HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.11 Revegetation & Noxious Weed PlansTRANSMISSION LINE 6584 REBUILD PROJECT
ATTACHMENT L: Revegetation Plan and Weed Management Plan
Transmission Line 6584 Rebuild Project
L1: Revegetation Plan
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Memo
Date:
Project: 6584 Mitchell Creek Substation to Ute Rifle Substation Electric Transmission Line Rebuild
To: Garfield County, Colorado
From: Brian Brown – HDR Engineering, Inc.
Subject: Decommissioning/Reclamation Plan
Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo), a Colorado corporation conducting business as Xcel Energy, must
replace the existing transmission line between the Mitchell Creek to UNA Rifle Substations. This line generally
crosses rural undeveloped land. The new poles will be within the existing transmission easement and accessed
via existing private or public roads and existing and new access routes. The intent of this Plan is layout Xcel’s
approach to line decommissioning and reclamation of disturbed areas.
Line Decommissioning
Decommissioning of the line involves disconnecting the lines (overhead lines between poles) and removal of
above ground poles to support the lines including guy wires and the wood pole structure. This process is
typically as follows:
· Erosion control measures per the Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) permit will be implemented
prior to construction activity.
· Once the line is deenergized, overhead lines are disconnected via a bucket truck.
· These lines will be removed during the decommissioning phase but the actual sequencing of such varies
based on other factors that will be determined at the time of removal.
· Cross arms may be removed once the lines are disconnected or once the pole is laid on the ground.
· The soil at the base of the pole will be hand excavated approximately 1 foot deep with the excavated
soil sitting immediately adjacent the excavation.
· The grounding wire at the base of the pole will be removed.
· Guy wires will be disconnected from the guy wire anchors. The below grade anchors will be abandoned
in place.
· The bucket truck will secure the pole to the elevated bucket.
· The pole will be cut roughly 8 inches below the surrounding ground surface and placed horizontally on
the ground or onto a truck in a controlled manner to be removed from the site.
· The soil excavated from around the pole will be replaced into the excavation and over the void left by
the pole removal. The base of the pole below grade will remain in place covered with soil.
· SWMP maintenance and inspections will continue during construction in all on-going and post-
construction areas until permit closure.
February 22, 2024
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Staging Area
Staging area impacts for this project area expected to be minimal as staging areas are chosen for a number of
characteristics includes a relatively flat area. Staging areas typically follow the same sequence of impacts and
restoration:
· Erosion control measures per the SWMP are implemented in compliance with permit conditions. This
typically includes installation of a vehicle tracking control (VTC) which may be the only excavation
disturbance associated with this construction.
· Security fencing, if deemed necessary, will be installed.
· Equipment, material, Conex, and trailer deliveries will begin.
· The staging yard(s) will continue to be utilized as a place of material storage, staging, and assembly as
well as a location for workers to park personal vehicles to minimize vehicle traffic along the Xcel ROW
and crossing private property.
· Typically, on flat staging yards, expected on this project, no further excavation is required.
· After construction, remaining material, equipment, trailers, Conex, and fencing will be removed from
the site.
· Soil decompaction may be performed based on the agreement with the landowner.
· Seed and mulch, unless agricultural crop land, will be placed per the conditions of the SWMP permit
· SWMP inspections, maintenance, will continue until the site vegetation has been restored, SWMP
maintenance and inspections will continue during construction in all on-going and post-construction
areas until permit closure, excepting disturbed areas that will be utilized for crop production the
following growing season.
Reclamation
While there are multiple construction types for this project, i.e. temporary pad grading, access grading, pole
base excavation, etc., they are all fairly similar. Note: as this project is crossing mostly flat ground, therefore pad
or access grading is expected to be isolated and very limited. Below is the general sequential approach to
minimize disturbance and promote revegetation across the project. This will have to be slightly customized to
each construction type and site conditions.
1. Prior to the start of construction, a surveyor will stake pole locations, off-sets, temporary construction
areas, and other locations of importance where field delineation is beneficial.
2. Appropriate Xcel Energy staff, line construction contractor, foundation contractor, earthwork
contractor, and erosion control contractor will meet on-site to review the delineated construction
impact limits.
3. Flagging or paint used to delineate where perimeter erosion control measures should be placed based
on disturbance limits defined by Xcel Energy construction team (item 2 above).
4. Xcel Energy erosion control plan developer, Xcel Energy Environmental Analysist, or erosion control
install contractor may collect multiple representative topsoil soil samples for analysis along the
transmission line. This analysis would focus on the potential for possible soil amendments (primarily
nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) during seeding. 3 – 6 samples are expected based on the varying
soil conditions along the line.
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5. Erosion control contractor team will install perimeter erosion control measures, typically construction
fence, boundary fence, sediment control logs, rock logs, and vehicle tracking control per the
requirements identified in the State Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP).
6. Only as necessary for project, trim and remove vegetation for off-site disposal that will directly impact
site grading or access. Xcel Energy to utilize trimming as much as practicable to keep root structure in
place.
7. In areas where grading is required, strip topsoil (assume top 4 inches of soil) for reuse on site. Topsoil to
be segregated from other material. Topsoil to be placed along access or in other areas adjacent grading.
Topsoil may be transported from immediate work area due to space constraints. Topsoil that is
stockpiled for more than 14 days will be seeded for temporary stabilization. Topsoil stockpiles that are
to remain dormant for more than 14 days are to have side slopes no steeper than 1H:1V.
8. Topsoil stockpiles may be placed on undisturbed adjacent ground. In this event, Xcel Energy will place a
separation fabric, i.e. Mirafi 140N or like, to provide a physical indicator as to where the stockpile ends
and native ground begins. Xcel Energy has had success with this approach as it reduces unwanted
disturbance of native ground and allows an undisturbed but lightly ‘compressed’ topsoil layer to bounce
back once topsoil and separation fabric is removed.
9. Once permanent cut slopes are graded, they will be covered in topsoil within 14 days and seeded and
mulched within another 14 days. This will allow permanent cut/fill face revegetation to commence as
soon as possible. Work areas where active construction is anticipated, i.e. flat pads, are not to be topsoil
covered until heavy construction work has ceased. Once heavy construction of permanent pads has
ceased, topsoil cover is to be completed within 14 days and seeding and mulching to follow within
another 14 days.
10. Subgrade excavation material, from grading or pole excavation, will be spread on the access road,
exported from the site for off-site disposal, or stockpiled in immediate or near-by work area for future
use, particularly in areas with temporary grading impacts that are to have grades restored. Like the
topsoil above, subsoil that is stockpiled on undisturbed ground is to have a separation fabric below the
stockpile to clearly distinguish between native grade and stockpile material. This will minimize
disturbance of the native grade and allow this compressed native grade to bounce back once stockpile
and separation fabric is removed.
11. Once construction is completed at a site for permanent grading impacts, i.e. conductor pull/tensioning
pads and access roads, the site soil is to be ripped to loosen the subgrade due to soil compaction during
construction. Following decompaction, topsoil is to be placed at a depth of 4 inches in a loose manner
ready to accept seed. Unlike most topsoil requirements, rock of various gravel sizes less than 6 inches
diameter may remain in the topsoil layer.
12. Once construction is completed at a site for temporary grading impacts, the site rough grades are to be
reestablished and the subgrade soil is to be bucket compacted to a ‘firm’ condition. Following
compaction, topsoil is to be placed at a depth of 4 inches in a smooth but loose manner ready to accept
seed. Unlike most topsoil requirements, rock of various gravel sizes less than 6 inches diameter is
expected in the topsoil layer and is indicative of native topsoil in this area.
13. Soil amendments are to be added per soil analytic recommendations via mechanical broadcast or
hydraulic application. Site seed mix is to be spread at appropriate rates given application type, hydraulic,
drill, or hand broadcast. The amendment and seed application will vary substantially based on
disturbance type site access and soil conditions. In cases of hydraulic application, the seed mix may be
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applied with the liquid amendment or hand broadcast but in no case is seed to be mixed and applied
with mulch.
14. Final erosion control cover for seeded areas will vary based on access to disturbance areas. Truck or
tracked access areas will have either straw crimp mulch (on grades less than 10 percent and low rock
content soil) or a high quality hydraulically applied mulch, i.e. Flexterra HP-FGM or like, on grades
exceeding 10 percent. Xcel Energy generally does not support using erosion control blankets on this
project due to concerns about reduced blanket to soil contact and due to longer life blankets having a
high synthetic content with leads to a wildlife entrapment hazard.
15. Xcel Energy will change erosion control inspection schedule from weekly to monthly inspections once
initial stabilization measures (seeding and mulching) have been completed. If there are areas of concern
identified during the monthly inspection that need to be addressed (i.e. erosion or lack of revegetation
growth), the revegetation contractor will return to the site to address identified issues.
16. Per the required State (SWMP) and local (Grading Permits), Xcel Energy will continue to maintain
structural erosion control measures across the project until no longer necessary. These will primarily
include down-gradient sediment control logs but may include other control measures. These measures
will be removed when no longer required and seed will be hand broadcast in areas where removal has
exposed or disturbed less vegetated soil.
17. Once site has met plant density cover requirements, Xcel Energy will perform a final post-construction
site visit to document final conditions and then Xcel Energy will close SWMP permit with the State.
NOTES:
· Xcel Energy’s ability to stabilize disturbed areas with vegetation is dependent on many factors within
Xcel Energy control. Unfortunately, favorable moisture conditions for germination and continued growth
are beyond Xcel Energy control and a key determinate for revegetation. Xcel Energy anticipates
adequate revegetation will take multiple years. Xcel Energy frequently returns to sites multiple times
that are in the vegetation growth phase to address areas of erosion and reseed and/or mulch as
necessary to promote vegetation stabilization.
· Xcel Energy hires a separate third-party company to perform the erosion control installation,
maintenance, and revegetation as well as another third-party company to perform regular erosion
control inspections. These companies have long standing relationships with Xcel Energy. With this
approach, Xcel Energy has trained the installation company and inspection company to meet Xcel
Energy’s standards and to stay in compliance with state and local permit conditions which improve the
restoration trajectory. Xcel’s practice is to continue inspection and maintenance, both performed by
third party contractors, until site revegetation is established. Access for the post construction inspection
and maintenance will be over prescriptive rights, landowner allowed access, and the transmission line
easement.
Seed Mix:
A seed mix is proposed in the Noxious Weed Mitigation Plan and will be reviewed during construction in
consultation with suppliers and appropriate County representatives, if requested.
Transmission Line 6584 Rebuild Project
L2: Weed Management Plan
Noxious Weed Management Plan
6584 Mitchell Creek – Ute Rifle Line Rebuild
Garfield County, Colorado
February 22, 2024
_______________________________________________________
Prepared for:
Xcel Energy
PO BOX 840
Denver, Colorado 80201
(720) 963-3684
_______________________________________________________
Prepared by:
HDR, Inc
1670 Broadway, Suite 3400
Denver, CO 80202
_______________________________________________________
Noxious Weed Management Plan | 6584 Mitchell Creek – Ute Rifle Line Rebuild
TOC-i
Contents
Page No.
Section 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................ 1
Section 2. Noxious Weed Management Requirements ............................................................... 1
2.1 Presidential Executive Order 13112—Invasive Species ..................................................... 1
2.2 Colorado Noxious Weed Act ............................................................................................. 1
2.3 Garfield County Noxious Weed Management .................................................................... 2
Section 3. Noxious Weed Control: Pre-construction .................................................................... 2
Section 4. Noxious Weed Control: During-Construction .............................................................. 3
Section 5. Noxious Weed Control – Post-Construction ............................................................... 3
5.1 Seed mix ........................................................................................................................... 5
Section 6. Recommended Management and Mitigation Actions .................................................. 6
Section 7. References ................................................................................................................ 7
Tables
Table 1. Semi-Desert Loam Revegetation Seed Mixture* ................................................... 5
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Section 1. Introduction
Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo), a Colorado corporation conducting business as
Xcel Energy (Xcel Energy), is proposing to rebuild the 6584 Mitchell Creek - Ute Rifle overhead
transmission line in Garfield County, Colorado.
This Noxious Weed Management Plan (Plan) is based on typical practices and not on a site
weed survey. This Plan has been prepared to support the expected noxious weed management
activities for the line rebuild within Garfield County.
Section 2. Noxious Weed Management Requirements
When present in large numbers, noxious plant species have had considerable impacts to the
quality and integrity of natural ecosystems. Noxious weed species can alter fire ecology,
successional ecosystem processes, and ecosystem function of the ecosystems they invade.
Some species have had such serious economic and biological impacts that their control and
management is mandated under Colorado State law (i.e., List A species).
Because of the adverse environmental effects of noxious weeds, federal, state, and local
governments have issued various orders and regulations regarding noxious weeds. The
following are some of the regulations guiding noxious weed management.
2.1 Presidential Executive Order 13112—Invasive
Species
Executive Order 13112, Invasive Species, was issued on February 3, 1999, to prevent the
introduction of invasive species; provide for their control; and minimize the economic, ecological,
and human health impacts that result from invasive species. This order directs federal agencies
to prevent the introduction of invasive species, control and monitor invasive species, and restore
native species and habitats that have been invaded (Federal Register 1999).
2.2 Colorado Noxious Weed Act
As defined by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDOA), noxious weeds are plants that
reduce agricultural productivity, lower real estate values, endanger human health and well-being,
and damage scenic values (CDOA 2021a). The Colorado Noxious Weed Act §§ 35-5.5-101
through 119, C.R.S. as amended, states that an organized and coordinated effort must be made
to stop the spread of noxious weeds.
Rules pertaining to administration of the Act include a noxious weed list that designates and
classifies noxious weed species into categories for immediate eradication (CDOA 2021a):
· List A contains 25 species of noxious weeds targeted for eradication. If individuals or
populations of A List species are found, the local governing body must provide the State Weed
Coordinator with mapping that includes information on location and density of the infestation.
· List B contains 38 species that are targeted for eradication, containment, or suppression based
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upon a given local governing body’s management plan.
· List C contains 16 species for which the Commissioner of Agriculture, in consultation with the
state noxious weed advisory committee, local governments, and other interested parties, will
develop and implement into state noxious weed management plans designed to support the
efforts of local governing bodies to facilitate more effective integrated weed management on
private and public lands.
In addition to the three lists, the state maintains a noxious weed species “Watch List”. It contains
19 species that CDOA has determined pose a potential threat to the agricultural productivity and
environmental values of the lands of Colorado. It is for advisory and education purposes only and
is intended to encourage the collection of information needed to determine if the species should
be listed as a noxious weed.
2.3 Garfield County Noxious Weed Management
Garfield County adopted a Noxious Weed Management Plan to reduce the prevalence of
noxious weeds and their negative impacts. The Garfield County Noxious Weed List includes 41
weeds. The County has a Weed Advisory Board to support the County in yearly determinations
regarding weed list changes. The County’s principles of weed management are incorporated into
the pre- and post-construction weed management activities, as appropriate. These include:
· Prevention
· Cultural Practices
· Physical/mechanical methods
· Biological Control
· Chemical Control
The term “noxious weed” includes species listed as noxious by the Colorado Department of
Agriculture (CDOA 2021a) and additional plants listed as weeds within the County. Plant
nomenclature for noxious weeds in this report follow the CDOA website.
Section 3. Noxious Weed Control: Pre-construction
Prior to construction, Xcel Energy will utilize the following steps to minimize noxious weed
propagation:
· Training of crews as to how surface disturbance creates a more favorable environment
for noxious weeds if seed stock s in the area,
· Delineating areas with boundary fence, see SWMP Plans and report, or a similar physical
barrier to limit unnecessary surface disturbance,
· Cleaning of equipment to avoid bringing non-native soil or vegetation onto the site as
these may contain unwanted seed stock. Equipment brought to the site must be free of
clean of soil or vegetation from another site. Thorough power washing of wheels, tracks,
undercarriage, and excavation equipment will be performed prior to site arrival.
Equipment that leaves the site, i.e. for crew transportation or equipment repair, and then
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returns to the site without leaving pavement does not need to be rewashed.
· A State Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) permit that covers this construction
activity will be obtained by Xcel Energy and the weed management steps will work in
conjunction with the SWMP.
Section 4. Noxious Weed Control: During-
Construction
Construction activities will expose soils in areas that have been previously disturbed and limited
areas that have not been previously disturbed. This disturbance creates a potential for the
introduction and spread of noxious weeds in the project area. Noxious weed species that occur in
and adjacent to disturbed areas of the project have the potential to spread into areas impacted
by placement of new poles, use and construction of access roads for construction equipment and
use of staging areas. The goal of the plan is to minimize the spread of noxious weeds due to the
proposed project’s construction activities. By implementing measures intended to minimize the
spread of noxious weeds during construction and minimizing the establishment of new noxious
weed populations post-construction, the proposed project should minimize new and help reduce
existing noxious weed infestations. The activities during construction will, at a minimum, include:
· Removal and stockpiling of topsoil for replacement in immediate area of excavation
disturbance as this will create a more favorable soil strata for revegetation.
· Leaving ‘drive & crush’ areas alone to rebound naturally. This assume the topsoil layer
and associated root structure remains in place but has only been compressed by
construction activity.
· Crews will continue to be diligent about minimizing the construction impact to avoid
topsoil disturbance.
· Hand or drill seeding of appropriate seed mix has been applied along with mulch.
· The SWMP permit compliance will continue during construction and the weed
management steps will work in conjunction with the SWMP.
Section 5. Noxious Weed Control – Post-Construction
Post-construction activities are based on the assumption that the site grades and topsoil have
been restored and appropriate seed mix has been applied. Post-construction weed control
activities will commence in the year following completion of construction as that is when weed
seed germination and growth is more apparent. NOTE: Weed control will only be addressed in
areas disturbed by construction and will not address weed infestations outside of the disturbance
area even if they are within Xcel Energy’s ROW.
Post-construction weed management priorities are based on the threat noxious weed species
found in the project area pose to the overall goal of maintaining the health of the ecosystem.
Generally, List A species are the highest priority because they are often the most aggressive
species with limited distribution. List B are next priority species and List C species are generally
widespread and are not prioritized.
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The best technique for controlling most established noxious weeds is an integrated approach of
mechanical, biological, and chemical controls. Mechanical control usually involves mowing,
hand-pulling, or cutting. Biological control is the use of organisms (usually insects, but also
livestock) that are deliberately introduced to an area to control weeds. Chemical control involves
the application of one or more herbicides at the appropriate time of the year (all herbicides
should be applied by a certified applicator according to the manufacturer’s directions).
Where chemical controls are recommended, Xcel Energy and its contractors work to minimize
the use of chemicals that are harmful to beneficial insects in their vegetation management
practices controlling shrubs, trees, and weed species within their rights-of-way and properties.
This includes eliminating the use of neonicotinoids, a class of neuro-active insecticides, which
have been found harmful to all invertebrate populations including bee populations and other
native pollinators (Xcel Energy Undated).
The year following construction, two noxious weed treatments will be undertaken:
1. Early season (May-June) for cool-season noxious weeds (e.g., redstem fillaree,
cheatgrass, bindweed),
2. Late season (July-August) for the warm-season noxious weeds (e.g., thistles and
knapweeds). Areas of infestations identified in these surveys will determine appropriate
treatment and suppression methods.
Noxious Weed Treatment Measures
Xcel Energy’s noxious weed management contractor will implement noxious weed control
measures in accordance with existing regulations and local requirements. Post-construction
control measures can include one or more of the following methods (that may be implemented
during restoration activities):
· Treatment methods will be based on species-specific and area-specific conditions (e.g.,
proximity to water or riparian areas, agricultural areas, and time of year) with the County
coordinator being notified prior to noxious weed eradication activities. If areas are not
seeded until the following spring, Xcel Energy will alter weed treatment timing based on
weed control best practices.
· Mechanical methods rely on equipment that can be used to mow or disc weed
populations. If such a method is used in areas to be restored, subsequent seeding will be
conducted to re-establish a desirable vegetative cover that will stabilize the soils and slow
the potential re-invasion of noxious weeds.
· Discing or other mechanical treatments, that would disturb the soil surface within native
habitats, will be avoided in favor of an herbicide application, which is an effective means
of reducing the size of noxious weed populations as well as preventing the establishment
of new colonies.
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· Seed selection will be based on site-specific conditions and the appropriate seed mix
identified for those conditions.
· Herbicide applications will be controlled to minimize the impacts on the surrounding
vegetation. In areas of dense infestation, a broader application will be used and a follow-
up seeding program may be implemented.
Refer to the Garfield County Noxious Weed Management Plan for recommended control
techniques for noxious weed species.
5.1 Seed mix
Restoration will consist of re-contouring the disturbed areas around poles and staging areas per
grading plans and reseeding the area with the following seed mix. The timing of subsequent
seeding efforts will be based on the life of applied herbicides, if used. NOTE: This seed mix will
be reviewed during construction and in consultation with supplier and appropriate County
representative.
Table 1. Semi-Desert Loam Revegetation Seed Mixture*
Species Pounds per Acre** Number of Seeds***
Western wheatgrass
(Pascopyrum smithii)
3.00 8
Indian ricegrass
(Achnatherum hymenoides)
2.00 6
Prairie junegrass
(Koeleria macrantha)
0.50 26
Sandberg bluegrass
(Poa secunda ssp. Sandbergii)
1.00 24
Galleta grass
(Pleuraphis jamesii)
2.00 7
Bluebunch wheatgrass
(Pseudoroegneria spicata ssp. Spicata)
2.00 6
Bottlebrush squirreltail
(Elymus elymoides)
2.00 9
Total 12.50 85
*The seed mix shown in 1 was developed by Granite Seed and Erosion Control based on existing native
grasses that occur in this region. Seed mix may be obtained from other suppliers.
** Pure Live Seed
***Per Square Foot
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Section 6. Recommended Management and
Mitigation Actions
In addition to the specific management recommendations listed for each species in the Garfield
County Noxious Weed Management Plan, the following mitigation measures are
recommended (as appropriate) to minimize the spread of noxious weeds:
· All construction equipment will remain in designated work areas.
· The area of ground disturbance will be kept to the minimum necessary.
· Minimize imported topsoil during construction. If importing is necessary, use certified weed-free
soil.
· All equipment will be thoroughly cleaned before entering and exiting the study area.
· All mulches and straw used at the site will be certified weed-free.
· All disturbed areas will be seeded after construction. Seeding will consist of species listed in
Table 1. Semi-Desert Loam Seed Mixture will be spread on disturbed ground around poles and
staging areas, as appropriate. The seed mix will be reviewed after the weed survey and in
consultation suppliers and appropriate County representatives, as requested.
· All seed mixes, soil, and other plant material used for revegetation will be free of noxious weed
seeds, roots, and other propagules.
· Only a Colorado-licensed Supervisor or Certified Operator will apply herbicides.
· All herbicides will be applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
· Broadcast herbicide spraying will be limited to areas of project ground disturbance, around
each existing and new pole, and at staging areas. Weed treatment around each existing and
new pole will be limited to disturbance associated with this line rebuild.
· The Garfield County Vegetation Manager will be notified prior to noxious weed treatments, as
appropriate to the disturbance jurisdiction.
· Applicable control measures (CMs) from the Stormwater Management Plan will be
implemented.
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Section 7. References
Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDOA). 2021a. Noxious Weeds. Available online:
<https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/agconservation/noxiousweeds> and
<https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bxn6NtpJWc9JRFE3LW1RWFVXY1E/view?resourcekey=
0-WalETB5Qp3zCjfRnar5t3g>. Accessed October 2021.
CDOA. 2021b. County Weed Programs. Available online: County Weed Programs | Department
of Agriculture (colorado.gov)>. Accessed October 2021.
Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). 2021. Noxious Weeds Map. Available online: <
https://cdot.maps.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=ebd39c7a542349c6914
89f5ecb1a1c62#!>. Accessed October 2021.
Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP). 2016. Survey of Critical Biological Resources: a
resurvey and update of Potential Conservation Areas in Garfield County, Colorado.
Available online: https://cnhp.colostate.edu/wp-
content/uploads/download/documents/2016/Final_Garfield_2016_report.pdf. Accessed
October 2021.
Garfield County Noxious Weed Management Plan, Revised February, 2016. Available online:
Garfield-County-Noxious-Weed-Management-Plan-Adopted-Feb-2016.pdf
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 2006. Land Resource Regions and Major Land
Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. Natural
Resources Conservation Service, USDA Handbook 296.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 2021. National Land Cover Database (NLCD). Available
online: https://apps.nationalmap.gov/viewer/. Accessed June 2021.
Western Regional Climate Center. 2021. Climate Summaries. Available online:
https://wrcc.dri.edu/Climate/summaries.php. Accessed October 2021.
Xcel Energy. Undated. Wildlife and Habitat Protection. Available online:
<https://www.xcelenergy.com/staticfiles/xe-
responsive/Company/Corporate%20Responsibility%20Report/2019%20CRR/2019_Wildlife
%20and%20Habitat%20Protection_CRR.pdf>. Accessed October 2021