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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.0 Conditions of Approval• State of Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 801. Drivel, Colorado B02031303)89441100 Fax (003(,894_2109 PERFORMANCE BOND (BOND NO: tb . This bond is a perpetual Instrument which shall remain in force and effect until all obligations have been met and the bond is released by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, That we Antero Resources 1> c,r `a"c C the County of Denver in the State of Colorado as principals, and Fidel i..tv and Denosit Company of Mar via uchs surety, authorized to do business in the State of Colorado, are held hereby and firmly bound unto the State of Colorado, in the penal sum of ($50, 000 On t, Riftv Thousand i;- No/I.00 Dollars, lawful money of the United States, for the faithful payment of which we hereby bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, administrators and assigns. The condition of this obligation is that whereas the above bounden principals propose the following oil and gas operation(s) on lands situated in the State of Colorado. Type of Bond �............. Plugging. i Surface Seismic E&P Waste Facilty Downstream Gas Facilities Coverage Blanket Individual E Plugging 1 well !_i Surface for 1 well Irrigated D Non -irrigated Excess Inactive Wets Location Complete for Individual Bonds Well Name and Number, Owner of lands where off-site land -treatment facility is located: QtrQtr, Sec, Twp, Rng, Meridien: County: NOW, THEREFORE, If the above bounden principals shall comply with all of the provisions of the laws of the State of Colorado and the rules, regulations and requirements of the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission of the State of Colorado, with reference to properly plugging of said well or wells; with reference to land damages and the restoration of the land, as nearly as possible, to its condition at the beginning of the lease; with reference to seismic operations the proper surface restoration and plugging of any shot holes, then this obligation is void; otherwise, the''same shall be and remain in full force and effect. Witness our hands, this Principal: 71 n -Ern T;e._c"nra^ Address: 1025 17th street., 3r rrar roti Signed: City:_.........I7vny-er State;_.....co Zip: Phone: ; ;m:,} ;r ;_ -n1,1 Fax: Name Printed: -day ofi:De eethcr ar Witness our hands, dhi 5th day of Surety Fide i to and ma pnsi c0<rin:� 1 "1 Address: 3. (0 .ori call Lang;., Iower �- M w 'l and Signed: City =. a_ r -t, State: Ti, Zip:e,r,i Phone _{-E3r �, ,T 't_2J 5;o, Fax: De.ce Name Prigtdd: Jana iii. Farr Approved: Director, Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Bond Release Approved. Director, Oa and Gas Conservation Cemmissio Dated: Release Date: Power of Attorney FIDELITY AND DEPOSIT COMPANY OF MARYLAND COLONIAL AMERICAN CASUALTY AND SURETY COMPANY KNOW Al.!, MEN BY THESi PRESENTS: That the PIDFL.FTY AND DEPOSIT COMPANY OF MAR VIAND, and the COLONIAL .AMERICAN C_A n. ,\ r I Y ANIS SURETY Y COMPANY corporations of the State mf'Maryland, by WILLIAM J. MILLS. Vice President, and GREGORY E. MURRAY Assistant Secretary, to put5u tiirr3sattthtority Wanted by Article V1. Section 2, of the By Laws of said Companies_ which are set forth on r rc Le'ertc,s1d1I-hen of anC1 i1e hereby certified to be in tldl force and effect on the date hereof, does hereby nmmuat , 0 i.54 e tricrapk Dant k\ r(1142thitN, JRScott T POST, Richard K. STONE Bret S. BURTON, Jana VI. FQ1{? ETS l.:."aandrl J:.SII43 i(JC'1 Fin H. IlEFFEL and Erica M. PIA MMLR., all of Wichita. Kansas„R*fI itS ir`od'anzl1 yfylta cut fiiulhkittsaitey-in-Fact, to make, execute. seal and deliver. for, and on ors b ha[f tsinryty Tgid aj it, tet,aprita eecL raht'aiid all bands and undertakings, and the execution of such bonds or tmdc ttkeuit, t tuesban:esrht*ittiiiehrus, scull be as binding upon said Companies, as fully and amply. to all intents and purpt%jn, as i the; a`pb enxlulc-executed and acknowledged by the regularly elected officers of the Company at its offrc pArtlfki9nivIN d , in their own proper persons. Ibis power of attorney revokes that issued on behalf of W. C. C'OHEN, JR, S soh V TOS l-, Richard K. STONE, Bret S. BURTON, Jana M. FORR1'51, Sandra J. SHRYACK, Emily R. TERHUNE, Tim H. HET:FEL, Erica M. P11 MMER, dated November 2, 2004. The said Assistant Secretary does hereby certify that the extract set loath ort the reverse side hereof is a tate copy of Anick- VI Section 2, of the 13y -Laws of said Companies, and is now in force. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the said Vico-President and Assistant Secretary have hereunto subscribed then navies and affixed the Corporate Seals of the said FIDELITY AND DEPOSIT COMPANY OF MARYLAND, and the COLONIAL, AMFRIC AN CASUALTY AND SURE', COMPANY, this 22nd day of lune. A.D.2005. ATTEST: FIDELITY AND DEPOSIT COMPANY OF MARYLAND COLONIAL AMERICAN CASUALTY AND SURETY COMPANY (/r cors E. Aiuri• y I3y: law &vivia,t 1Viliiam.1. h&((s Tice President State of Maryland City of Baltimore I as. On this 22nd day of June, .A.D. 2005, hefhre the subscriber. a Notary Public of the State of Maryland, duly commissioned and qualified, carne WILLIAM J. MILLS. Vice President, and GREGORY E. MURRAY.. ant Secretary of the FIDELITY A\D DEPOSIT COMPANY OF MARYLAND. and the COLONIAL AMERICAN CASUALTY AM) SURETY COMPANY, to me personally known to he the individuals and officers described in and who executed the preceding insntment, and they each acknowledged the execution of the same, and being by me duly sworn„ severally and each for himself dcposeth and saith_ that they are the said officers of the Companies aforesaid, and that the seals affixed to the preceding instrument is the Corporate Seals of said Companies, and that the said Corporate Seals and their signatures as such officers were duly affixed and subscribed to the said instrument by the authority and direction of the said Corporations. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, 1 have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Official Seal the day and year first above written. PCA -1” 076-6692A "2A Aloha 1). Adanski R4v Cominission Goran' Pithli i ole S. 2007 EXTRACT FROM BY-LAWS OF FIDELITY AND DEPOSIT COMPANY OF MARYLAND `-Article VI. Section 2. Tice, Chairman of the Board, ar the President, of an, baeeunv€ 1 ice President, or any of cite Sonic Vice-YrasMerits or Vice -Pre silents specially authonzed so to do ht' the Board of Ilireetors or by the Executive Comm shall have power, by and with the concurrence of the Secretary w0 mty one of the A501p Secretaries. to appon Vice -Presidents, Assistant Vice -Presidents and Attorneys-in-Iaet .ns the business of tete Company may regttii C. of authorize any person or persons 10 e.xeenm an behalf of the Company any bonds, undertaking, re:'ognizances, stipulations, policies; contract., agreements, Octds. and releases and arssignments of judgements. decrees, mortgages and instnnnents in the nature 01 nortgagcs,...and to affil the seal of the Company thereto.` EXTRACT FROM BY-LAWS OF COLONIAL AMERICAN CASUALTY AND SURETY COMPANY "Article VI. Section 2. The Chairman of the Board. or the President~ or any F Vice -Presidents or Vice -Presidents speciaily autheuized so to do by the hoard shall have power, by and with the concurrence of the Secretary or any one of t Vice -Presidents. Assistant Vice -Presidents and Attorneys -in -Fact as the busine authorize any person or persons to execute on behalf of the Company any bonds. Vice -President, or any of the Senior 00 or by the Executive Committee, Istant Secretaries, to appoint Resident f the Company may require, or to 12COt ulza is, stipulations, policies, contracts agreernenrs. deeds, and releases and assignments of judgements. decrees, mortgages and instruments in the nature of mortgages,...tund to affix the seal of the Company thereto." CERTIFICATE I, the undersigned, Assistant Secretay of tkte FIDELITY Ai D DJ.POSfT COMPANY OF '`IARYLAN"D, and the COLONIAL AMERIC'AN CASt'Al.,'1'Y AND SERE TY COMPANY. do hereby certify that the foregoing Prover of Attorney is stili in hill force and effect on the date of this certificate; and 1 do fiuther certify that the Vice -President who executed the said Power of Attorney was one of the additional Vice -Presidents specially authorized by the Board of Directors to appoint any Altomey-in-Fact as provided in Article VI, Section 2, of the respective By -Laws of the FIDELITY AND DEPOSIT COMPANY OF MARYLAND, and the COLONIAL AMERICAN CASUAI:TI AND SURETY COMPANY. This Power of Attorney and Certificate may be signed by facsimile under and by authority of the following resolution of the Board ofDlrector, ante F11)11ITS' .AND DEPOSIT COMPANY OF MARYLAND al a meeting duly ea lied and held on the 10th day of May, 1990 and of the Board of Directors of the COI ON!AJ AMERICAN C ASUAI TY AND ST TRETY COMPANY al a meeting duly called and held on the 5th day of May, 1 994, RESOLVED: "That the facsimile or mechanically reproduced seal of the company and faeshnde or mechanically reproduced signature of any Vice -President Secretary, or Assistant Secretary of the Crnnpam', whether made heretofore or hereafter, wherever appearing upon a certified Copy of any power of attorney issued by the Company, shall be valid and binding upon the Company with the same force and effect as though manually affixed." IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF. 1 have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the torpor ltc sealo of the said Conmpanies, this A.t,eis;mp FEI1-I2-8T Mt: IAM FRCS -Colo 8iv of Yater Resource: RECEIVECT Is 5.6OTICE OF ITO COI, Pore typo or print cr Wsat aas uncowi Ione n of Wafter 1 Fax +3078667589 CT MONITO rick or weir* St f-814 8.881/001 F-554 CO CENT 4 IT Cmc! C any1t1. Cr+T.-t-tn. Cowmen i.1a.t2lOst ik nJ i,m Sr.l{-a n *taken 1a f1I C �R-fl. Drr� 5,'a� 2lS ay,stre,r42_ talPIa rn RIG57a Phone 4'ZV41S•S'/3l For No 990/03.7 gel Name p okertri Qpc Addrma 99 2 13.a QeC'k Pl ,ren. te Lfirolowoore 9 S 9Y Z2 I rn, Iu:h11 Lott 11.J x- SF s4Sedo' 2 Twuveh S N/E% _E/®PM Caeb (:,d RV'. Ill.... SiSnleion maA Lot Bh . Fp. Address kt,.I/A Estimated depth 200 Ft. Aqa Pugtweof lA'+rrilbr-b43'b :}-r„ mr.r.;4,a r..ndrb asi)o Praha..r4i.fl Party).. AppoximenDate ofCandruchOn.Frb F2).007 War n. rSSa rp permcentabm D 441257 VYD 3 ens MD FcaOfnC u ATE ENGINEE OFF DATE ACKNOW- CONDITIONS OF MONITORING HOLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT A COPY OF THE WRITTEN NOTICE CR ACIpgWLEt3C191Fp4T !MALL UE AVM oar E AT THE DRMIJ$G SITE. Notice was provided E the Ste Engineer at In..t 3 day. prior so cannnfln of monitoring &obaeranen hotels- Carebucewn or the ton) most be aonpieed % Min nage of in at nonce ma givers to be Stab Engineer. TeaGng aworp' .ng ahY not exceed a baa c1200 tows !mesa prior mitten approval I Marra rim the Slee Engineer. Weirr (livened calm letting &.d rS be used for benefdd noon The Mal of We hak4a) m reeporable to obtain° peimd(s) and ffiitpb+fy nib al rube end regra>9 ra panarine to the dldnrge of kids mooraad during wing, Ad work rust cam" With Via Mer WM Construction Rule, 2 OCR 4412.2. Mnimnn con simeton Mandarin meet be mel oro inners= Maned Strdrd plume application end wdt report amen ere tout mthe DWR webried tttebfruwf..aaerd.e.ca.,—.. Wel Donapa.fon and Test aspens (GWSJ1) maribe twmplond for each trots dialed Try Lewd mtacurorawdarFad tiolvatial nest Wont ate r+mrpel.d hens to bit Naos wain 50 dem of drilla). Union a rad permit le obtained, the lea(.) mut bo plugged and aeaed wpdn one (1) year oiler ca aruceap An Abandonment Report poen GWS -9) mat be tuta.ittfd fur each hoe pbgg.d within 10 dye of plunks) 8 sealing. 'rho martrfg hob acknowledipmert nmrter, awes inters nano, rid hoe orron nam. std addles met be provided on se sell manure yp&abon(.), wet emulation end o endn.naM agent Thee her of tie hob(.) nub maintain moan of osier quo* le.Yng and Awns This data to Ito Stale Engineer won request A =Main hob anal be mawered tit a praductat s wet noCapt tar plEpoeea of retnedltbn (noway) or as a pern>ofroM omen. 3consumes h au>'tteneewan the ~or Wel Cartsin cliorl Ruins ono Dooms of No State Engineer. TtaS ACANOWLEDGEMENT OF NOTICE. OOEa NOT INDICATE THAT MEL- PERMS, CAN e6 APPROVED. L' HOLES 'XIV_ NOTES CONSTRUCTED .N eR nets XoT10E the: 90 DAYS, PLEA -SE L4 n ,'K? HoLsS C.(.'atsTPdu rr O%4A COPT OF THE ACrUlcro EDGED NOTm."'611yp1f Te& FILE 1411919ErrI ANO FAX TF1' COPY TO T7fSDIYECN OF 91ATM RESD Mee ? AdoadW COrla u 2 1.0 General Information 1.1 Management Approval and Review Management Approval Owner/Operator responsible for Facility: Antero Resources Piceance Corporation Facility Name and Location: Lundgren Centralized Water Handling Facility SE%a, Section 32, T5S, R92W Garfield County, Colorado. See topographic location map in Appendix A. • This SPCC Plan will be implemented as herein described. Signature: Designated person accountable for oil spill Prevention at the Facility: Name: Terrell A. Dobkins Name: Steve Fontenot Date: Title: Operations Superintendent Title: Vice President -Production 1.2 Professional Engineer Certification Professional Engineer Certification By means of this Professional Engineer Certification, I hereby attest to the following: • 1 or my agent have visited and examined the Facility(s). • I have verified that this Plan has been prepared in accordance with good engineering practice, including consideration of applicable industry standards. • 1 have verified that the Plan is adequate for the Facility. • I have determined that the existing berms are designed to hold the amount of water Antero is proposing to sto _ ; re fracture pit. (Seal) Date Kevin E. Milliman Printed Name of Regisitered Professional Engineer (*. Signature of Registered Professional Engineer Registration No. 32421 State Colorado May 18, 2007 Mr. Cody Smith Wagon Wheel Consulting 111 East 3" St, Suite 213 Rilfe, CO 81650 Re: Noxious Weed Survey Report for Antero's Lundgren Facility Garfield County, Colorado Dear Mr. Smith: Enclosed with this letter is the noxious weed survey report prepared for the Antero Resources Piceance Corporation's Lundgren Facility (produced water disposal facility) located within Garfield County, Colorado. The survey was conducted by 0&G Environmental Consulting, LLC on May 10, 2007. The surveys were performed to determine the types and locations of existing weed infestations on or adjacent to the Lundgren Facility. The survey will be used to allow for preventative planning against the spread of noxious weeds associated with the project disturbance area. Please review the report, and provide comments at your convenience. At your discretion the report will be forwarded to Garfield County for review. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments regarding any aspect of this report. Sincerely, �7G nye 1 -c ,J,110% Christopher C. Hines Biologist cc: D.1. Padilla (O&G) R. Mueller (Antero) T. Dobkins (Antero) File (191) /enclosure 1/4 -- Keeping / o -- Keeping p,i.1,..ctnqajas. prajectA flowing 11 Inverness Way South • Englewood, CO 80112 tel 720-529-9777 • fax 720-529-9798 • w.ww.obenvironmcntal.com NOXIOUS WEED SURVEY REPORT Lundgren Facility Garfield County, Colorado Prepared for: Antero Resources Piceance Corporation Prepared by: O&G Environmental Consulting, LLC. 11 Inverness Way South Englewood, Colorado 80112 May 2007 Table of Contents Introduction Garfield County Weeds of Concern Site Description 2 Methods 3 Results 3 Conclusions 3 References 5 Tables Table 1 Garfield County Noxious Weed List 2 Appendices Appendix A Maps of Project Locations and Survey Results Appendix B Photo Documentation Attachments Attachment Noxious Weed Management Plan NOXIOUS WEED SURVEY REPORT LUNDGREN CENTRALIZED WATER HANDLING FACILITY GARFIELD COUNTY, COLORADO INTRODUCTION Antero Resources Piceance Corporation (Antero) proposes to construct a conventional gas well pad (Lundgren Well) and centralized water handling facility (Lundgren facility) located northeast of Rifle, Colorado SPA, Section 32, Township 5 South, Range 92 West, Garfield County. The project area is referred to as the Lundgren Facility and will involve the construction of a conventional gas well pad, access road, and centralized produced water handling facility. The development of the Lundgren Facility will be constructed on private land and in public road rights-of-way (ROW) located in Garfield County, Colorado. The Lundgren Facility will require approximately 2.8 acres in new surface disturbance. An additional 0.25 acres in surface disturbance would occur as a result of developing or improving access roads. The Lundgren Facility will be accessed from existing public roadways. The project will involve ground disturbance of the entire project area or minor upgrades to access roads. The Garfield County Weed Advisory Board identified numerous species of noxious weeds or other invasive plants that are known to occur in Garfield County. This noxious weed survey report describes the results of a survey undertaken to determine the presence and extent of any infestation of those identified noxious weed species. Surveys were conducted at the Lundgren Facility northeast of the town of Rifle, Colorado. GARFIELD COUNTY WEEDS OF CONCERN Garfield County has generated a list of noxious weeds of concern (Table 1) based on many factors which may include; agricultural impacts, environmental concerns, economic impacts, public health concerns, and recreational interests. Each county in Colorado has a weed program that addresses local noxious weed species of concern taken from a state list of noxious weeds (NWMP, 2003). A "noxious weed" means an alien plant or parts of an alien plant that have been designated by rule as being noxious or has been declared a noxious weed by a local advisory board, and meets one or more of the following criteria; (a) Aggressively invades or is detrimental to economic crops or native plant communities; (b) Is poisonous to livestock; (c) Is a carrier of detrimental insects, diseases, or parasites; (d) The direct or indirect effect of the presence of this plant is detrimental to the environmentally sound management of natural or agricultural ecosystems (NWMP, 2003). Garfield County Noxious Weed Survey Report Garfield County has identified 20 noxious weeds which could possibly occur in the vicinity of' the Lundgren Facility (Garfield County — Noxious Weed List, 2005). Table 1 identifies the scientific name and common name of these weeds of concern. Table 1: Garfield County Noxious Weed List Scientific Name Common Name Cirsium an'ense Canada thistle Cichorium intybus Chicory Arctium minus Common burdock Linaria da/ntatica Dalmatian toadflax Centaurea diftsa Diffuse knapweed Cardaria draba Hoary cress Cynoglossum offtcinale Houndstongue Aegilops cylindrica Jointed goatgrass Euphorbia esula Leafy spurge Carduus spp. Musk thistle C ysanthemum leucanthemunt Oxeye daisy Carduus acanthoides Plumeless thistle Lythrum salicaria Purple loosestrife Centaurea repens Russian knapweed Elaeagnus angustifolia Russian olive Tana•ix parvi lora, Tamarix ramosissima Salt cedar Onopordum acanthium Scotch thistle Centaurea maculosa Spotted knapweed Centaurea solstitialis Yellow starthistle Linaria vulgaris Yellow toadflax Source: Garfield County - Noxious Weed List, 2007. One large salt cedar (Tamarix sp.) and as many as three (Russian — Centaurea repens, spotted — Centaurea maculosa, diffuse — Centaurea diffusa), or as few as one species of knapweed were present in the surveyed area. Other weed species noted, but not on Garfield County's list of noxious weeds, included Russian thistle (Salsola tragus), cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), and field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis). A detailed description of all the Garfield County noxious weeds is found in the attached Noxious Weed Management Plan. SITE DESCRIPTION The Lundgren Facility is found northeast of Rifle. The well pad and produced water handling facility are located adjacent to each other. The pad is approximately 200 feet by 300 feet and the water handling facility is approximately 200 feet by 250 feet. The facility is located on a ridge top, bound by pasture lands to the north, south, and west and a steep drop off to the east. Maps of the project area are provided in Appendix A. The elevation within the survey area is approximately 5,800 feet. The mean temperature for the town of Rifle, Colorado ranges from 23.1° F in January to 71.1° F in July. The annual mean precipitation is 11.6 inches. Average annual snowfall is 38.6 inches (Western Regional Climate Center, 2005). 2 METHODS Prior to conducting any field activities, O&G obtained the Garfield County Noxious Weed List from the county website, and consulted published reference material such as; Weeds of the West, Whitson et. al. 2002; and North American Range Plants, Stubbendieck, 1994. An O&G biologist performed a pedestrian survey for noxious weeds on the Lundgren Facility. The Lundgren facility had been previously constructed and was clear of any vegetation. The survey was limited to the perimeter of the facility; special attention was given to disturbed areas adjacent to the pad such as access roadsides, irrigation ditches, and surrounding pastureland. Infestation characteristics were documented in a field notebook, and a GPS reading was taken. Additional visual documentation was also recorded with a digital camera. Only the presence of those weeds listed on the Garfield County noxious weed list were documented. Additional weeds not listed on the Garfield County list were also documented. RESULTS Portions of the survey area contained moderate weed infestations. It was evident at the time of the survey that the perimeter of the facility had been treated as part of Antero's noxious weed management program, and there was a notable absence of living knapweed specimens.. As a result, the species of knapweed identified during the survey is not known at this time. During the noxious weed survey conducted on May 10, 2007 as few as two (salt cedar and one of the species of knapweed) and as many as four (salt cedar and all three knapweed species) of the 20 noxious weed species from Table 1 were identified within the surveyed areas. Photos and GPS readings were taken to help record the location of infestations. Russian thistle, cheatgrass, and field bindweed were also present. Knapweed infestations were documented on all sides of the facility save the northeast, east, and southeast perimeter of the facility. It was also found along both the eastern and western sides of the access road, and the northwest corner of the facility. A large salt cedar was documented at approximately 75 feet west-southwest of the southwest corner of the facility. It was located in an undisturbed area, and was presumed to be present prior to the construction of the facility (see attached photo, Appendix B). As noted, all noxious weeds, less the salt cedar had been treated as part of Antero's noxious weed management program. The noxious weed program is discussed below. CONCLUSIONS There were multiple infestations of noxious weeds in the survey area associated with the Lundgren facility. A total of seven noxious weed infestations were recorded during the noxious weed survey carried out on May 10, 2007 in Garfield County, Colorado. Weeds were found 3 along the northwestern, southwestern and western perimeter of the facility and along the eastern and western side of the access road, and included salt cedar and knapweed. Also noted, but absent from the Garfield County list were Russian thistle, cheatgrass, and field bindweed. In accordance with county requirements, Antero has developed a Noxious Weed Management Plan (See Attachment) to manage the spread of these infestations in areas disturbed by the proposed Lundgren facility. Antero's noxious weed treatment program for the Lundgren facility consists of containment or eradication through seasonal chemical treatments of noxious weeds. Antero's chemical treatment contractor treats for noxious weeds in the spring and fall months. In the spring, the facility is spray treated twice. The first treatment consists of a chemical liquid slurry consisting of Teller, Premier -90, and 2,4-D, dispersed by a spray applicator. The second spring treatment consists of Sahara DG, Soystik, and Buccaneer with is also sprayed onto the weeds. In the fall, Antero primarily treats for knapweed with a mix of Tordon 22K and 2,4-D. All noxious weeds identified during the site visit, except the salt cedar were dead as a result of Antero's active noxious weed management program. 4 REFERENCES Garfield County, Colorado. (2005). Garfield County — Noxious Weed List. Retrieved May 17, 2007, from http://www.garfield-county.com/home/index.asp?page=607 Noxious Weed Management Program. NWMP 2003. Retrieved from http://www.ag.state.co.us/DPI/weeds/statutes/weedrules.pdf. State of Colorado Agriculture Department, Noxious Weed Management Program. Stubbendieck, J., Hatch, S.L., Landholt, L.M.. (2003). North American Wildland Plants. University of Nebraska. Western Regional Climate Center. (n.d.). RIFLE, COLORADO — Climate Summary. Retrieved August 9, 2005, from http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cIiMAIN.pl?corifl Whitson, T.D., Burrill, L.C., Dewey, S.A., Cudney, D.W., Nelson, B.E., Lee, R.D., Parker, R.. (2002). Weeds of the West (9'h Edition). University of Wyoming 5 APPENDIX A Project Location Map 1 r 3 • Lundgren Cenrtralized Facility Vicinity Map 1000' 0' 2000' Graphic Scale in Feet 1"= 2000' River Valley Survey, Inc. 110 East 3rd. Street, Suite 207 Rifle, Colorado 81650 P11: 970-379-7846 Project: Luundgren Facili y Proj. No. 06001-05 Field Date: 05-12-06 Scale: 1 "= 2000' Date: 05-18-06 Sheet: 3 of 3 Fracture Pit Facility Prepared For Antero Resources Situate 1n: Situate 111: The SE Y, Sec. 32, Township 5 S., Range 92 W. ANTERO RESOURCES APPENDIX B Photo Documentation Appendix B-1: Salt Cedar to the SW of the facility. ATTACHMENT Noxious Weed Management Plan NOXIOUS WEED MANAGEMENT PLAN Lundgren Garfield County, Colorado Prepared for. Antero Resources Piceance Corporation May 2007 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1 NOXIOUS WEED SPECIES OF CONCERN 1 MANAGEMENT METHODS 2 Prevention 2 Eradication 2 Physical Control 2 Competitive Vegetation 3 Herbicides 3 Noxious Weed Management Plan NOXIOUS WEED MANAGEMENT PLAN PICEANCE BASIN PROJECT AREA GARFIELD COUNTY, COLORADO INTRODUCTION Antero Resources Piceance Corporation (Antero) proposes to develop a conventional gas field in the Rifle/Silt, Garfield County, Colorado area. The project is referred to as the Piceance Basin Project Area and will involve the construction of multi -well conventional well pads, access roads, and associated facilities (gathering pipelines, production ponds, etc). The development of the gas field will be constructed in Garfield County, on private land utilizing county and private roads. The Garfield county weed advisory board identified numerous species of noxious weeds or other invasive plants that are known to occur in Garfield County. This noxious weed management plan provides methods Antero and its contractors will follow to prevent the spread of noxious weeds during construction and for the management of the disturbed areas of the project after construction. NOXIOUS WEED SPECIES OF CONCERN Noxious weed and invasive plant species are those that spread into areas where they are not native and typically displace native vegetation or bring about changes in species composition, community structure, and/or ecosystem function. A List of noxious weed species of concern in Garfield County is provided in noxious weed report. Some specific weeds of concern are; leafy spurge, Canada thistle, spotted knapweed, and Russian knapweed. Appendix A provides a description of each of the weeds of concern in Garfield County, with specific management objectives regarding their containment or eradication. Antero is committed to the prevention of the spread of noxious weeds associated with construction. Upon agency request, a noxious weed survey, identifying the location and type of existing weed infestations on or immediately adjacent to the well pads, and proposed access roads will be conducted prior to construction, where access is granted. Approved management procedures will be followed during construction to prevent the spread or re-establishment of weed populations on any areas disturbed during construction. The results of the survey will be made available to the Garfield County weed advisory board, upon request. After the well pad(s) is constructed, Antero is committed to containment of existing stands of noxious weeds, and eradication of new stands occurring within disturbed project areas. Noxious Weed Management Plan 1 MANAGEMENT METHODS Several weed management methods are described in this section including prevention of the spread of weeds, eradication of new infestations, physical control methods such as pulling and mowing, seeding with competitive vegetation, and the use of herbicides for weed control. In general, the use of herbicides has been found to be the most effective and feasible method of weed control, and will be used everywhere except in isolated locations where other methods are necessary. Prevention Prevention is the most effective, efficient, and long-term strategy in the management of noxious and invasive species. Preventing invasions by new plant species and quickly detecting invasions that occur allows for immediate eradication measures to be implemented. Other preventative measures include reestablishing vegetation as quickly as possible in disturbed areas, ensuring that seed supplies are obtained from suppliers who can provide weed -free certified seed mixes, and pressure -washing vehicles and equipment at a sanitary location before they are brought into a work area or in-between work sites if necessary. Contractors may be required to wash all equipment or show proof of equipment washing before entering any of the project states. The inspector will make the decision if pressure -washing is required after passing through an area of noxious or invasive weeds. If areas of noxious weeds are nearly contiguous as might be found along some ROW' s, pressure washing each time may not be necessary. Follow up Tong -term monitoring is also an important preventative measure. Noxious weed monitoring on foot, will be conducted annually for at least three years following construction activities to ensure that noxious and invasive species do not get a foothold along the ROW. Landowner concerns will also be addressed as they arise. Eradication Complete eradication of large areas where infestations are already established may not be possible, as the area is likely to be re -invaded from adjacent lands, unless there are physical barriers that isolate the area. Eradication is most likely possible when the species has just begun to invade and establish itself in a new area, which highlights the importance of early detection and the post -construction monitoring program. Antero will coordinate and cooperate with the landowner and county weed agencies on weed eradication. Physical Control Physical control methods range from manual pulling of individual plants to the use of hand and power tools to uproot, girdle, or cut plants. Hand removal by pulling is appropriate when the plants are large enough that they will not break and leave the roots, which may re -sprout. Mowing or cutting of most weed species is seldom successful as this may stimulate lateral growth below the cut portion. This method can be effective in localized or sensitive areas. To be effective, this method must generally be combined with hand application of an herbicide. Noxious Weed Management Plan 2 Competitive Vegetation The use of native plants species to out -compete noxious and invasive species is an effective, long-term weed control method. Noxious weeds will usually grow in disturbed areas reseeded with native vegetation; however, after a few years, these weeds cannot compete and die off. In areas where noxious weeds have been allowed to flourish, the weeds may likely out -compete the native grasses. In these areas, a more vigorous approach will be needed to rid the area of the noxious weeds. The use of native Pure Live Seed (PLS) mixes will help ensure a healthy and strong revegetated site. Herbicides The use of herbicides on noxious and invasive plants can be an effective means of control. If herbicides are used, it will be on a plant by plant basis by hand application with backpack sprayers to avoid overspray to non -target species in adjacent plant communities. Broadcast spraying will not be conducted, and spraying will only take place when wind speeds are less than 8 miles per hour. This limits the use of herbicides to isolated stands of plants when individual plants are relatively small is size. Appropriate herbicides would be target -specific and have a short residue time in the environment. Application of all herbicides would be performed by a licensed and certified applicator. Herbicides would not be used within 100 feet of any wetland area or waterbody. Use of herbicides within 100 feet of a wetland or waterbody would be restricted to limited spot treatments. Weed management strategies are listed below (information obtained from Garfield County Weed Management Plan. Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense): An introduced aggressive perennial with highly developed creeping horizontal roots. Produces from both seed and roots. Flower heads are approximately 0.5 inches in diameter and purple to white in color. Typical plant grows from 1 to 3 feet tall. It is one of the most widespread and economically damaging noxious weeds in Colorado. Infestations are found in cultivated fields, riparian areas, pastures, rangeland, forests, lawns and gardens, roadsides, and in waste areas. Management Objective: Containment Integrated Treatment: Chemical: 2,4-D@ 2 lbs A.E./acre prior to bud; Dicamba @ 2 lbs A.E./acre in rapid growth stage; Curtail plus 2,4-D @. 2 lbs- .25 A.E./acre plus 1.0-1.5 A.E./acre, respectively, prior to bud or late fall; Glyphosate @ .5 to 1.0 A.E./acre. Biological: Three insects currently available, (Canada thistle stem weevil; Canada thistle bud weevil; Thistle stem gall fly). It is best to release a complex of insects. Cultural: Maintain soil fertility and moisture at optimum levels to favor grass growth. Physical/Mechanical: Hand pulling is not effective. Cultivation will reduce density if done repeatedly every three to four weeks. Tillage generally ineffective. Noxious Weed Management Plan 3 Chicory (Cichorium intybus): A simple perennial, reproduces only by seed. The plant has a deep fleshy root and tufted basal leaves that resemble those of a dandelion. The stem is multi- branched and can reach over five feet tall. The flowers are bright blue, purple, or occasionally white, and occur along the stems of plants. Chicory is scattered throughout western Garfield County. Management objective: Containment Integrated treatment: Chemical: Contact Garfield County Vegetation Management or a licensed applicator for specific recommendations. Biological: Close grazing by sheep will control the chicory in pastures. Cultural: Re -seed disturbed areas adjacent to chicory infestations with appropriate perennial grasses. Physical/Mechanical: None available. Common Burdock (Arctium minus): An invasive biennial introduced from Europe. Upon germination it produces a rosette which winters over. The following spring it bolts and produces a tall erect stem with large basil, cordate, hairy leaves. The flowers are purple in color and approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter. The flower head is covered with many slender hooked spines, which readily attach to clothing or passing animals. Management Objective: Containment Integrated Treatment: Chemical: Best results usually obtained in rosette stage. 2,4-D @ .75 to 1 oz. water or 1 quart/acre. Roundup Ultra @ 1.5 oz/gal or 1 quart/acre; Curtail @ 1.5 oz/ gal of water or 2 quarts/acre; Crossbow @ 1.5 oz/gal of water or 2 quarts/acre. Use nonionic surfactant @ 1 quart/acre. Biological: No effective biological agent known. Cultural: Minimize soil disturbances, encourage desirable plant growth. Livestock grazing usually spreads plant distribution. Physical/Mechanical: Top growth removal through mowing or cutting is effective as is pulling or digging out the plant at flowering or early seed formation. Dalmatian toadflax (Linaria dalmatica): A member of the Figwort family, it was introduced as an ornamental from Europe. It is a creeping perennial with stems from 2 to 4 feet tall. This plant is especially adapted to arid sites and can spread rapidly once established. Because of its beep, extensive root system and heavy seed production, this plant is difficult to manage. Management objective: Containment Integrated Treatment: Chemical: Contact Garfield County Vegetation Management or a licensed applicator for specific recommendations. Biological: The defoliating moth, Calophasia lunula, has been release on Dalmatian and yellow toadflax. It may defoliate up to 20% of the leaves of the plant. Cultural: Reseed disturbed areas adjacent to toadflax infestations with appropriate perennial grasses. Noxious Weed Management Plan 4 Physical/Mechanical: Repeated mowing 2-3 times per year will slow spread and reduce seed production. Education: The key to Dalmatian toadflax management is to create an awareness among homeowners, nurseries, landscapers, and landscape architects that Dalmatian toadflax is a noxious weed and therefore should not be specified in planting, sold in nurseries or planted in home gardens or large-scale landscape projects. Diffuse Knapweed (Centaurea diffusa): An invasive biennial, annual, or short lived perennial. The plant grows from 1-3 feet in height with a deep tap root. Urn -shaped flower heads are 3/16 to 1/4 inches in diameter. Flowers are generally white, with distinctive spiny bracts. Leaves are filiform and deeply divided. Seed viability extends 10 years plus, adding complexity to control. Management Objective: Eradicate Integrated Treatment: Chemical: Picloram @ .25 to .5 A.E./acre; Clopyralid @ .25 to .5 A.E./acre. Chemical control is considered the most cost effective means of control. Biological: Two seed head flies, Urophora affinis and U. quadrifasciata, are available. They reduce seed production. A root -boring moth, Agapeta zoegana, causes considerable damage to roots. Cultural: Reseeding of disturbed sites with fasts growing grasses helps prevent diffuse knapweed establishment. Physical/Mechanical: Small infestations can be controlled with hand pulling, if done at least three tunes a year for several years. Any ground disturbance causes increased plant density. Mowing, while reducing some seed production, is not a viable alternative. Hoary Cress (Cardaria draba): This plant also known as whitetop, is a creeping perennial, which reproduces by seed and creeping roots. The extensive root system spreads vertically and horizontally, with frequent shoots arising from the rootstock. Hoary cress is one of the earliest perennial weeds to emerge in the spring, producing flowers in May or June. It grows in waste places, cultivated fields, and pastures, and is capable of vigorous growth. Management Objective: Containment Integrated Treatment: Chemical: Metsulfuron @ .12 to .45 oz A.E./acre, applied in spring before flower or in late fall after sufficient moisture has fallen to stimulate over -wintering growth. Picloram is not effective on this plant. Biological: No known biological control is known. Cultural: Mowing or cultivation effectiveness will be increased if other plants like perennial native grasses or alfalfa are seeded in the hoary cress stand as competitors. Maintain range and pasture in good condition. Promote healthy grass growth through proper irrigation and fertilization. Do not overgraze. Physical/Mechanical: Removal of top growth is somewhat effective. Repeated treatments may reduce seed production and spread. Noxious Weed Management Plan 5 Houndstongue (Cynoglossunt offincinale): An introduced biennial which grows 1-4 feet in height. Leaves are alternate, up to 12 inches long and 3 inches wide. Leaves are entire, not lobed or toothed. Flowers are a deep reddish purple, small and exist on tenninal stems. The fruit is a nutlet approximately 1/3 of an inch long, with many small curved spines, which readily attach to animals or clothing. The plant contains lethal levels of alkaloids, which cause delayed liver disease in animals that consume sufficient amounts. Management Objective: Containment Integrated Treatment: Chemical: Tordon 22K @ 1 oz/gallon of water or 1 quart/acre; or Clarity at the same rate. Need to add a nonionic surfactant @ 1 quart/acre, or .32 oz/gallon of water. Biological: None know to be effective. Cultural: Re -seed disturbed sites with fast growing native grasses. Maintain range and pasture in good condition. Promote healthy grass growth through proper irrigation and fertilization. Do not over graze. Physical/Mechanical: Houndstongue is a prolific seed producer, and the seeds are readily spread by their ability to stick to wildlife and domestic animals. Physical removal of the plan at flowering or in early seed formation, by pulling or digging, will break the cycle of the plant. Jointed Goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrical): A non-native grass introduced from Turkey in the late 1800s. It is a winter annual, reproducing by seed and grows 15 to 30 inches tall in erect stems which branch at the base to give the plant a tufted appearance. The leaf blades are 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide (usually smooth) with small auricles at the base. The root system is shallow and fibrous. The most distinguishing characteristic is the 2 to 4 inch jointed, cylindrical, balanced seed head. Jointed goatgrass is becoming an increasing problem in the wheat land areas of eastern Colorado. Management objective: Containment Integrated treatment: Chemical: Roundup @ 4-6 oz. per acre applied in late fall or early spring, where desirable perennials are to be retained. If desirable perennials are not present, treat with Roundup @ 1 pint per acre applied while plant is green and growing and prior to seed development. Biological: None known. Cultural: Early livestock grazing can reduce seed production. Physical/Mechanical: Repeated tillage, prior to seed development, will reduce plant density. Fire is also effective in removing seeds. Mowing is not effective, as plants will produce below the severed stem. Mowing in the fall or after seed maturity is a primary factor in spreading contaminated seed. Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula): An invasive perennial, difficult to control, and requires long term commitment to achieve control. The plant grows 16 to 22 inches in height. The flowers are small, inconspicuous and surrounded by a pair of yellow -green heart shaped bracts. Seeds are small capsules, which float on water, and are viable for 8- 10 years. The root system when established will be 26-30 feet deep, with numerous laterals. Noxious Weed Management Plan 6 Management Objective: Eradicate Integrated Treatment: Chemical: Piclorar @ 1 pint/acre combined with 2 quarts of 2,4-D, applied at flowering time (Research indicates that this treatment should result in 85 % success after 4 years of successive treatment.) Picloram @ 1 quart/acre plus 1 quart of 2,4-D gives good fall treatment results. Plateau @ 10- 12 oz/acre plus crop oil (See label). Biological: Sheep or goats will graze leafy spurge. If livestock graze leafy spurge after seed formation, gold the animals in a corral for at least seven days before removing them to an uninfested are to avoid seed spread. Several flea beetles (Aphthona spp.) are available from the Colorado Department of Agriculture Insectary in Palisade. These insects are available upon request at no charge to the public. Also available from the Insectary are the root boring beetle (Oberea erythrocephala), a stem and root crown mining long -horned beetle, and Spurgia esulae, a shoot tip gall midge. Cultural: Any activity that encourages vigorous grass growth is very important. Overgrazing stresses grasses that makes them less competitive to leafy spurge. Physical/Mechanical: Mowing leafy spurge at 14 to 21 day intervals may cause higher susceptibility to fall applied herbicides. Musk Thistle (Carduus nutans): A non-native biennial. Leaves are dark green with a light green mid -rib and white margins. Flowers are solitary, 1.5 to 3 inches in diameter, purple with a distinctive flat top appearance. Management Objective: Containment Integrated Treatment: Chemical: Contact Garfield County Vegetation Management or a licensed applicator for specific recommendations. Biological: Seedhead weevil (Rhinocyllus conicus); larvae destroy developing seed but are not 100 percent effective by themselves. Herbicides can be combined with weevils if the insects area allowed to complete their life cycles. Another weevil, Trichosirocalus hooridus, attacks the crown area of musk thistle rosettes and weakens the plant before it bolts. This weevil has reduced stand density in areas where it has become well established. A leaf feeding beetle, Cassidia rubiiginosa, causes considerable damage by skeletonizing leaves. It is recommended to release more than one type of insect on a weed since each type may work on different part of the plant. Cultural: Musk thistle, like other biennial thistles, thrives on disturbance. The best management is to minimize disturbance. If it does occur, be certain to revegetate with competitive perennial grasses. Physical/Mechanical: The most effective mechanical control is to hand pull this plant prior to flowering. This can be unrealistic on large acreages or when the ground is very dry. Another option is to use a shovel to cut the root below the surface of the soil, taking care not to disturb the soil more than necessary. If this is done prior to flowering the plan can be left in place after it is cut. If it has already Noxious Weed Management Plan 7 flowered the plant should be removed and placed in a bag and disposed of. Mowing is not effective on this species unless repeated numerous times throughout the growing season since musk thistle will flower and produce seed even after one or two mowings. Oxeye Daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum): An introduced perennial ornamental that is an aggressive competitor. It forms dense patches in meadows, especially in areas grazed by cattle. Flowers are white with a bright yellow center. Leaves are spiral, sessile, and narrow lanceolate. They decrease in size from the ground to the flower head, as contrasted to "Shasta Daisy" which maintains leaf size up and down the stem. Roots are shallow with numerous branched rhizomes and strong adventitious roots. Management Objective: Contain Integrated Treatment: Chemical: The plant is resistant to 2,4-D based herbicides, unless used at or above the 5 lbs A.E./acre. Picloram @ 1.5 pint with 1 quart of 2,4-D/acre has been effective in some research trials. Studies also indicate that application of nitrogen fertilizers at rates of 80 -plus pounds/acre is as effective as chemical herbicide treatments. Biological: None currently available. Cultural: None available. Physical/Mechanical: No information available. Education: the key to oxeeye daisy management is to create an awareness among homeowners, nurseries, landscapers, and landscape architects that oxeeye daisy is a noxious weed and therefore should not be specified in planting, sold in nurseries or planted in home gardens or large-scale landscape projects. Plumeless Thistle (Carduus acanthoitles): An invasive winter annual or biennial, which closely resembles Musk Thistle. Stems grow from 1-4 feet in height. Stem leaves are alternate and blend into the stem. Flower heads are a purplish pink, about 1-2 inches in diameter. Under the flower heads exist multiple rows of narrow, sharp spines, which support the pappus. The flower lacks the distinctive flat-topped appearance of Musk Thistle. Management Objective: Containment Integrated Treatment: Chemical: Contact Garfield County Vegetation Management or a licensed applicator for specific recommendations. Biological: Seedhead weevil (Rhinocyllus conicus) Cultural: The best management is to minimize disturbance and revegetate with competitive perennial species. Physical/Mechanical: Mowing is generally not effective on plumeless due to the plant's capacity for rapid re -growth. Hand cutting is not effective unless there are repeated follow-up treatments. Hand cutting should only be conducted if there is a commitment to follow-up efforts. Plumeless tends to branch out where it is cut and then it re -flowers. Pulling plumeless can be very effective, especially if done after a light rain. Hand pulling, with a good set of gloves, is preferable to Noxious Weed Management Plan 8 shoveling. Shoveling disturbs the ground this creating a potential seedbed for future infestations. Purple Loosestrife (Lyt/rrum sal/caria): Also known as European wand loosestrife (Lythruni virgatum). An introduced perennial ornamental, commonly associated with waterways. The flower is attractive, with purple flowers vertically arranged on a tall spike. Leaves are lance shaped and notched at the base. They are attached to the stalk without stems in an alternate, opposite, or whorled pattern. A single plant may produce up to 120,000 seeds per stem, which forms a seed bank that is viable for 5-10 years. Control is difficult to achieve, due to association with water. Management Objective: Eradicate Integrated Treatment: Chemical: Glyphosate @ 4 pints/acre applied early to late bloom; 2,4-D @ 1-2 quarts/acre, applied early bud to early bloom; Triclopyr @ .5 to 2 Gal/acre, bud to mid -bloom. Biological: Biological control may eventually bring weed populations under control, but it will not eliminate or prevent the spread of noxious weeds. Cultural: None available. Physical/Mechanical: Methods include hand pulling, mowing, and flooding. Hand pulling is effective when infestations are detected early. The root system must be completely removed, since the root sections can sprout and form new plants. Education: the key to purple loosestrife management is to create an awareness among homeowners, nurseries, landscapers, and landscape architects that purple loosestrife is a noxious weed and therefore should not be specified in planting, sold in nurseries or planted in home gardens or large-scale landscape projects. Russian Knapweed (Centaurs ripens): A competitive invasive perennial that rapidly establishes dense monocultures. It is allelopathic in nature and detrimental to the health or horses. It has a deep and complex root system which extends vertically 15 to 30 feet with many horizontal rhizomes. The roots have a characteristic black sheath, which is most evident immediately below the ground surface. Stems are erect and open, standing 1-3 feet in height. Flowers are pink to lavender approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter. Management Objective: Contain Integrated Treatment: Chemical: Curtail @ 3 quarts/acre or Redeem @ 3 pints/acre applied bud to early flower; Picloram @ .38 lb A.E./acre, pre flower and fall treatment. Biological: No effective biological agent known. Cultural: Russian knapweed tends to from monocultures by eliminating other plants. Therefore, sowing desirable plant species is necessary after the weed is controlled. Research indicates that the native grasses, streambank wheatgrass and thickspike wheatgrass will establish in an area after Russian knapweed is suppressed with herbicides. If the Russian knapweed stand is not too old, and grasses are still present, stimulating grass growth by irrigation (where possible) Noxious Weed Management Plan 9 should increase grass competition with knapweed and keep it under continual stress. Physical/Mechanical: Repeated mowing combined with herbicide application will gradually stress the plant. Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia): A hardy, fast-growing tree from Europe, Russian Olive has been promoted from windrow and ornamental plantings. This tree may reach heights from 10 to 25 feet. Trunks and branches are armed with 1 to 2 inch woody thorns. The leaves are covered with small scales which give the foliage a distinctive silvery appearance. Very common in Western Garfield County, especially along the Colorado River between Silt and Rifle. Chemical: Contact Garfield County Vegetation Management or a licensed applicator for specific recommendations. Biological: None available. Cultural: Plant native trees or less aggressive introduced trees. In riparian areas establish native riparian vegetation. Physical/Mechanical: Small trees may be controlled mechanically by using an appropriate tool or shovel. Salt Cedar (Tamarix ramosissima and T. parviflora): A deciduous or evergreen shrub or small tree, 5 to 25 feet tall. It has a wide range of tolerance to saline and alkaline soil and water. It copes with high concentrations of dissolved solids by absorbing them through its roots and excreting salts through glands in its stem and leaves. The excreted salts eventually from a saline crust on the soil. A single plant of salt cedar will use about 200 gallons of water per day while it is actively growing. Introduced from Eurasia, tamarisk is widespread in Garfield County, along the Colorado River from Glenwood Canyon to the Mesa County Line. Chemical: Contact Garfield County Vegetation Management or a licensed applicator for specific recommendations. Biological: There are experimental projects being conducted in a few areas in the West involving the release of mealybugs and leafbeetles. These are not cleared for general release. The recent listing of the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (a native species that nests in salt cedar) under the Endangered Species Act has challenged efforts to move forward with release of insects for biocontrol. Cultural: Establish native riparian vegetation. Physical/Mechanical: Historical saltcedar management projects have included root plowing and raking, dozing, mowing, and prescribed burning. These methods provide only short-term benefits and are labor intensive. Scotch Thistle (Onopordum acanl/ium): Non-native biennial. Leaves and stems have a silvery, gray -green color. The flower is purple, 1-2 inches in diameter. Plant grows in dense stands and will attain heights of 6-8 feet tall. Management Objective: Eradicate Integrated Treatment: Noxious Weed Management Plan I0 Chemical: Contact Garfield County Vegetation Management or a licensed applicator for specific recommendations. Biological: None currently available. Cultural: Reseed disturbed areas with appropriate perennial grasses. Physical/Mechanical: Digging the plant at the rosette stage is effective. Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea maculosa): A biennial or short-lived perennial that has been introduced. It is an aggressive invader, which seriously degrades wildlife habitat, reduces density of desirable plants, and degrades water quality. The flower is purple to pink and is characterized by distinctive spotted bracts below the flower head. Plants grow from 8 inches to 4 feet in height. Difficult to control because of seed longevity and viability. Will germinate throughout the growing season. Management Objective: Eradicate Integrated Treatment: Chemical: Clopyralid @ 3 quarts/acre in the bud to bolt stage; Picloram @ .25 Ib A.E./acre while the plant is green; Dicamba @ 1 Ib A.E./acre combined with 2,4- D @ 2 lbs A.E./acre, applied at bud to bolt stage. Biological: Two seed head flies (Urophora affinis and U. quadrifasciata) are capable of reducing seed production by 50%. Root mining insects as well as fungal and bacterial pathogens have shown some promise, but overall it recommended that any biological control be combined with other integrated methods for best results. Cultural: If desirable grass competition is evident in spotted knapweed stands, judicious herbicide application that dos not injure grasses may release them to compete effectively with the weeds. Irrigation may help stimulate grass competition in these cases. Seeding suitable perennial grasses necessary to prevent weed re - invasion. Physical/Mechanical: None available. Yellow Starthistle: (Centaurea soistitiatis): An introduced winter annual that is a member of the knapweed family. Flowers are bright yellow and made up of many individual flowers and bracts. Each flower is armed with a ring of stout 1-2 inch spines, which radiates around the flower head. Individual plants can produce up to 150,000 seeds per plant, with 95% seed viability. Germination begins in the late fall and continues through late summer making control efforts difficult. The leaves are largely linear, growing along the stem. The leaves and stems are covered with a silky pubescent, which gives thein a silver-gray colored appearance. Management Objective: Eradicate Integrated Treatment: Chemical: Picloram @ .25 A.E./acre prior to flower; Clopyralid @ .5 to .375 lb A.I./acre prior to flower. (It is noted that applications of Curtail @ 3 quarts/acre or Redeem give adequate control through the flowering stage). Biological: Some success has been achieved with seed weevils and seed flies. In Garfield County, hope is to detect and eradicate any infestations of starthistle before biocontrols are necessary. Noxious Weed Management Plan 11 Cultural: Vigorous competitive grass is essential to maintain a plant community's resistance to starthistle invasion. Physical/Mechanical: Mowing or cutting starthistle is rarely effective. Yellow Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris): An introduced perennial ornamental that is highly competitive. Flowers are bright yellow with orange centers, resembling the physical appearance of Snap Dragons. Leaves are narrow, linear, and pointed on both ends. One plant can produce up to 500,000 seeds. Seed viability is + 10 years. Management Objective: Eradicate Integrated Treatment: Chemical: Herbicide success highly variable due plant genetics and soil variation. Treatment of choice involves the application of Picloram @ 1 Ib A.E./acre in the fall; Dicamba @ 4 lbs A.E./acre. Use of a surfactant improves success. Biological: One insect species Calophasia lunula a defoliating moth has been release on yellow toadflax. It may defoliate up to 20 percent of the leaves. Cultural: Attempt to maintain competitive communities of desirable species. Re -seed any open ground with perennial grasses to prevent invasion by other weed species. Physical/Mechanical: Digging and pulling where feasible, can provide effective control of toadflax if conducted annually for 10 to 15 years. Education: the key to yellow toadflax management and other escaped ornamentals is to create an awareness among homeowners, nurseries, landscapers, and landscape architects that Yellow toadflax is a noxious weed and therefore should not be specified in planting, sold in nurseries or planted in home gardens or large-scale landscape projects. Noxious Weed Management Plan 12