulting in increased, non-point source sediment from vegetation community disturbances,
including those fro m noxious weeds. Noxious weeds provide poorer habitat for wildlife than
native vegetation. Proliferation of alien plant species alters ecosystem processes and threatens
certain native specie s with exti rpati on . The General Assembly of the State of Colorado passed
the Colo rado Weed Management Act, the Colorado Noxious Weed Act, in 1996 (Title 35,
Article 5.5, Section 35-5.5-104.5 to Section 35-5.5-11 8) (See also, Colorado rules and
regulations, 8 CCR 1206-2, Rules Pertaining to the Administration and Enforcement of the
Colorado Noxious Weed Act). T he act requires landowners and managers to manage noxious
weeds if they are likely to damage neighboring lands. The act also provides that each county in
Colorado will adopt a noxious weed management plan for the unincorporated portions of the
county. As part of the extensive land stewardship program for NPR, EnCana requested WWE
WestWater Eng in eerin g Page 17of38 June 2009
)
prepare a noxious weed management plan for the 45,000 acre NPR. This plan provides a
framework to control those plant species that are listed as "noxious" in Garfield County.
Many individual development projects within NPR have had separate IVMPs written and
submitted to Garfield County. The Water Park, Middle Fork Compressor Station, East Fork
Cuttings Cell, Shale Rock Pit, and Conoco Phillips Phase II gathering system are a few examples
of projects with separate plans. This plan is intended to replace the need for individual project
plans across the NPR.
Integrated means more than one type of action to control, suppress, eradicate, or reduce a
noxious weed species. Certain integrated weed management practices cannot be conducted on
the NPR. For example, prescribed burning followed by herbicide application to re-growth would
not be implemented due to the incompatibility with the terrain and the nature ofresource
development on NPR.
Integrating control methods and carefully scrutinizing herbicides is particularly important for
sensitive resources on NPR. Sensitive resources include occupied Greater Sage Grouse (GSG)
habitat, wetlands, riparian green belts on perennial waterways, Colorado River cutthroat trout
habitat on West Fork, and the threatened, endangered, or sensitive plant species (TESS). Known
TESS plants on NPR include sun-loving meadow rue, Piceance bladderpod, Roan Cliffs blazing
star, and hanging gardens sullvantia. Less likely present are adobe thistle, DeBeque milkvetch,
and DeBeque phacelia.
Utmost care and precaution will be used when handling and applying all restricted use
herbicides, including tebuthiuron. Additionally, these and all other pesticides will be applied in
accordance to the pesticide label, and only by a commercial pesticide applicator licensed by the
Department of Agriculture, State of Colorado. This process recognizes potential accumulation is
detrimental to the riparian vegetation community and subsequent potential impacts on GSG and
cutthroat trout.
Inventory of Weed Species
Several sources of information concerning confirmed noxious weed infestations and locations
are available. The most obvious source of information is EnCana employees and their
knowledge of the property. A second source of knowledge is contractors working on weed
control and reclamation. A third source is WWE scientists who conducted a number of studies,
inventories, and surveys including inventories of weeds on portions ofNPR since 2004. A
comprehensive, systematic weed inventory ofNPR has not been conducted. Some areas have
been intensively surveyed, including the ConocoPhillips Phase II Gathering System and other
projects mentioned previously, but the entire property has yet to be surveyed. Most observations
of weeds by WWE have been recorded as points using recreational-grade global positioning
systems accurate to within a range of I 0 meters. This accuracy is sufficient for trained weed
management personnel to locate the subject weeds.
All field personnel will be educated and trained in weed identification and will complete and
submit a Noxious Weed Inventory Form to EnCana's Weed Specialist upon discovery of an
infestation.
Westwater Engineering Page 18 of38 June 2009
Weed locations are shown on the map entitled "North Parachute Ranch Integrated Vegetation
Management Plan (Figure 1) which displays polygons encompassing more than one species of
noxious weeds and a point above the falls on West Fork for a single specimen ofa single species
of noxious weeds. This is an example of a high priority out-lying specimen which, if controlled
soon, may not become a long-term problem.
Eradication, Control, Containment
The A, B, and C lists in the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDOA) weed regulations
reflect the goals for each species on the list. The A list species are to be eradicated, B list species
controlled, and C list species contained. The terms are defined on the CDOA website and relate
to NPR as follows:
Eradication -Setting the goal of infestation eradication will be reserved for very small weed
populations found in NPR and any potential infestation of List A species, or other species not
previously recorded in Colorado. By eliminating a noxious weed when the population is low in
numbers, time, money, and effort are less than that required in the long run.
Control -If a noxious weed is found in substantial numbers or density in some parts ofNPR, but
not others, a "line in the sand" will be drawn to establish management areas. Goals for weed
control include the reduction of density, the reduction of spatial cover, and the prevention of
further spread.
Containment -Certain weeds are found in such large numbers that it is no longer realistic to
eliminate all populations. However, management practices may slow the further spread of the
weed (CWMA 2008).
NPR Weed Management Objectives
EnCana intends to meet the following objectives as appropriate and feasible:
• Reduce abundance of and control difficult weeds to eradicate, including whitetop, yellow
toadflax, Canada thistle, and Houndstongue. Treat isolated instances, both single plants
and patches, to reduce probability of spread;
• Treat Lindauer Meadow, McCarthy Gulch, and Cow Creek, all of which harbor multiple
species of weeds;
• Implement restoration of areas heavily impacted by development, such as Lindauer
Meadows, including seeding for native plants;
• Develop and implement employee awareness to identify weed invasions at the earliest
recognition;
• Reduce the threat of wildfire potential;
• Control erosion and sedimentation;
• Provide a self-perpetuating, drought-tolerant vegetative cover that is compatible with
post-development land use;
• Utilize adapted native species for re-vegetation that are beneficial to wildlife and that will
reduce the visual effect ofrights-of-way and other project components;
• Encourage native plant re-establishment by avoiding the use of highly competitive
introduced species;
• Limit the introduction and spread of noxious and other annual weeds through prompt re-
vegetation;
WestWater Engineering Page 19 of38 June 2009
)
)
• Point Infestations
--ARM12, CIAR4. CESTM. CYOF, VETH
D NPR Boundary
Polygon Col«$ 0e6(;fibe Different \i'Veed Combfnation1
'ffetlW'd lllll•IOl°""lfleUSOAP\.AH'fl ....._'e<mn'.11'1•.,..,.fdticws,,.,. \JSOrct d"1faAll•~
~. 'r~ ()nsa1'"-'Jnllult.Btmlll, "-"""
ENCANA .
~
North Para chute Ranch
Integrat ed Vegetation Manageme nt Plan
l"'.'Nest~ter Enalneerlng 7 ........... c-...... ~ -ti I
• Return disturbed land to a level of productivity comparable to pre-construction levels;
and
• Control established noxious weed populations through integrated techniques including
mechanical, chemical, and natural control agents.
Priorities for Weed Management
The most important IVMP technique for noxious weed management is to prevent weeds from
becoming established in the first place. Some specific Weed Prevention BMPs include the
washing of equipment, the avoidance grazing by livestock, and the prompt establishment of a
cover crop.
Weed Species Priorities
Weed management priorities are based on the actual or potential threat that weeds pose to the
management objectives for the property. Two factors are used to set priorities, namely the weed
species and the locations of weed infestations. Consideration of the specific species of a weed is
important because weeds vary considerably in the threat they pose to the resource values of the
property. In addition, weed species vary greatly in the susceptibility to control measures. Weed
species that pose the greatest threat to achieving the management objectives for the property are
those infestations that are relatively new and/or small in size.
High priority species are those that can be eradicated quickly and are in small, isolated patches.
Medium priority are either co-located with high priority species or have need for long-term
management. Low priority species include those widespread infestations that would require
significant land management inputs such as soil amendments, interseeding, and overlapping of
multiple control methods in order to successfully reduce density and abundance. Legally high
priority species are the Garfield County weeds and any State A or B list noxious weed.
Weed Infestation Priorities on NPR
Table 5 includes the weed species commonly found on NPR, the regulatory status, and suggested
priority for treatment. Much ofNPR is weed free. High priority for control was placed on Garfield
County species and Colorado A or B species not listed by Garfield County. The following areas
will be treated as impact occurs:
• All pipelines, pads, and roads with emphasis on West Fork and all NPR land above the
escarpment;
• Small, isolated patches of weeds listed in Table 5, below, many of which have been
identified including location by Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM);
• Small, isolated patches below escarpments;
• West Fork below Falls;
• Middle Fork and East Fork riparian shrubs and trees below escarpment and toe slopes;
• Lindauer Meadow (the big meadow at the confluence);
• McCarthy Gulch-Cow Creek areas (important due to location in upper Piceance
watershed); and
West Water Engineering Page 21 of38 June 2009
)
)
)
• Divide Road from Cow Creek west to West Gate.
Appendix D ha s an IVMG for high priority species and is presented in a separate document.
Table 5 . Garfield County Noxious Weeds and other State listed
and troublesome weeds confirmed on NPR
]c Species Species' Common name2 rll ·c ~ C) Code3 -= i" t C) ~·c C) ! ~ ....
~~ (5 ~ ~~
Garfield Cou nty Listed Noxious Weeds confirmed on NPR
Acroptilon repens Russian knapweed 8 H ACRE3 F
Arctium minus Common (Lesser) burdockc H ARMI2 F
Cardaria draba Hoary cress, Whitetop8 H CADR F
Carduus nutans Musk thistle 8 H CANU4 F
Centaurea dif(usa Diffuse knapweed 8 H CEDI3 F
Centaurea maculosa Spotted knaoweed8 H CESTM F
Cirsium arvense Canada thistle8 H CIAR4 F
CynoJdossum officina/e Houndston1?.ue8 H CYOF F
E/aeaf!llus angustifolia Russian olivetl H ELAN T
Linaria vu/garis Yellow toadflax8 H LIVU2 F
Tamarix spp.'s Salt cedarB H TARA T
State Listed Noxious Weeds confirmed on NPR but not listed by Garfield County
Cirsium vu/~are Bull thi st le 8 H CIVU F
Erodium cicutarium Redstem filarcc 8 M ERCI6 F
Lepidium latafo lium Perennial oennerweedtl M LELA2 F
Verbascwn thapsus Common mulleinc M VETH F
Bromus tectorum cheat1?.rassc L BRTE G
Convo/vu/us arvensis Field bindweedc L COAR4 F
Halo~eton Jdomeralus Halogetonc L HAGL F
Unlisted troublesome weeds confirmed on NPR
Po/y~onum aviculare Prostrate knotweed L POAV F
Lepidium perfo/iatum Clasping peooerweed L LEP E2 F
Sisymbrium soo. Tumble mustard L SIAL2 F
Descurainia sophia Flixweed (pinnate tan symustard) L DES02 F
Sa/so/a son. Russian Thistle M SAL SO F
1Nomenclature fo ll ows the USDA PLANTS database (USDA,NRCS 2006), 2Comm on name fo ll ows same, 3US Dept. of
Agricult ure official code, 4Forb, Grass or Tree, s Annual, Biennia l, Perennial. 8 State B List, estate C List
NOXIOUS WEED SPECIES PROFILES
p
B
p
B
p
p
p
B
p
p
p
B
A
p
B
A
p
A
A
A
A
A
A
It is critical to understand the biology of each species including it s life history (perennial, annual,
biennial). The following sections present a brief profile of each species starting with annuals and
biennials. Table 6 summarizes the control principles for annuals and biennials.
Westwater Engineering Page 22 of38 June 2009
Table 6. General Principles of Management by Life History: annuals and biennials
Target: prevent seed production
'ttand grubbing (pulling), hoeing, tillage, cultivation in rosette stage and before flowering or seed
maturity.
Chop roots below soil level.
Herbicide treatment in rosette or bolting stage, before flowering.
:Mow bienni~ls after bolting stage and before seed set; mowing annuals likely may not prevent the plants :
,from flowermg. '
Sirota 2004
Table 7 lists confirmed annual and biennial noxious weeds found on NPR. Field observations by
EnCana and WWE staff confirm the presence of several noxious weed species, including
Garfield County listed species.
Annual and winter annuals respond to reclamation, restoration, and use of competitive, native
grasses. Sound grazing management, including complete rest for a minimum of two years and
preferably three, will increase likelihood of success for native grasses.
Table 7. Confirmed annnal and biennial noxious weeds on NPR
i~ Species Species 1 Common name 2 ...
:E -~ Code 3 }'.·
Jl I>. 0 !
ic'.5 r:>
Arctium minus Common (Lesser) burdock M ARM12 F
Carduus nutans Musk thistle H CANU4 F
Cynog/ossum ofjicina/e Houndstongue H CYOF F
Bromus tectorum Downy brome/Cheatgrass M BRTE G
Cirsium vulgare Bull thistle H CIVU F
Descurainia sophia Flixweed L DES02 F
Erodium cicutarium Redstem filaree L ERCI6 F
Halogelon glomeratus Halogeton L HAGL F
Lepidium perfolatum Clasping pepperweed M LEPE2 F
Polygonum aviculare Prostrate knotweed L POAV F
Sa/sofa spp. Russian Thistle M SAL SO F
Thelypodiopsis e/egans Tumble mustard L THEL F
Verbascum thapsus Common mullein M VETH F
1Nomenclature follows the USDA PLANTS database (USDA,NRCS 2006)
2Common name follows same, 3US Dept. of Agriculture official code, 4Forb, Grass or Tree, 5 Annual, Biennial, Perennial.
Bold type indicates Garfield County noxious weed
~
t'
0 -tS
~ . i
B
B
B
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
WestWater Engineering Page 23 of38 June 2009
ANNUALS
Downy brome/Cheatgrass: Downy brome (or cheatgrass, as it is also known) changes color
rather dramatically from green to purple to brown as the plant matures in a relatively short time
period. Downy brome can greatly alter the species composition of dry, native rangeland
vegetation by competitive exclusion ofreproduction ofnative plant species and by facilitation of
wildfires. Invasion of downy brome is greatest in drier environments, particularly in sagebrush-
steppe communities. The process in which pristine shrub-steppe ecosystem deteriorates into one
that is dominated by downy brome takes several years and has several distinct cycles. First,
some sort of disturbance, such as heavy grazing, allows downy brome and other annuals to
invade and proliferate. The dry stands of downy brome in the summer increase the chance of
fires. Initially, this creates an environment dominated by annual grasses, snakeweed
( Gutierrezia spp. ), and rabbitbrush. As fires become even more frequent, the area will be
dominated by annual grasses alone, with the loss of surface soil, soil microbes, nutrients, and
near permanent deterioration of the site. Species that are commonly displaced by downy brome
include big sagebrush, antelope bitterbrush, bluebunch wheatgrass, western wheatgrass,
Sandberg bluegrass, needle-and-thread grass, and Thurber's needlegrass.
Keys to Identification:
• Short leaves with long hair
• Foliage turns purplish before maturing to straw color
• Seed heads droop, have long awns
• One of the first plants to germinate in the spring
Flixweed: Flixweed (pinnate tansymustard) is an early seral species which quickly invades
areas of exposed mineral soil with reduced plant cover. Flixweed is an early-blooming winter
annual or biennial and is one of the first weeds to appear in the spring. Flowering occurs from
March through July, depending on geographic location. It can survive in dense stands for a few
years if undisturbed, but is generally replaced by cheatgrass or other species (Howard 2003). In
later seral stages, flixweed competes poorly with perennial grasses and forbs. Land management
practices which maintain healthy grass communities will prevent the spread of flixweed. As
with other annual plants which reproduce by seeds, flixweed can be controlled by eliminating
seed production until the soil seed bank is depleted.
Keys to identification:
• Leaves alternate, 2 to 3 times pinnately compound
• Segments of leaves very narrow
• Stems holding seed capsules are nearly the same length as the capsule
Redstem Filaree: Redstem filaree, also known as stork's bill, is an annual, winter annual, or
biennial. It is usually a low prostrate plant, consisting of a basal rosette and flowering stalks.
The stalks are erect, about 40-cm (16-inches) high and originate in the axils of the leaves. The
leaves are divided into fine leaflets, similar to those of a carrot. The flowers are about I-cm ( 1/2-
inch) across, pink or purplish, and borne in clusters of2-12 on long flower stalks. The sepals of
the flowers are awn-tipped and hairy. The flower column is 2.5-4 cm (1-1 1/2 inches) long and
resembles a stork's bill. At maturity, the developing seed splits into five segments, each with a
long, spirally-twisted tail that carries a seed at its base. The seeds survive for 1-3 years in the
soil. When the soil is disturbed there are flushes of germination. Developing plants prefer cool
conditions and tolerate shade well.
WestWater Engineering Page 24 of38 June 2009
Check low spots for patches. Scout fields early because redstem filaree quickly grows past the
recommended stages for herbicide application. Note that the first true leaves are very close to
the ground and hard to see. It is drought tolerant, and during dry seasons, it can seriously reduce
forage yields. Winter annual redstem filaree plants compete and set seed early in the spring and
will be controlled the previous fall with tillage after the majority of plants have germinated.
Keys to Identification:
• Leaves of young plant form rosettes
• Leaves are divided into narrow feather-like lobed or toothed segments
• Flowers are purplish-pink borne in clusters of two or more
• Fruit is long-beaked
Halogeton: This annual forb flowers during July and August and fruits in the fall on disturbed,
barren, alkaline clay, clay loam, and sandy loam soils. Halogeton glomeratus is able to
withstand high concentrations of salinity. It is often associated with black greasewood and
shadscale. Salt from the soil accumulates in the plant tissues and leaches from dead plants and
roots back onto the soil surface increasing salinity and favoring establishment ofhalogeton over
other species. Soil nutrient levels change significantly under halogeton cover.
This species inhabits disturbed sites, road sides, and arid lands in poor ecological condition. It is
often found in large stands in cheatgrass, salt desert shrub, shadscale, saltbush, saltgrass, and
pinyon pine-juniper plant communities.
Proper grazing management and management of site disturbance are critical to reduce halogeton
invasion. Early detection and control via mechanical and chemical methods are required to
prevent major infestations. The best control method for halogeton is prevention. This can be
achieved by not disturbing the soil in potential infestation sites. If disturbance is necessary,
follow by planting site with species adapted to the harsh environment. Halogeton can be
controlled by mechanical tillage, but for long term control this must be followed by reseeding.
Chemical application may damage native and desired plants. Chemical control must be followed
by actively altering the plant community with desirable plants to have a lasting effect.
Keys to identification:
• Bluish-green tubular leaves on red stems
• Leaves turn red or yellow by late summer
Clasping Pepperweed: Clasping pepperweed is a winter annual or annual, and is native to
Europe. It has become widely established throughout much of the western United States in
disturbed areas, croplands, and pastures (Whitson et al 2006). Clasping pepperweed grows from
6-18 inches tall, and flowering and seed production occur from April through June. Flowers are
white to yellow and leaves are alternate with lower leaves dissected and the upper leaves
clasping and heart-shaped (Whitson et al. 2006).
Keys to identification:
• 6-18 inches tall
• Stems erect, branched at the top
• Leaves are alternate, with lower leaves dissected, upper leaves heart-shaped, clasping
• Flowers are white to yellow
• Stems are reddish-brown
West Water Engineering Page 25 of38 June 2009
Prostrate knotweed: Prostrate knotweed is a frequent weed of turf, roadsides, vacant lots,
gravel parking areas, gardens, and any other site that has compacted soil and sufficient moisture
to complete its life cycle. In turf it is found where heavy wear causes soil compaction. It is a
typical weed of footpaths or dirt roadways. It can serve as a host for diseases, such as powdery
mildew, and is an alternate host for the parasitic weed dodder. Prostrate knotweed germinates in
late winter or early spring, when sufficient moisture is available. It often germinates in soil
cracks in compacted soil, and seedlings appear in lines where the cracks are. Though it
germinates in early spring, it grows slowly and upright before becoming prostrate. If mowed, it
remains prostrate and spreads, forming a mat that is 3 to 4 feet in diameter. Seeds develop low
to the ground on the plant and readily survive mowing. Flowering may occur from March
through October. One of the best methods of control is to mitigate the condition under which
this weed grows best-compacted soils.
Keys to identification:
• Prostrate through early life stages, 1 -3 feet tall at maturity
• Wiry corrugated stems that are enlarged at each joint
• Small, pink flowers occurring at the leaf axils
Russian thistle: Russian thistle is a bushy summer annual with numerous slender ascending
stems that become quite woody at maturity. Stems vary from 8 to 36 inches in length and
usually have reddish to purplish stripes. Seedlings have very finely dissected leaves that almost
look like pine needles. Russian thistle normally will not germinate successfully in firm soil; the
soil in the site must be loose, such as that found on temporary disturbances on perimeters of
industrial sites. Other likely sites for germination include roadsides, fence lines, or any open site
with loosened soil. Russian thistle can also threaten native plant ecosystems. Large plants can
reduce highway safety by obstructing views along right-of-ways and can cause drivers to swerve
their vehicles in an attempt to avoid colliding with windblown plants crossing roads. In many
areas, plants accumulate along tree rows and fence lines, posing a serious fire hazard that
necessitates hours of manual labor for cleanup and disposal.
Keys to identification:
• Rounded, bushy, much-branched annual 1/2 to 3 feet tall
• Stems usually red or purple striped
• First leaves alternate, string-like and soft
• Later leaves short, scale-like, and tipped with a stiff spine
Tumble mustard: An annual thriving in waste places to 7,500 feet, including fields, roadsides,
and deserts; blooming period is May to July. Tumble mustard does not usually persist in late-
seral communities and may not require special control measures. Canopy closure, litter
accumulation, and/or growth interference from later-succession species tend to exclude tumble
mustard over time. Because tumble mustard is an early seral species, minimizing soil
disturbance and seed dispersal while maintaining a healthy plant community is the best way to
prevent establishment of tumble mustard.
Keys to identification:
• Stem simple below, much branched above having a brushy appearance
• Leaves alternate and of two types, lower coarse and divided into broad lobes or leaflets,
upper much reduced, finer with narrow lobes or segments
• Flowers small and pale yellow
• Reaches 2-5 feet tall
WestWater Engineering Page 26 of38 June 2009
BIENNIALS
The best control periods are li sted for biennial weeds found on NPR, and are shown in Table 8.
I Table 8. Biennial Weed Biology
lspecies [Type* µ;;--IFeb IMarch IApril l"MaY IJune !July -~I Sep t -~I Nov lnec
l~H-ou-n-ds-to-n-gu_e ___ rs-lrose ttes 1--> !Pr'ebud lnowe ring -seed se t I lgerminat ion r-1--> P-1-->
[This tle, Bull - 1st yr -["B r---llge rrnin at ion frosc ttes 1--> i-=> -p --> p 1--> I-~
~e, Bu ll -2nd yr [B [--->--[-->[--> r::;--bolting [fl owering i;-ed se t--> P-~l rosett es r I
IThistle,Mu sk-l styr ra--r---1 !germin ation l;settcs [--> i:;---p-r:;--p-[=>I
IThi stl e, Mu sk -2nd yr ~l rosettes 1--> 1--> f=> lli o1t lnowering lseed se t P-r-1 11
!Co mm onburdock rs--ll lge rrnin at ion rose ttes I jnowe ring-seedset I ll
Co mm on mull-ei -n --f loorrnancy [Emerge ;~~wering, seed 1 11
I• A =annual; WA = winter annua l; B =bi ennial;
~ed areas indicate best control timing --------------
Common Burdock: Common burdock can commonly be found g rowing along roadsides, ditch
banks, in pastures, and waste areas. It generally prefers riparian areas that have mo ist, fertile
so ils with high nitrogen contents. Common burdock burs can become entangled in the hair of
liv estock, thereby damaging the quality of wool fro m sheep , the vigor of suck lin g calves, which,
in turn , reduces the value of the se resources. The bulk of germination occurs in early spring
(Gross et al. 1980). During the first year, the plant forms a rosette. The following year, the plant
produces a sto ut, grooved, ro ugh stem with numerous branches. Flowering and seed production
occur from July to September. Seeds a re mature by September and are shed continuously
throughout the autumn, winter, and following spring. As with o ther pl a nts which re produce
solely by seed, integrated ma nagement efforts mu st include the elimination of see d production
and the depletion of the seed bank. Combine herbicide or tillage treatment ofrosettes with
removal of seed heads from any plants that have bolted . Preventing di s persal of burs is
particularly importa nt.
Keys to Identification :
• Rosette leaves large and heart shaped
• Found in disturbed places including riparian s hrub s and trees
• Purple flowers
Musk thistle: The waxy leave s are dark green with a light green midrib and mostly w hite
ma rgins. The large and showy flower s are terminal, flat , nodding, 1-l/2 to 2-l/2 in ches across,
purple, rarely white, and are surrounded by numerous large, lance-shaped, sp in e-tipped bracts .
Blooms appear in late May a nd June and set seed in June or July. Mu sk thi stle is commonly
fo und in pa stures, pipelines, roads ides, a nd waste places . It prefers moi st , bottom land so il , but
can be found on drier uplands . Musk thistle is a highly competitive weed which invades
disturbed areas, pasture, rangeland , forest land , cropland, a nd waste areas througho ut most of the
United States . Musk thistle spreads rapidly and forms extensive stands, which force out
des irable vegetation . Musk thistle may produce alle lopathic chemicals t hat inhibit des irable
plants beyond the spread of the rosettes. Seeds germinate in the fall, formi ng a rosette of leaves.
Typically, mu sk thistle over-winters as a rosette and bo lt s the following s pring between April-
June. Flowering begins in late May or early June and continues throug h mid-Jul y. Seeds mature
Westwater E ngineering Page 27 of38 June 2009
)
and are dispersed I to 3 weeks after flowering. Seedlings establish only on bare soils and grow
less when shaded by neighboring plants. Musk thistle reproduces solely by seed.
Keys to Identification:
• The waxy leaves are dark green with a light green midrib and mostly white margins
• The large and showy flowers are terminal, flat, nodding, 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inches across,
purple, rarely white, and surrounded by numerous, lance-shaped, spine-tipped, very large
bracts
• Blooms appear in late May and June and set seed in June or July
The key to managing musk thistle is to prevent seed production. Most control methods will have
a detrimental effect on other plants and may cause a disturbance that will favor re-invasion by
other exotic species. Dense musk thistle stands along roadsides and in degraded areas can be
treated by spot use of herbicides, and in high-quality areas by a persistent program of pulling or
cutting. The seeds of musk thistle are viable for up to 10 years, which means that control
methods may have to be repeated for many years to completely eliminate a stand.
One integrated approach to musk thistle management involves 1) managing livestock grazing to
increase grass vigor and reduce bare ground; 2) spray rosettes with clopyralid or 2, 4-D;
3) re-seed treated ground with competitive desirable plants in the fall after spraying; and
4) follow-up with spot cutting of entire plants when first flowers appear annually for several
years to deplete the seed bank in the soil.
Houndstongne: Houndstongue is a biennial that reproduces by seed and produces a rosette the
first year. During the second year, a flowering stem bolts and produces fruit. Houndstongue is a
poor competitor with native perennials and requires disturbed or bare areas to establish. Once
established, houndstongue quickly forms dense monocultures. Treat first year plants with
herbicides. Mow bolted plants to eliminate seed production. Repeat this process for several
years to exhaust the seed bank. It is imperative to establish a healthy population of native
perennials on treated areas to prevent the re-establishment ofhoundstongue or other noxious
weeds.
Keys to identification:
• Large rough basal leaves like a hound's tongue
• Small, reddish-purple flowers in clusters on branch ends
• Barbed nut-let seed dispersed by mechanical means
Bull thistle: Another species which reproduces by seeds is the Bull thistle. The leaves are
prickly-hairy above and cottony below with stiff pointy spines on leaf tips. Flowers are quite
wide and are clustered at the end of branches. Leaves are alternate. Bull are the only thistles in
Colorado that are prickly hairy on the top surface of the leaves. They are cottony-hairy on the
undersides. In mature plants, the leaves extend down, clasping the stem and are divided into
segments (i.e., strongly decurrent). Native Cirsium species are also found and some are common
like wavyleafthistle, Cirsium undulatum, and some are rare like adobe thistle, Cirsium
perplexans. The natives generally do not have leaves clasping the stem all the way from node to
node (strongly decurrent leaves), and many have hairy upper and lower leaf surfaces and are
blue-green or gray in color. Bull thistle does not tolerate shade and, therefore, does not compete
well in areas that are populated by tall grasses and forbs. Improving the health of a natural area,
and guarding against disturbance or overuse, can be a good preventative measure against bull
thistle. Chemical control is most effective when rosettes are targeted in fall or spring, depending
WestWater Engineering Page 28 of38 June 2009
on population density and the plant's stage of growth. Mechanical controls can be used to
eliminate small populations or plants in a later growth stage. To be effective, plants with buds or
flowers will be collected and immediately either land-filled or destroyed in a method that
eliminates seeds.
Keys to identification:
• Only thistle in Colorado with prickly hair on the top surface of the leaves, sometimes
quite so
• Leaves are cottony below, alternate, extend down and clasp the stem in mature stage
• Flowers are multiple and clustered at the end of branches
Common mullein: A biennial forb reproducing by seed, common mullein flower spikes are up
to 7 feet tall with basal leaves covered with wooly hair. Seeds of common mullein germinate in
the early spring, forming a rosette that continues to grow into late autumn and over winter (Gross
and Werner 1978). The following spring, the plant produces a tall stem topped with a flowering
raceme. Flowering and seed production occur from June to August. As with other plants which
reproduce solely by seed, integrated management efforts must include the elimination of seed
production and the depletion of the seed bank. Combine herbicide or mechanical removal of
rosettes with removal of seed heads from any plants that have bolted. Revising land
management to reduce competition for native plants has shown to be effective.
Keys to identification:
• Common mullein flower spikes are up to 7 feet
• Basal leaves are covered with wooly hair
PERENNIALS
The following section is devoted to perennial weeds. Many are very difficult to control and
impossible to eradicate (Table 9).
Table 9. Principles of management by life history for perennials
Target: deplete nutrient reserves in root system, prevent seed production
Allow plants to expend as much energy from root system as possible; do not treat when first emerging in ;
spring but allow growing to bud and bloom stage.
Herbicide treatment at bud to bloom stage or in the fall. In late summer and early fall plants draw
:nutrients into the roots for winter storage rather than into leaf or stem production. Properly applied
herbicides will be drawn down to the roots more efficiently at this time. If the weed patch has been there
a long time, anoth3er season of seed production is not as important as getting the herbicide into the root
system. Spraying in the fall will kill the following year's shoots, which are being formed on the roots at
this time.
Mowing usually is not recommended because the plants will flower anyway; seed production may be
reduced, however. Effect of mowing is species dependent so know the IVM treatments which work best
on the target species.
Tillage may or may not be effective. Most perennial roots can sprout from pieces only one-half to one-
inch long. Tillage spreads species such as Canada thistle and yellow toadflax. When mowing or
'performing other work, clean machinery thoroughly before leaving the weed patch.
Hand pulling is generally not recommended for perennial species unless you know the plants are
;seedlings and not established. Hand pulling can be effective on small patches, but is very labor intensive ·
because it must be done repeatedly.
Sirota2004
West Water Engineering Page 29 of38 June 2009
)
Field observations by EnCana and WWE staff confirm the presence of several noxious weed
species including Garfield County listed species (Tab le 10).
Table 10. Confirmed perennial noxious weeds on NPR
Species• Common name1
]c
~ ·c
~·~ ~~
Species
Code3
Acropti/011 repe11s Russian knapweed H ACRE3
Cardaria tlraba Hoary cress, whitetop H CADR
Ce11ta11rea diffusa Diffuse knapweed H CEDI3
Ce11taurea m aculosa Spotted knapweed H CEMA4
Cirs/11111 arve11se Canada thistl e H C IA R4
Elaeag1111s a11gustifolia Russian olive H ELAN
Li11aria vulgaris Yellow toadflax H LIVU2
Tamarix spp. Salt cedar H TARA
Convolnulus arven sis Fie ld bindweed L COAR4
Lepidium latifolium Perennial p epperw eed L LELA2
1Nomenclature follows th e USDA PLANTS database (USDA,NRCS 2006); 2Co mmo n name follows same;
3US Dept. of Agriculture offic ial code; 4Forb, Grass or Tree ; s Annua l, Biennial, Perennial.
Bold type indicates Garfield County noxious weed
,Q
i"
Q ~
(5 ~
F
F
F
F
F
T
F
T
F
F
T he shaded a reas in Table 11 indicate the best times to apply control efforts on high priority
perennial s pecies based on knowledge of the p lant's life history and various stages of growth.
Table 11. Perennial Noxious Weed Biolo gy
1-
Q ...
.lQ = ~
:.:3
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
!species rType• !1~ rFeb !March -,April [May !June !Jul y -[Aug [Sept !Oct [Nov [Dec
~:~~v:ed, 1~111--F ergc s l~l nowering F -->---Jregro\~h ~f
[Hoary~ICP -r--j ~nce-[!lowering [=> [seedsct regrowt h 1--> 1--> -r-=> f--,-
~~;\~:ed ~ II Ro settes --> (bolt Jnowering Jse ed set F Ill
~:ii~eed,-[P -11-~enninat:;:['(bolt flowering Jsee dse;-[--> J--, -I
~:~~e~ F -111 F --> 1-->-F vering ~d ~I I
Russian
Olive
r;-ldonn:;,t --leaves -fflowering and -1-~ 1 1 r---r---1 Ir emerge !seed se t gro\ con ro I I I
..---Toadfl-ax, r;-i--11..-----L~h ~~flowering c:--==--c:--r---1
Yellow Ir I I lgru\\ !stage ,--..... -seed set r.... r.... I I
leave s lgromh Fwering & seed set
Shaded areas indicate best control timing.
*Tamarisk control can be done at any time of year , but is eas ier when leaves are absent and weather is coo ler.
WestWater Engineering Page 30 of38 June 2009
Brief descriptions of each perennial or creeping perennial species follow.
Russian knapweed: Russian knapweed is a perennial forb which was likely introduced from
Eurasia around the late l SOO's. It forms dense colonies in disturbed areas such as roadsides,
cultivated fields, orchards, and pastures (Whitson et al. 2006). Russian knapweed displaces
native species and reduces forage production, and it is also toxic to horses. Once established,
Russian knapweed uses a combination of adventitious shoots and allelopathic chemicals to
spread outward into previously undisturbed areas. It is characterized by its extensive root
system, low seed production, and difficulty to control. Flowering occurs from June to September
(Whitson et al. 2006).
Due to Russian knapweed's persistence, recommended control methods include the combination
of chemical control with the reseeding of competitive grasses.
Keys to Identification:
• Black roots
• 6into3Y,fttall
• Lower leaves 2-4 in long, upper leaves smaller, entire or serrate
• Flower heads pink to lavender, cone-shaped, Y. to Y, in diameter, solitary at tip of
branches
Hoary cress (Whitetop): Hoary cress is highly-competitive perennial mustard, which has an
extensive rhizomatous root system and grows erect from 10 to 24 inches in height. It is one of
the earliest emerging plants in the spring, and reproduces by seed from heart shaped seed pods.
Flower heads are white with four petals. Hoary cress is common on disturbed soils, especially
those which are alkaline (Whitson et al. 2006), and once established, is difficult to control.
Keys to Identification:
• White flowers with 4 petals
• Grows erect from 10 to 24 inches high
• Leaves are alternate, Y, to 2 inches long, blunt, blue-green, and clasp stem
Diffuse knapweed: Diffuse knapweed is a pioneer species that can quickly invade disturbed and
undisturbed grassland, shrubland, and riparian communities. Once established, diffuse
knapweed outcompetes and reduces the quantity of desirable native species such as perennial
grasses. Diffuse knapweed contains allelopathic chemicals, which can suppress competitive
plant growth and create single species stands (Watson and Renney 1974). The densities of these
stands can range from 1-500 plants/m2 . The replacement of native grassland with diffuse
knapweed can reduce biological activity and increase soil erosion (Sheley et al. 1997). Diffuse
knapweed plants first form low rosettes and may remain in this form for one to several years,
depending on environmental conditions. Diffuse knapweed plants that complete their juvenile
growth by the fall overwinter as rosettes and bolt in early spring (Watson and Renney 1974).
Diffuse knapweed plants that have not finished the juvenile stage by the end of fall remain as
rosettes through the second year and bolt during the third year. Flower buds are formed in early
June and flowering occurs in July and August (Watson and Renney 1974). Mature seeds are
formed by mid-August (Watson and Renney 1974).
Keys to Identification:
West Water Engineering Page 31 of38 June 2009
• When leaves are young, they are covered by fine hairs
• Flowers are mostly white or purple, solitary or in clusters of2 or 3, and are located on
each branch tip
• The bracts surrounding each flower bear 4 to 5 pairs oflateral spines and one long
terminal spine. Diffuse knapweed can resemble spotted knapweed with the black tipped
bracts. The difference is the sharp spine at the end of the bract that is characteristic of
diffuse knapweed.
Spotted knapweed: This plant is a short-lived perennial or biennial and can be distinguished
from its close relative diffuse knapweed by the lack of a terminal spine at the tip of its bracts.
Spotted knapweed germinates in spring or fall. Spotted knapweed seedlings develop into and
remain as rosettes for at least one growing season while root growth occurs. It usually bolts for
the first time in May of its second growing season and flowers August through September
(Rutledge and McLendon 1998). Spotted knapweed can spread readily by stems that are carried
on vehicles or in infested hay or seed. Early detection and prompt control of small spotted
knapweed infestations are by far the most economical ways to manage this weed. Spotted and
diffuse knapweed can be managed similarly. They are readily controlled with herbicides, but
will re-invade unless cultural techniques are used. Researchers have found that a 90 percent
reduction in diffuse knapweed was necessary to shift the competitive relationship in favor of
bluebunch wheatgrass.
Keys to identification:
• Rosette leaves are up to six inches long and deeply lobed
• Principal stem leaves pinnately divided, have smooth margins and become smaller
toward the top of the shoot
• Flower heads are solitary at the end of branches
Canada thistle: Canada thistle spreads rapidly through horizontal roots, which give rise to
shoots. Its root system can be extensive, growing horizontally as much as 18 feet in one season.
Most Canada thistle patches spread at a rate of 3-6 feet/year, crowding out more desirable
species and creating thistle monocultures. Canada thistle reproduces primarily vegetatively
through creeping horizontal roots (rhizomes), and can quickly form dense stands. Every piece of
the root system is capable of forming a new plant, which allows dense monocultures of Canada
thistle to form even without seed production.
The tendency of this species is to grow in wet areas, which may restrict the use of certain
herbicides. Control efforts will target Canada thistle plants in high-quality areas, such as West
Fork of Parachute Creek, first. Management strategies will be adjusted to reflect weather
conditions. For example, drought stress reduces the effectiveness of most herbicides, but
increases the effectiveness of mechanical controls (e.g., mowing or burning).
It takes at least two years of control to determine whether a particular method is effective.
Several studies have recorded a temporary decline in Canada thistle in the first year of control
followed by a return to the pre-treatment conditions the second growing season (Nuzzo 1998).
Keys to identification:
• Flower heads purple and in clusters of 1-5 per branch, small
• Leaves spiny, alternate oblong, or lance-shaped
• Base leaves stemless and clasping down along the main stem
West Water Engineering Page 32 of38 June 2009
Russiau olive: This small tree can reproduce by seed or root suckers and is tolerant of shade.
Flowers are small, light yellow clusters. Olive-shaped fruits, silver when first formed and then
becoming yellow-red when mature, are produced in 3 to 5 years, often in great quantities.
Leaves are simple, alternate, narrow 2-to 3-inches long and are un-toothed. The upper surface
of the leafis light green; the lower surface is silvery-white with dense scales. It is often
confused with silver buffaloberry, Shepherdia argentea, a highly desirable native shrub with
opposite leaves found along rivers and streams in many of the same locations and habitat as
Russian olive.
Keys to identification:
• Tree to 30 feet
• Small yellow flower clusters
• Leaves alternate, narrow, 2-to 3-inches long and untoothed on the edge
• Leaves light green on top, lower surface silvery white with dense scales
Yellow toadflax: Yellow toadflax is a perennial forb, native to Eurasia, and was likely
introduced to the United States as an ornamental in the late 1800's. This species is commonly
found on disturbed or cultivated ground, including, roadsides, fencelines, rangelands, croplands,
clear cuts, and pastures (Whitson et al. 2006). It aggressively forms colonies through
adventitious buds from creeping root systems, which can push out native species, leading to
reduced species composition of natural communities. Spring emergence occurs in mid-April
throughout most of Colorado, but occurs later at higher elevations. Flowering occurs from May
through August, and seeds mature from July through October.
Keys to identification:
• 1-2 feet tall
• Flowers are yellow, I in long, resemble snapdragons
• Leaves alternate, linear-shaped, 2 Y, or more inches long, pale green
• The strong, upright floral stems that are characteristic of mature toadflax plants develop
after a winter's dormancy, and emerge about the same time as seedlings in mid-April
Salt cedar: Salt cedar is a perennial shrub or tree. Plants concentrate salt that they deposit onto
the soil through their leaf drop. Other riparian species are unable to survive the salty conditions
and Salt cedar can then become the only plant growing in an area through the process known as
allelopathy. Some reports show that one acre of Salt cedar can use 7.7 acre feet of water a year.
This is enough water to supply about 7 households of people each for a year. It is an aggressive,
woody invasive plant species that has become established over much of the area (Carpenter
1998). Salt cedar crowds out native stands of riparian and wetland vegetation. It increases the
salinity of surface soil rendering the soil inhospitable to native plant species. Salt cedar
provides, generally, lower wildlife habitat value than native vegetation. It uses more water than
comparable native plant communities and dries up springs, wetlands, riparian areas, and small
streams by lowering surface water tables. Salt cedar widens floodplains by clogging stream
channels and increases sediment deposition due to the abundance of salt cedar stems in dense
stands.
Keys to identification:
• Loosely branched shrub or small tree
• Numerous slender branches
• Small alternate, scale-like leaves
• Small pink to white flowers
West Water Engineering Page 33 of38 June 2009
Field bindweed: This is a creeping perennial reproducing by seed and horizontal roots. It is one
of the most competitive perennial weeds. A two or three-year food supply is stored in the
extensive underground root system. This makes it difficult to kill by cultivation because roots
will live as long as their food reserve lasts. Seeds can also stay viable in the soil for up to 40
years. It is widespread in cultivated areas, pastures, lawns, gardens, roadsides, and waste areas.
Bindweed mites (Aceria malherbae) are showing success in reducing field bindweed in portions
of Mesa County by as much as ninety percent (Emmons 2007).
Keys to identification:
• Stems are smooth, slender
• Leaves alternate, great variation in shape but often arrow-shaped
• Flowers are white, pink or variegated bell or trumpet shaped up to I inch
Perennial pepperweed: General requirements for perennial pepperweed demand open, non-
shaded areas of disturbed, and often, saline soils. Perennial pepperweed is locally common in
riparian areas, marshy floodplains, valley bottoms, and seasonally wet areas from 5,500 to 9,000
feet. It is found in big sagebrush communities of the Piceance Basin of Colorado (Zouhar 2004).
A combination of mechanical treatment by cutting or pulling and herbicide applications can
provide effective control of perennial pepperweed. Plants will be cut or pulled during the flower
bud stage. Herbicides will be applied to the recovering stems when they return to flower bud
stage later the same year.
Keys to Identification:
• Perennial pepperweed has dense clusters of white flowers that appear in early summer
• The leaves and stem are covered with a waxy layer
Monitoring
Monitoring is the repeated collection and analysis of information to evaluate progress in meeting
resource management objectives. Periodic observation of the weeds being managed is necessary
to evaluate the effectiveness of a weed control program. If management objectives are not being
met, weed control actions need to be modified. The same is true for reclamation. Without some
type of monitoring, there is no way of knowing whether control actions are contributing to the
fulfillment of management objectives.
Monitoring using different objectives is required for successful weed control. Early spring
monitoring will be done prior to vegetative activity to determine earliest possible time to
commence control efforts. Seven to ten days after herbicide or mechanical treatment, monitoring
will be done to identify missed spots or plants. Mid-summer monitoring will continue for
observation of plant phenology to identify earliest and best time to commence late summer and
early fall treatment. Herbicide and mechanical treatment areas will be monitored to identify
missed spots or plants. The Noxious Weed Inventory Form (Appendix E, form E2) is for this
purpose.
A continuous, systematic check of roadsides, pipelines, facilities and known infestations is
necessary to maintain an effective program. Due to the number of species of weeds, these
monitoring observations must commence prior to spring emergence, bolting, flowering, or other
stage development so the most appropriate or effective method for treating the target species can
be accomplished with the appropriate stage of growth.
West Water Engineering Page 34 of38 June 2009
Qualified re-vegetation specialists will conduct annual semi-quantitative surveys ofNPR and
other project components following reclamation and noxious weed control. The re-vegetation
specialists will:
• Assess general plant establishment
• Identify noxious weed populations unaffected by past efforts
• Describe grazing impacts by wildlife or livestock
• Determine the need for further re-vegetation, reclamation, or noxious weed control efforts
Portions of the NPR having similar vegetative characteristics will be grouped and evaluated
by vegetation community and type of impact. Sites will be defined by assessing the
following parameters: 1) topography, 2) soils or substrate, 3) adjacent plant community, and
4) re-vegetation establishment. Within each site, the following variables will be evaluated
and compared to immediately adjacent areas (see Ocular Vegetation Monitoring Form,
Appendix E).
• Total Vegetation Cover: Total non-stratified (i.e., cannot exceed 100 percent) plant canopy
cover will be ocularly estimated as a range in percent in each survey site.
• Vegetation Cover by Morphological Class: Vegetation cover for each class will be
ocularly estimated as a range in percent in each survey site. The sum of all morphological
class cover values is normally greater than the total non-stratified cover value due to the
overlap of classes (e.g., perennial grasses growing under shrubs). Morphological classes will
include:
o Native Perennial Grasses
o Introduced Perennial Grasses
o Native Annual Grasses
o Introduced Annual Grasses
o Native Perennial Forbs
o Introduced Perennial Forbs
o Native Annual/Biennial Forbs
o Introduced Annual/Biennial Forbs
o Subshrubs/Shrubs
• Species List: All species observed during monitoring efforts will be recorded.
• Noxious Weeds: Noxious weeds, if present, will be documented on separate noxious weed
inventory forms within areas disturbed by the project (Appendix E).
• Vegetation Utilization/Trampling/Pugging: Signs of vegetation utilization (grazing or
browsing) and/or trampling or pugging of wetlands by livestock or wildlife will be
documented if it appears that use is impeding vegetative establishment (generally greater
than 60 percent utilization over several growing seasons in arid or shrub land environments).
The severity of the problem will be classified as low, moderate, or high. Percent vegetative
utilization in the survey area will be ocularly estimated. Total area of infestation by square
foot, acres, or hectares will also be determined. The type of livestock or wildlife using the
area will be identified.
WestWater Engineering Page 35 of38 June 2009
)
)
Severe pugging around a spring Pugging by cattle in a saturated field
Areas with poor germination and/or growth will be documented and the cause of the problem
determined (e.g., soil compaction, erosion, depleted soils).
An ocular vegetation monitoring field form is attached in Appendix E .
EVALUATION OF RE-VEGETATION SUCCESS
Final reclamation stabilization for NPR projects will typically have been achieved when relative
canopy cover of native perennial and annual species at a site is equal to 80 percent of canopy
cover of native perennial and annual species in adjacent comparison areas.
Exceptions may apply to this rule. For example, shrub and/or tree cover in the adjacent
comparison area may preclude achievement of the 80 percent final stabilization criterion in all
locations; however, desirable species cover on the project may be effectively limiting erosion
and sedimentation.
POST-RECLAMATION REMEDIATION AND REPORTING
Remediation
Any portion of the reclamation or noxious weed project components lacking successful
establishment of desirable species (seeded species plus native volunteers) compared to adjacent
vegetation will be reseeded. Site-specific evaluations will be undertaken to address areas that
may be impacted by grazing, off-road vehicle use, compacted soils, or noxious weed presence.
Additional seeding will be completed during the first appropriate seeding window. If it is
determined that precipitation amounts significantly above or below the annual average are
affecting vegetation establishment, additional seeding activities will be deferred until the next
appropriate seeding window.
Remediation recommendations will be noted on the Ocular Vegetation Monitoring Form and
Noxious Weed Inventory Form as appropriate. These forms can be found in Appendix E.
WestWater Engineering Page 36 of38 June 2009
Reporting
All reclamation and post-reclamation monitoring will use the attached forms for reporting seed
mixes and soil treatments, ocular vegetation monitoring of reclamation, and noxious weed
inventory. These forms can be found in Appendix E.
REFERENCES
Barrow, J.R., and Bobby D. McCaslin, 1995. Role of microbes in resource management in arid
ecosystems. In: Barrow, J.R., E.D. McArthur, R.E. Sosebee, and Tausch, Robin J.,
comps. 1996. Proceedings: Shrubland ecosystem dynamics in a changing environment.
Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-GTR-338. Ogden, UT: USDA, Forest Service, lntermountain Res.
Sta., 275 pp.
Board of County Commissioners. 2006. Garfield County zoning resolution of 1978, amended
October, 2006. Board of County Commissioners, Building and Planning Department,
Glenwood Springs, Colorado, 78 pp.
Carpenter, A.T., 1998. Element Stewardship Abstract for Tamarisk. The Nature Conservancy,
Wildland Weeds Management & Research Program. http://tncinvasives.ucdavis.edu/
CWMA. 2008. Colorado Noxious Weed List. Colorado Weed Management Association:
http://www.cwma.org/nxwdid.htm#B%20List
Emmons, Bob. 2007. Personal communication. Extension Specialist, TriRiver Extension
Service, Colorado State University, Grand Junction.
Ferchau, Hugo. 1973. Vegetative Inventory Analysis and Impact Study of the Parachute Creek
Area, Garfield County, Colorado. Chap. VI In: The Colony Environmental Study,
Parachute Creek, Garfield County, Colorado. Vol. III, Thorne Ecological Institute,
Boulder, 77pp.
Fox, Charles J., H. D. Burke, J. R. Meiman, and J. L. Retzer, 1973. Soils Inventory Analysis and
Impact Study of the Colony Property-Garfield County, CO. Chap. III, In: The Colony
Environmental Study, Parachute Creek, Garfield County, CO., Vol. III. Thome Eco.
Inst., Boulder, 52 pp.
Granite Seed Company. 2004. Granite Seed Catalog. Granite Seed Company, 1697 West 2100
North, Lehi, Utah 84043, 89 pp.
Gross, K.L. and P.A. Werner. 1978. The biology of Canadian weeds. 28. Verbascum thapsus L.
and V blattaria L. Canadian Journal of Plant Science. 58: 401-413.
Gross, K.L. 1980. Colonization by Verbascum thapsus (Mullein) of an Old-Field in Michigan:
Experiments on the Effects of Vegetation. Journal of Ecology. 68: 919-927.
Howard, Janet L. 2003. Descurainia pinnata. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire
Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [2008,
October 21].
WestWater Engineering Page 37 of38 June 2009
Lajeunesse, S. 1999. Dalmation and yellow toadflax. Pages 202-216 in R.L. Sheley and J.K.
Petroff, editors, Biology and management of noxious rangeland weeds. Oregon State
University Press, Corvalis.
Nuzzo, V., 1998. Element Stewardship Abstract for Cirsium arvense. The Nature Conservancy,
Wildland Weeds Management & Research Program. http://tncinvasives.ucdavis.edu/
Rutledge, C.R. and T. McLendon. 1998. An Assessment of Exotic Plant Species of Rocky
Mountain National Park. Department of Rangeland Ecosystem Science, Colorado State
University. 97 pp.
Sheley, R.L., J.S. Jacobs, and M.F. Carpinelli. 1997. Distribution, Biology, and Management of
Diffuse Knapweed (Centaurea dijfasa) and Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea maculosa).
Weed Technology. 12(2): 353-362.
Sirota, Judith. 2004. Best management practices for noxious weeds of Mesa County. CSU
Cooperative Extension Tri River Area, Grand Junction, Colorado: URL:
http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/TRA/PLANTS/index.html#http://www.coopext.colosta
te.edu/TRA/PLANTS/bindweedmite.html
USDA, NRCS. 2006. The PLANTS Database, 6 March 2006 (http://plants.usda.gov). U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Plant Data
Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490.
Watson, A.K. and A.J. Renney. 1974. The biology of Canadian weeds: 6. Centaurea diffusa and
C. maculosa. Canadian Journal of Plant Science. 54(4): 687-701.
Whitson, T.D. (ed.), L.C. Burrill, S.A. Dewey, D.W. Cudney, B.E. Nelson, R.D. Lee, and R.
Parker. 2006. Weeds of the West. 9th ed. Laramie: University of Wyoming.
WWE, 2006. North Parachute Ranch reclamation plan. EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc.,
Parachute, Colorado, 17 pp. by WestWater Engineering, Grand Junction, Colorado.
Zouhar, Kris. 2004. Lepidium latifolium. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire
Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [2008,
October 21].
West Water Engineering Page 38 of38 June 2009
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A -List of Common and Scientific Plant Names
APPENDIX B -Menu-Based Seed Mixes by Habitat Type for Use in Interim and Final
Reclamation
APPENDIX C -Reclamation Seed Mix Preferred Species for North Parachute Ranch Plant
Communities, Encana Oil & Gas (USA), Inc.
APPENDIX D-High Priority Noxious Weed Species Management Guidance Outline and
Individual Species IVMPs (separate document)
APPENDIX E-Forms (Reclamation and Seed Mix Monitoring Form [Form El], Noxious Weed
Inventory Form [Form E2], and Ocular Vegetation Monitoring Form [Form E3])
APPENDIX F -Annual Weed Control Calendar (separate document)
WestWater Engineering Appendices June 2009
APPENDIX A
) LIST OF COMMON AND SCIENTIFIC PLANT NAMES
Cross Reference of Names of Plant S ecies used in Document
Scientific Name
Canada thi stl e C irsium a rve nse
Co lumbia Needl e ra ss Achnatherum nelsonii ss . dore i
Carex e eri
Nassella viridula
Achnatherum h m enoides
Achnather um /ettermanii
Mo untain Brome
Ne edle & Thread Gra ss . comata
)
Am erican Vetch Vi cia americana
Arrow leaf Ba lsamro ot Balsamorrhiza sa itata
Cice r Milkv etch
Lewi s Blu e Flax
Man -fl owered Phl ox
Mountain Lu ine . r ubricaulis
Rock Mount ain Pen stem on
Sainfoin
Sca rlet G lobemall ow S haeralcea coccinea
Sca rlet Indi an Pain tbru sh Castille ·a m iniata
Small Burn et
Sulfur Bu ckwheat
Thickleaf Pe nstem on
Utah Sweetv etch H ed sarum bo reale
Wat so n Penstemon P enstemon waston ii
We st w at er Enginee rin g App endi x Page A-1 Jun e 2 0 09
APPENDIX A
LIST OF COMMON AND SCIENTIFIC PLANT NAMES
Cross Reference of Names of Plant S ecies used in Document
)
Common Name Scientific Name
Western Yarrow Achillea lanulosa
Gamb el Oak
Gardner Saltbush
Low Rabbitbrush
Red Elderberr Sambucus racemosa
Rubber Rabbitbrush
Skunkbush Sumac
Shadscale
Utah Serviceberr Amelanchier utahens is
)
Dou las Fir
Narrow leaf Cottonwood
WestWater Engineering Appendix Page A-2 June 2009
APPENDIXB
MENU-BASED SEED MIXES BY HABITAT TYPE FOR USE IN INTERIM AND FINAL RECLAMATION
Table B-1. Low-Elevation Salt-Desert Scrub/Basin Big Sagebrush
Common Name Scientific Names Variety Season Form PLS
lbs/acre*
Plant Both of the Following (5% Each, 10% Total)
Fourwing Saltbush Atriplex canescens VNS Shrub 2.5
Shadscale Atriplex corifertifolia VNS Shrub 2.0
and Two of the Following (25% Each, 50% Total)
Bottlebrush Squirreltail Elymus elymoides, Sitanion hystrix VNS Cool Bunch 3.4
Streambank Wheatgrass Elymus lanceolatus ssp. psammophilus, Sodar Cool Sod-forming 4.2 Awonvron rivarium
Bluebunch Wheatgrass Pseudoroegneria spicata Secar Cool Bunch 4.7
and One of the Following (20% Total)
Indian Ricegrass Achnatherum [Oryzopsis] hymenoides Paloma, Rimrock Cool Bunch 3.7
Sandberg Bluegrass Poa sandbergii, Poa secunda VNS Cool Bunch 0.6
and One of the Following (10% Total)
Alkali Sacaton Sporobolus airoides VNS Warm Bunch 0.15
Salina Wildrye Leymus salinus VNS Cool Bunch 1.0
and One of the Following (10% Total)
Galleta Pleuraphis [Hilaria} jamesii Viva florets Warm Bunch/Sod-1.6 formin"
Sand Dropseed Sporobolus cryptandrus VNS Warm Bunch 0.05
*Based on 60 pure live seeds (PLS) per square foot, drill-seeded. Double this rate (120 PLS per square foot) if broadcast or hydroseeded.
WestWater Engineering Appendix Page B-1 June 2009
APPENDIXB
MENU-BASED SEED MIXES BY HABITAT TYPE FOR USE IN INTERIM AND FINAL RECLAMATION
Table B-2. Pinyon-Juniper Woodland and/or Mountain/Wyoming Big Sagebrush Shrubland
Common Name Scientific Names Variety Season Form PLS
lbs/acre*
Plant Both of the Following (15% Each, 30% Total}
Bottlebrush Squirreltail Elymus elymoides, Sitanion hystrix VNS Cool Bunch 2.0
Bluebunch Wheatgrass Pseudoroegneria spicata, Agropyron Secar, P-7, Anatone, Cool Bunch 2.8 svicatum Goldar
and Two of the Following (20% Each, 40% Total)
Thickspike Wheatgrass Elymus lanceolatus ssp. /anceo/atus, Critana, Bannock, Cool Sod-forming 3.4 Awovvron dasvstachvum Schwendimar
Slender Wheatgrass Elymus trachycau/us, Agropyron Revenue, Pryor Cool Bunch 3.3 trachvcaulum
Western Wheatgrass Pascopyrum [Agropyron] smithii Rosana, Arriba Cool Sod-forming 4.8
and Two of the Following (15% Each, 30% Total)
Indian Ricegrass Achnatherum {Oryzopsis] hymenoides Paloma, Rimrock Cool Bunch 2.8
Galleta P/euraphis {Hilaria] jamesii Viva florets Warm Bunch/Sod-2.5 forming
Muttongrass Poa fendleriana VNS Cool Bunch 0.4
Sandberg Bluegrass Poa sandbergii, Poa secunda VNS Cool Bunch 0.4
*Based on 60 pure live seeds (PLS) per square foot, drill-seeded. Double this rate (120 PLS per square foot) if broadcast or hydroseeded.
West Water Engineering Appendix Page B-2 June 2009
APPENDIXB
MENU-BASED SEED MIXES BY HABITAT TYPE FOR USE IN INTERIM AND FINAL RECLAMATION
Table B-3. Mixed Mountain Shrubland, Including Oakbrush
Common Name Scientific Names Variety Season Form PLS
lbs/acre•
Plant Both of the Following (20% Each, 40°/o Total)
Bottlebrush Squirreltail Elymus elymoides, Sitanion hystrix VNS Cool Bunch 2.7
Bluebunch Wheatgrass Pseudoroegneria spicata, Agropyron Secar, P-7, Cool Bunch 3.7 spicatum Anatone, Goldar
and Two of the Following (15% Each, 30% Total)
Thickspike Wheatgrass Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus, Critana, Bannock, Cool Sod-forming 2.5 A!!rovvron dasvstachwm Schwendimar
Slender Wheatgrass Elymus trachycaulus, Agropyron San Luis Cool Bunch 2.5 trachvcaulum
W estem Wheatgrass Pascopyrum [Agropyron] smithii Arriba, Rosana Cool Sod-forming 3.6
and One of the Following (10% Total)
Big Bluegrass Poaampla Sherman Cool Bunch 0.3
Canby Bluegrass Paa canbyi, P. secunda Can bar Cool Bunch 0.3
Muttongrass Paa fendleriana VNS Cool Bunch 0.3
and One of the Following (10% Total)
Letterman Needlegrass Achnatherum {Stipa] lettermanii VNS Cool Bunch 1.7
Columbia Needlegrass Achnatherum [Stipa] nelsonii, Stipa VNS Cool Bunch 1.7 Columbiana
Green Needlegrass Nassella [Stipa] viridula Lodorm, Cucharas Cool Bunch 1.4
and One of the Following (10% Total)
Indian Ricegrass Achnatherum [Oryzopsis] hymenoides Nezpar, Paloma, Cool Bunch 1.9 Rimrock
June grass Koeleria macrantha, K. cristata VNS (North Cool Bunch O.l American oricin)
*Based on 60 pure live seeds (PLS) per square foot, drill-seeded. Double this rate (120 PLS per square foot) if broadcast or hydroseeded.
Westwater Engineering Appendix Page B-3 June 2009
APPENDIXB
MENU-BASED SEED MIXES BY HABITAT TYPE FOR USE IN INTERIM AND FINAL RECLAMATION
Table B-4. Spruce-Fir Forest, Including Mountain Meadows
Common Name Scientific Names Variety Season Form PLS
lbs/acre*
Plant Both of the Following (20% Each, 40% Total)
Mountain Brome Bromopsis [Bromus J marginatus Gamet, Bromar Cool Bunch 5.8
Slender Wheatgrass Elymus trachycau/us, Agropyron San Luis Cool Bunch 3.3 trachycau/um
and Two of the Following (15% Each, 30% Total)
Letterman Needlegrass Achnatherum [Stipa} lettermanii VNS Cool Bunch 2.6
Blue Wildrye Elymus glaucus VNS Cool Bunch 3.6
Idaho F es cue Festuca idahoensis Joseph, Nezpurs Cool Bunch 0.9
and Two of the Following (15% Each, 30% Total)
Nodding Brome Bromus anomalous VNS Cool Bunch 2.7
Thickspike Wheatgrass Elymus lanceo/atus ssp. /anceolatus, Critana, Bannock, Cool Sod-forming 2.5 A "'onvron dasystachvum Schwendimar
Big Bluegrass Poaamp/a Sherman Cool Bunch 0.4
Wheeler Bluegrass Poa nervosa VNS Cool Sod-forming 0.4
*Based on 60 pure live seeds (PLS) per square foot, drill-seeded. Double this rate (120 PLS per square foot) if broadcast or hydroseeded.
Westwater Engineering Appendix Page B-4 June 2009
APPENDIXB
MENU-BASED SEED MIXES BY HABITAT TYPE FOR USE IN INTERIM AND FINAL RECLAMATION
EXAMPLES OF MENU-BASED SEED MIXES BY HABITAT TYPE FOR USE IN TEMPORARY SEEDING
Table B-5. Example for Low-Elevation Salt-Desert Scrub/Basin Big Sagebrush, Pinyon-Juniper, and Mountain/Wyoming Sagebrush
Common Name Scientific Names Variety Season Form PLS
lbs/acre*
Plant One of the Following
Wheat x Tall Wheatgrass Triticum aestivum x Elytrigia elongata Regreen** Cool Annual 11.9
Wheat x Cereal Rye Triticum aestivum x Secale cereale QuickGuard** Cool Annual 30.2
and the Following
Streambank Wheatgrass Elymus lanceolatus ssp. psammophilus, Sodar Cool Sod-forming 8.9 Af?'o-ovron riparium
Table B-6. Example for Mixed Mountain Shrubland/Oakbrush and Spruce-Fir Forest/Mountain Meadow
Common Name Scientific Names Variety Season Form PLS
lbs/acre*
Plant One of the Following
Wheat x Tall Wheatgrass Triticum aestivum x Elytrigia elongata Regreen** Cool Annual 11.9
Wheat x Cereal Rye Triticum aestivum x Secale cereale QuickGuard** Cool Annual 30.2
and Two of the Following
Mountain Brome Bromopsis [Bromus] marginatus Garnet, Bromar Cool Bunch 7.7
Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus, Critana,
Thickspike Wheatgrass Agropyron dasystachyum Bannock, Cool Sod-forming 4.5
Schwendimar
Slender Wheatgrass Elymus trachycaulus, Agropyron San Luis Cool Bunch 4.4 trachvcaulum
*Based on 3 PLS per square foot for Regreen, 9 PLS per square foot for QuickGuard, and 16 PLS per square foot for native perennial grasses (stream bank wheatgrass is 32 PLS per square foot).
Double the indicated amounts if broadcast or hydroseeded.
** Included as examples only. Product information on alternative sterile hybrids must be submitted to BLM prior to use.
West Water Engineering Appendix Page B-5 June 2009
APPENDIXB
MENU-BASED SEED MIXES BY HABITAT TYPE FOR USE IN INTERIM AND FINAL RECLAMATION
The following table, B-7, includes species of forbs and shrubs listed in Appendix A. Other forbs are can be found in the vegetation conununities found on NPR and
may be substituted. For example, in the low-elevation Salt-Desert Scrub/Basin Big Sagebrush seed mix in Table B-1, a decision to provide 5 seeds per
square foot for each of two species of forbs would reduce the total pounds of seed without forbs to 50/tl2 by 17 % per acre. Five seeds per square foot in
an acre (43560 square feet) are 217,800 seeds of each species. If species A has seeds which are 33,000/lb. it would require 6.6 lbs of pure live seed to
provide 5 seeds/fi2. of Species A. In this same example, if Species B has seeds which number 144,000/lb. then it would require 1.5 lbs. of Species B to
provide the 5 seeds/ft2 • When these are added to the seed mix which was reduced by 17% weight of PLS, the total seeds per square foot are back up to
60.
The following formula can be used to refine the amount ofreplacement forb and shrubs are needed. (See example in text, page 17). Forb E = 5
seeds/fl2, Forb F = 5 seeds/fl2, Shrub G = 5 seeds/tl2, Shrub H = 5 seeds/fi2). So, using Table B-2, the reducing the 60 grass seeds/ft to 40/ft can be done
by reducing the total weight of PLS by 33%. Then, use the following formula:
Target no. seeds/tl2 (e.g. 5) =No. seeds of each species/fl2 X 43,560 (ft2/ac) =total no. seeds of each species /ac
Total no. seeds of each species/ac/no. seeds/lb. of that species= Total lbs. ofPLS of the species in the mix/ac
Continue for each species,
Then, add lbs of PLS of each species= Total Lbs. of shrub and forb/ac
Add to the total grass species mix
Final total seeds/ft will equal 60.
For percent by species in mix, Total lbs. of each species/Total lbs. of seed mix= Percent of each species in mix.
Table B-7. Forb and Shrub species for modification of other Menu based seed mixes in Append F
Cost/Lb. NO. PLS-/Ft.·
Soil Texture Comments on Habits, Tbdat Seeds/ft.' Seeds/ft. Seeds/ft' Lbs.
Common NameA Botanical Name CultivarsB Adaptation c Soils, Other factors Seeds/Lb. time @2/Ft' '@S!Ft' @ 10/Ft' PLS/
needed Total Total Total Acre
C MCI M IMF F
Forbs
W. Yarrow Achillea millefolium 2 3 2 1 0 INot adapted to fine soils 2,770,000 occidenta/is
Lutana
ACicer milkvetch Astraga/us cicer Monarch 1 2 3 2 1 !Non-bloating legume 145,000
Oxley
Arrowleafbalsamroot Balsamorhi=a saggittata 0 2 3 2 0 ~ot adapted to fine or 55,000 11:'.narse soils
Sulphur flower Eriogonum umbellatum 2 3 3 2 0 209,000 Buckwheat
Northern sweetvetch Henvsarum borea/e I 2 3 2 I aka Utah 33,600
Blue flax Linum lewisii Annar 1 3 3 I 0 293 000
Prairie Aster Jvfachaeranthera 2 3 2 1 0 496,000 tanacetifo/ia
WestWater Engineering Appendix Page B-6 June 2009
8/oin
Mix
APPENDIXB
MENU-BASED SEED MIXES BY HABITAT TYPE FOR USE IN INTERIM AND FINAL RECLAMATION
Cost/Lb. NO. PLS"/FL'
Soil Texture Comments on Habits, Tbdat Seeds/ft. 2 Seeds/ft. Seeds/ft. 2 Lbs. o/o in Common NameA Botanical Name CultivarsB Adaptation c Soils, Other factors Seeds/Lb. time @2/Ft' '@51Ft' @10/Ft' PLS/ Mix
needed Total Total Total Acre
c MC M MF F
ASainfoin Onobrychis viciifolia Eski 0 2 3 2 0 !Non-bloating legume 30,000
Remont
Rockv Mtn. Penstemon Penstemon strictus Bandera I 3 3 I 0 592,000
,.,.Small bumett San<zUisorba minor Delar I 2 3 2 0 Non-bloating legume 55,000
Scarlet globemallow Sohaeralcea coccinea 2 3 3 2 I 500,000
Hairy vetch Vicia villosa 0 I 3 2 I hort-lived, good green 20,000 "-anure
American vetch Vicia americana 1 2 3 3 2 !Non-bloating lelYnme 33,000
Shrubs
Basin big sagebrush Artemesia tridentata 0 2 3 2 0 2,500,000 tridentata
Mountain big sagebrush A. t. vaseyana Hobble Creek 0 2 3 2 0 2,500,000 Cherry Creek
!Wyoming big sagebrusl A. t. wyomingensis Gordon Creek 0 3 3 1 0 2,500,000
Fourwing saltbush Atriplex canescens 3 3 3 3 1 52,000
Shadscale Atrip/ex confertifolia 0 2 3 3 1 64,900
Gardner saltbush Atriplex gardneri 0 1 2 3 2 111,500
Curl-leafmtn Cercocarpus ledifolius 0 2 3 2 0 30,000 mahogany
Rubber rabbitbrush Ericameria nauseosus snn. 2 3 3 3 2 400,000
Low rabbitbrush Chrysothamnus 1 3 3 2 1 782,000 viscidiflorus
Winterfat Krascheninnikovia lanata Hatch 2 3 3 2 1 56,700
Skunkbush sumac Rhus trilobata trilobata 2 3 3 1 0 20,300
Bitterbrush Purshia tridentata Lassen 1 3 3 2 0 15,000
West Water Engineering Appendix Page B-7 June 2009
APPENDIXC
RECLAMATION SEED MIX PREFERRED SPECIES FOR NORTH PARACHUTE
RANCH PLANT COMMUNITIES,
ENCANA OIL & GAS (USA), INC.
WestWater Engineering AppendixC June 2009
APPENDIXC
RECLAMATION SEED MIX PREFERRED SPECIES FOR NORTH PARACHUTE RANCH PLANT COMMUNITIES,
ENCANA OIL & GAS (USA), INC.
This table is provided for flexibility in the field to adjust seed mixes to site conditions, cost and availability. To create a custom seed mix for NPR, first
determine the zone which will establish the total number of species in the mix and total number of seeds/ft2 targeted for the zone, i.e., 25 seeds/ft2 and 5 or 6
species for Lower Zone, 35 for Middle Zone, and 50 seeds/ft' and up to 9 species for Upper Zone (see recommended seed mix section ofreport). Next,
determine the species and the desired number of seeds of that species in the mix. For example, in a mix for the Upper Zone, select 8 or 9 species and
allocate the number of seeds of each species desired in the seed mix. (For example, in a 50 seed/ft2 seed mix, each species could be allocated in the
following manner: Grass A= 8 seeds/ft2 , Grass B = 8 seeds/ft2, Grass C = 7 seeds/ft2, Grass D = 7 seeds/ft2 , Forb E = 5 seeds/ft2, Forb F = 5 seeds/ft2, Shrub
G = 5 seeds/ft2, Shrub H = 5 seeds/ft2 ). Then, use the following formula:
Target no. seeds/ft2 (e.g. 50) =No. seeds of each species X 43,560 (W/ac) =total no. seeds of each species /ac
Total no. seeds of each species/ac/no. seeds/lb. of that species= Total lbs. of PLS of the species in the mix/ac
Continue for each species,
Then, add lbs of PLS of each species= Total Lbs. ofMix/ac
For percent by species in mix, Total lbs. of each species/Total lbs. of seed mix= Percent of each species in mix.
Cost/Lb.
Soil Texture Comments on Habits, Tbdat Common NameA Botanical Name CultivarsB Adaptationc Soils, Other factors Seeds/Lb. time
needed
C IMC M MF F
Grasses-
Ne7nar 2" planting depth in sand) Indian ricegrass Achnatherum hymenoides Paloma 3 3 3 1 0 141,000
Rimrock
soil
Desert Needlegrass Achnatherum soeciosum 2 3 3 1 0 150,000
Mountain Brome Bromus marginatus Bro mar 0 1 3 3 1 Short lived 90,000 Garnet
Elymus lanceolatus Bannock
Strongly rhizome., long Thickspike wheatgrass Critana 2 3 3 2 0 154,000 lanceolatus Schwendimar
ived, sod forming
Inland saltcrrass Distichlis soicata 0 1 2 3 3 For strongly saline sites 520,000
Streambank wheatgrass Elymus lanceolatus Sotlar 0 1 3 3 2 Strongly rhizome., 156,000 psammophilus drought tolerant
Slender Wheatgrass Elymus t. trachycau/us Primar, 0 2 3 2 0 >hort-lived 159,000 Pryor
West Water Engineering Appendix Page C-1
NO. PLS-/Ft.•
Seeds/ft. 2 Seeds/ft. Seeds/ft.2 Lbs. %in
@25/Ft' "@35/Ft @ 50/Ft PLS/ Mix
Total Total Total Acre
June 2009
APPENDIXC
RECLAMATION SEED MIX PREFERRED SPECIES FOR NORTH PARACHUTE RANCH PLANT COMMUNITIES,
-----·------------~ ----,, -. --
Cost/Lb. NO. PLSU/Ft.'
Soil Texture Comments on Habits, Tbdat Seeds/ft. 2 Seeds/ft. Seeds/ft.2 Lbs. 0/oin Common NameA Botanical Name CultivarsB Adaptationc Soils, Other factors Seeds/Lb. time @25/Ft' '@35/Ft @ 50/Ft PLS/ Mix
needed Total Total Total Acre
c MC M MF F
Revenue
San Luis
Arizona Fescue Festuca arizonica Redondo 1 3 3 2 0 Thin soils, >14" precip. 550,000
Idaho Fescue Festuca idahoensis Joseph 0 2 3 3 1 450,000
Needle and thread Hesoerostiva c. comata 2 3 3 2 0 115,000
Junegrass Koeleria macrantha 1 3 2 1 0 2, 315,400
Basin wildrye Leymus cinereus Maonar 0 2 3 3 2 130,000 Trailhead
Western wheatPTass Pasconvrum smithii Arriba
Barton 0 2 3 3 2 Sod forming 110,000
Rosana
Galleta Pleuraphis jamesii Viva florets 0 2 2 3 3 [Wann season, sod 159,000
Viva carvoosis orming or bunch 470,000
Big bluegrass Paa amp/a Sherman 1 3 3 2 1 882,000
Canby bluegrass Poacanbyi Can bar 1 2 3 2 1 >10" orecip 926,000
Mutton2!'ass Poa fendleriana 1 2 3 3 2 890,000
Sandberg bluegrass Poasecunda 1 3 3 3 1 f<IO" precip. 925,000
Beardless bluebunch Pseudoroegneria spicatum Witmar 0 2 3 2 0 l<l O" precip., sod forming 117,000 wheat,e;rass inermes
Bluebunch wheatgrass Pseudoroegneria spicatum Ana tone ~-14" precip., P-7 widely
SJJicatum ~dapted
Goldar 0 2 3 3 1 140,000
P-7 Preferred cultivar
Secar
Bottlebrush squirreltail Sitanion hystrix Sand Hollow 1 3 3 3 1 192 000
Alkalai sacaton Sporobulus airoides Salado 0 2 3 3 3 15" precip., Warm season 1,758,000
Sand drooseed Soorobulus crvotandus 3 3 2 1 0 10" precip.Warm season 5,298,000
Forbs
W. Yarrow Achillea millefolium 2 3 2 1 0 !Not adapted to fine soils 2,770,000 occidenta/is
"'Cicer milkvetch Astraf!a/us cicer Lutana, 1 2 3 2 1 ~on-bloating legume 145,000
WestWater Engineering Appendix Page C-2 June 2009
APPENDIXC
RECLAMATION SEED MIX PREFERRED SPECIES FOR NORTH PARACHUTE RANCH PLANT COMMUNITIES,
--. ---·----------------7--
Cost/Lb. NO. PLS-/Ft.•
Soil Texture Comments on Habits, Tbdat Seeds/ft.2 Seeds/ft. Seeds/ft2 Lbs. 0/oin Common NameA Botanical Name CultivarsB Adaptation c Soils, Other factors Seeds/Lb. time @25/Ff .@35/Ff @ 50/Ft PLS/ Mix
needed Total Total Total Acre
c MC M MF F
Monarch
Oxley
Arrowleafbalsamroot Balsamorhi=a saggittata 0 2 3 2 0 Not adapted to fine or 55,000 Marse soils
Sulphur flower Eriogonum umbellatum 2 3 3 2 0 209,000 Buckwheat
Northern sweetvetch Hedysarum boreale I 2 3 2 I aka Utah 33,600
Blue flax Linum lewisii Annar I 3 3 I 0 293,000
Prairie Aster Machaeranthera 2 3 2 I 0 496,000 tanacetifolia
A.Sainfoin Onobrvchis viciifolia Eski 0 2 3 2 0 'lonbloating legume 30,000
Remont
RockV Mtn. Penstemon Penstemon strictus Bandera I 3 3 I 0 592,000
ASmall bumett Saneuisorba minor Delar I 2 3 2 0 Nonbloating legume 55,000
Scarlet e:lobemallow Sohaeralcea coccinea 2 3 3 2 I 500,000
Hairy vetch Vicia villosa 0 I 3 2 I Short~lived, good green 20,000 m>nure
American vetch Vicia americana I 2 3 3 2 !Non-bloating legume 33,000
Shrubs
Basin big sagebrush Artemesia tridentata 0 2 3 2 0 2,500,000 tridentata
Mountain big sagebrush A. t. vasevana Hobble Creek 0 2 3 2 0 2,500,000 Cherry Creek
Wvomine.: bi2 saizebrusl: A. t. wvominf!ensis Gordon Creek 0 3 3 I 0 2,500,000
Fourwin~ saltbush Atriolex canescens 3 3 3 3 I 52,000
Shadscale Atrip/ex confertifolia 0 2 3 3 I 64,900
Gardner saltbush Atrivlex ~ardneri 0 I 2 3 2 111,500
Curl-leafmtn Cercocarpus /edifo/ius 0 2 3 2 0 30,000 mahogany
Rubber rabbitbrush Ericameria nauseosus sov. 2 3 3 3 2 400,000
Low rabbitbrush Chrysothamnus I 3 3 2 I 782,000 viscidif/orus
Winterfat Krascheninnikovia lanata Hatch 2 3 3 2 I 56,700
Westwater Engineering Appendix Page C-3 June 2009
APPENDIXC
RECLAMATION SEED MIX PREFERRED SPECIES FOR NORTH PARACHUTE RANCH PLANT COMMUNITIES,
Cost/Lb. NO. PLS-/Ft.•
Soil Texture Comments on Habits, Tbdat Seeds/ft.2 Seeds/fL Seeds/ft. 2 Lbs. 0/oin Common NameA Botanical Name Cultivars8 Adaptation c
Soils, Other factors Seeds/Lb. time @25/Ft' '@35/Ft' @ 50/Ft PLS/ Mix
needed Total Total Total Acre
c MC M MF F
Skunkbush sumac Rhus trilobata trilobata 2 3 3 I 0 20,300 I
Bitterbrush Purshia tridentata Lassen I 3 3 2 0 15,000 I
A Species so marked are introduced, all others are native.
8 Cul ti vars are a variety of a plant developed from a natural species and maintained under cultivation while retaining distinguishing characteristics. Cul ti vars may or may not be in production and, if not, are,
unavailable.
c Soil Texture adaptation. C =coarse, MC= moderately coarse, M =medium, MF= moderately fine, F =fine. 0 =not adapted, 1 =marginal, 2 =average, 3 =best (Granite Seed 2004).
0 Pure Live Seed per square foot desired in planting for the species selected. Target number of total seeds/ft2 is 25/ft2 for Lower Zone and riparian zone, 35/ft2 for Middle Zone, and 50/ft2 total for Upper Zone
plantings.
E Cool season and bunch grass unless otherwise noted in comments (i.e., sod forming or warm season).
WestWater Engineering Appendix Page C-4 June 2009