HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.24 Weed Management PlanPrepared for:
Nutrient Holdings, LLC
520 River View Drive, #506 New Castle, CO 81647
May 4, 2020
Prepared by:
SGM
118 West 6th St., Suite 200 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
970-384-9017
Weed Management Plan
Nutrient Farm PUD
Garfield County, Colorado
Table of Contents
1.0 Summary ............................................................................................................................. 1
2.0 Description of Survey Area .................................................................................................. 2
3.0 Results of Surveys ................................................................................................................ 4
4.0 Noxious Weed Management Recomendations ................................................................... 6
List of Tables
Table 1 – Noxious Weeds Present on Property ............................................................................................ 1
List of Figures
Figure 1 – Project Area Overview ................................................................................................................. 3
Figure 2 – Noxious Weed Occurrences ......................................................................................................... 5
Appendix
Appendix A – Colorado Listed Noxious Weeds .................................................................................... 7
Appendix B – Garfield County Listed Noxious Weeds .......................................................................... 8
Appendix C - Photo Documentation .................................................................................................. 9
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1.0 SUMMARY
This Weed Management Plan was prepared at the request of Nutrient Farm PUD to fulfill the submittal
requirements of the Land Use and Development Code (LUDC). Nutrient Farm is proposing to develop the
existing pastures and associated ranch infrastructure, and the shrubby hillsides at the toe of the Grand
Hogback into a multi-use agricultural, residential and recreational-amenity area. The proposed
development is located in Garfield County, Colorado in Sections 33, 34, and 35, Township 5 South, Range
90 West (6th Principal Meridian), and Sections 5 and 6, Township 6 South, Range 90 West (6th Principal
Meridian) (Figure 1).
SGM was retained by Nutrient Farm PUD to conduct a noxious weed survey to fulfill requirements of
Garfield County’s LUDC and Vegetation Management department. A field survey documenting and mapping
noxious weeds was conducted on April 8th, 2020, by Rachel Kattnig, SGM Environmental Consultant II.
Both Garfield County’s noxious weed list and the State of Colorado’s noxious weed list were utilized for
survey efforts (Appendix A and B). To summarize, surveys found the following State and Garfield County
listed noxious weeds:
Table 1 – Noxious Weeds Present on Property
Noxious Weeds
Common Name Scientific Name Colorado Listed
Species
Garfield County
Listed Species
Cheatgrass Anisantha (Bromus) tectorum Yes (List C) -
Common mullein Verbascum thapsus Yes (List C) -
Curley dock Rumex crispus - Yes
Hoary cress Lepidium draba Yes (List B) Yes
Houndstongue Cynoglossum officianale Yes (List B) Yes
Russian knapweed Acroptilon repens Yes (List B & C) Yes
Russian olive Elaeagnus angustifoilia Yes (List B) Yes
Salt cedar Tamarix sp. Yes (List B) Yes
Scotch thistle Onopordum acanthium Yes (List B) Yes
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2.0 DESCRIPTION OF SURVEY AREA
The property generally has four separate vegetation types. The majority of the property, including the
majority of the area proposed for development, is dominated by grazed pasture areas with gently sloping
topography, located on alluvial/colluvial material which has been leveled by deposition and tilling. Pasture
areas are dominated by agricultural cultivars including smooth brome (Bromus inermis), orchardgrass
(Dactylis glomerata), western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), as well as some native fescues (Festuca
spp.) and rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa). The steep slopes above the pastures are dominated by sparse
pinyon-juniper woodlands (Pinus edulis and Sabina osteosperma) with mixed shrub component of Gambel
oak (Quercus gambelii), mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus and C. ledifolius) and Utah
serviceberry (Amelanchier utahensis); these areas have minimal understory vegetation. The transitional
areas between the mixed mountain shrublands and pastures contain remnant stands of sagebrush
shrublands (Artemisia tridentata ssp. bonvillensis). The portion of the property immediately adjacent to
the Colorado River supports sparse and discontinuous wetland/riparian vegetation on the banks of the
river; vegetation is predominantly Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), an invasive exotic tree species. Other
notable species include narrowleaf cottonwood (Populus angustifolia), serviceberry, coyote willow (Salix
exigua), and dogwood (Cornus stolonifera). No wetlands extend beyond the immediate boundaries of the
river’s channel.
Typical conditions in sparse pinyon-juniper woodlands
on steep slopes. Typical conditions in pasture areas.
Typical conditions in riparian areas along the Colorado
River.
Typical conditions in transitional areas of sagebrush
shrublands.
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Figure 1 – Project Area Overview
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3.0 RESULTS OF SURVEYS
The most common noxious weeds found within the project area include: cheatgrass (Anisantha tectorum),
Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium), and Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens). The banks of the Vulcan
Ditch were noted as an area with a high concentration of weeds, particularly Russian knapweed. The
pasture areas have widespread, low to high densities of Scotch thistle, low densities of knapweed, and
some isolated areas of hoary cress (Lepidium draba). Areas dominated by Gambel oak shrub communities
along the banks of the Colorado River have low to medium densities of houndstongue (Cynoglossum
officianale). Cheatgrass is present in low to high densities throughout the project area, in pastures, along
the Vulcan Ditch, near existing structures, and within native pinion-juniper shrublands. Individuals of salt
cedar (Tamarix sp.), Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifoilia), common mullein (Verbascum thapsus), and
curley dock (Rumex crispus) occur in pasture areas or along the banks of the Colorado River. Figure 2 shows
the areas of noxious weed infestations and relative densities. Redstem filaree (Erodium cicutarium) and
field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) are likely to be present but were not observed during the April site
visit. Appendix C is a photo log documenting the noxious weed presence and densities throughout the
project area.
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Figure 2 – Noxious Weed Occurrences
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4.0 NOXIOUS WEED MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
To meet the requirements of the Colorado Noxious Weed Act and Garfield County guidance, the developer
shall conduct prescribed management techniques for noxious weeds included on one of three State weed
lists: List A – designated for statewide eradication; List B – managed to prevent further spread and, for
selected species, designated for eradication in large areas; and List C – of more localized concern, but for
which the State will provide education, research, and biological control assistance to jurisdictions that
choose to manage the species. The current State list is available in Appendix A.
If populations of List A species are present in the project area, every population shall be eradicated prior to
seed development. To stop the spread of List B species, populations of every species designated for
eradication in a particular county shall be eliminated prior to seed development.
Additionally, to meet reclamation objectives, the operator should eliminate or minimize those noxious and
invasive weeds designated as “undesirable species”. Undesirable species include redstem filaree, all List C
species (e.g., cheatgrass and field bindweed), and invasive species that commonly colonize disturbed or
reclaimed land and impede or prevent establishment of desirable species (e.g., kochia [Kochia sieversiana,
K. iranica, K. scoparia] and Russian thistle [Salsola australis, S. iberica, S. kali]).
Control of invasive species is a difficult task and requires on-going control measures. Care must be taken to
avoid negatively impacting desirable plant communities and inviting infestation by other pioneer invaders.
Weed management is best achieved by employing aggressive control early on, and persistent control efforts
over several growing seasons, including direct treatments, prevention through best management practices,
monitoring of treatment efficacy, and subsequent detection efforts. Weed management is often limited to
controlling existing infestations and prevention of further infestations, rather than eradication, but through
effective weed management practices and eradication can be possible in small to medium sized weed
populations.
As Nutrient Farm PUD is planning to be a Certified Organic facility, use of chemicals to control noxious weeds
is limited. Therefore, the following methods are recommended to manage noxious weeds, per Colorado
State University’s Extension program. The Garfield County Vegetation Management Program and the
Garfield County Noxious Weed Management Plan should be reviewed for additional guidance.
Preventive:
The first and the most important step in a weed control program and probably the most cost-effective method
of weed control is prevention. Methods include maintaining healthy pastures, using weed-free crop seed, weed-
free manure and hay, and clean harvesting and tillage equipment, as well as the elimination of weed infestations
in areas bordering cropland, and in irrigation ditches and canals.
Cultural:
Methods include: Establishing and managing an adequate population of desirable vegetation to compete with
the weeds; utilizing livestock (cattle, goats, sheep) when possible; mulching; burning; and even plastic weed
barriers.
Mechanical:
Methods include: Hand-pull, hoe, mow and tillage.
Biological:
Biological weed control involves the utilization of natural enemies for the control of specific weed species. This
method can take many years to result in weed control and is often not 100% effective. However, this method
can dramatically help reduce weed densities and when combined with other methods can be very beneficial.
Methods include grazing, introduction of registered insects or diseases. Contact the Palisade Insectary for more
information.
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APPENDIX A – COLORADO LISTED NOXIOUS WEEDS
Colorado Noxious Weeds (including Watch List), effective June, 2020
List A Species (25)
Common Scientific
African rue (Peganum harmala)
Bohemian knotweed (Fallopia x bohemicum)
Camelthorn (Alhagi maurorum)
Common crupina (Crupina vulgaris)
Cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias)
Dyer's woad (Isatis tinctoria)
Elongated mustard (Brassica elongata)
Flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus)
Giant knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis)
Giant reed (Arundo donax)
Giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta)
Hairy willow-herb (Epilobium hirsutum)
Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata)
Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica)
Meadow knapweed (Centaurea x moncktonii)
Mediterranean sage (Salvia aethiopis)
Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae)
Myrtle spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites)
Orange hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum)
Parrotfeather (Myriophyllum aquaticum)
Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
Rush skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea)
Squarrose knapweed (Centaurea virgata)
Tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea)
Yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis)
List B Species (38)
Common Scientific
Absinth wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
Black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger)
Bouncingbet (Saponaria officinalis)
Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare)
Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense)
Chinese clematis (Clematis orientalis)
Common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
Common teasel (Dipsacus fullonum)
Cutleaf teasel (Dipsacus laciniatus)
Dalmatian toadflax, broad-leaved (Linaria dalmatica)
Dalmatian toadflax, narrow-leaved (Linaria genistifolia)
Dame's rocket (Hesperis matronalis)
Diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa)
Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)
Hoary cress (Cardaria draba)
Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale)
Colorado Noxious Weeds (including Watch List), effective June, 2020
List B Species Continued (38)
Common Scientific
Jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica)
Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula)
Mayweed chamomile (Anthemis cotula)
Moth mullein (Verbascum blattaria)
Musk thistle (Carduus nutans)
Oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)
Perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium)
Plumeless thistle (Carduus acanthoides)
Russian knapweed (Rhaponticum repens)
Russian-olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)
Salt cedar (Tamarix. ramosissima)
Salt cedar (T. chinensis)
Scentless chamomile (Tripleurospermum inodorum)
Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium)
Scotch thistle (O. tauricum)
Spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe L. ssp. micranthos)
Spotted x diffuse knapweed hybrid (Centaurea x psammogena)
Sulfur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta)
Wild caraway (Carum carvi)
Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus)
Yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris)
Yellow x Dalmatian toadflax hybrid (Linaria vulgaris x L. dalmatica)
List C Species (16)
Common Scientific
Bulbous bluegrass (Poa bulbosa)
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Common burdock (Arctium minus)
Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Common St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum)
Downy brome, cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum)
Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)
Halogeton (Halogeton glomeratus)
Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense)
Perennial sowthistle (Sonchus arvensis)
Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum)
Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris)
Quackgrass (Elymus repens)
Redstem filaree (Erodium cicutarium)
Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)
Wild proso millet (Panicum miliaceum)
Colorado Noxious Weeds (including Watch List), effective June, 2020
Watch List Species (19)
Common Scientific
Baby's breath (Gypsophila paniculata)
Caucasian bluestem (Bothriochloa bladhii)
Common bugloss (Anchusa officinalis)
Common reed (Phragmites australis)
Garden loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris)
Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus)
Hoary alyssum (Berteroa incana L.)
Meadow hawkweed (Hieracium caespitosum)
Onionweed (Asphodelus fistulosus)
Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila)
Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius)
Swainsonpea (Sphaerophysa salsula)
Syrian beancaper (Zygophyllum fabago)
Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
Ventenata grass (Ventenata dubia)
White bryony (Bryonia alba)
Yellow bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum)
Yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus)
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APPENDIX B – GARFIELD COUNTY LISTED NOXIOUS WEEDS
Garfield County Listed Species (40)
Common Scientific Absinth wormwood (Artemesia absinthium)
Black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger)
Bouncingbet (Saponaria officinalis)
Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare)
Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense)
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Chinese clematis (Clematis orientalis)
Common burdock (Arctium minus)
Common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
Common teasel (Dipsacus fullonum)
Corn chamomile (Anthemis arvensis)
Curly dock (Rumex crispus)
Cutleaf teasel (Dipsacus laciniatus)
Cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias)
Dalmatian toadflax (Linaria dalmatica)
Dame’s rocket (Hesperis matronalis)
Diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa)
Hoary cress (Cardaria draba)
Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale)
Jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica)
Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula)
Mayweed chamomile (Anthemis cotula)
Meadow knapweed (Centaurea pratensis)
Mediterranean sage (Salvia aethiopsis)
Musk thistle (Carduus nutans)
Myrtle spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites)
Oxeye daisy (Chrysanthemum leucantheum)
Perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium)
Plumeless thistle (Carduus acanthoides)
Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum)
Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens)
Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)
Salt cedar (Tamarix parviflora, Tamarix ramosissima)
Scentless chamomile (Tripleurospermum perforatum)
Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium)
Spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa)
Sulfur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta)
Yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitalis)
Yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris)
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APPENDIX C - PHOTO DOCUMENTATION
PHOTO LOG
Project Name: Site Location:Date:
Photo Point 1 (P1)
Photo Point 2 (P2)
Apr 8, 2020Nutrient Farm PUD - New Castle, CONutrient Farm PUD - Noxious
Weed Survey
Cheatgrass & Scotch thistle
within a transitional zone.
Russian knapweed in a pasture
area.
PHOTO LOG
Project Name: Site Location:Date:
Photo Point 3 (P3)
Photo Point 4 (P4)
Apr 8, 2020Nutrient Farm PUD - New Castle, CONutrient Farm PUD - Noxious
Weed Survey
Houndstongue at edge of a
pasture area near the bank of
the Colorado River.
Houndstongue & Scotch thistle
along edge of pasture area.
PHOTO LOG
Project Name: Site Location:Date:
Photo Point 5 (P5)
Photo Point 6 (P6)
Apr 8, 2020Nutrient Farm PUD - New Castle, CONutrient Farm PUD - Noxious
Weed Survey
Common mullein found in
pasture area.
Salt cedar along the Colorado
River.
PHOTO LOG
Project Name: Site Location:Date:
Photo Point 7 (P7)
Photo Point 8 (P8)
Apr 8, 2020Nutrient Farm PUD - New Castle, CONutrient Farm PUD - Noxious
Weed Survey
Hoarycress in pasture/disturbed
area.
Pasture/disturbed area with
high density Scotch thistle.
PHOTO LOG
Project Name: Site Location:Date:
Photo Point 9 (P9)
Photo Point 10 (P10)
Apr 8, 2020Nutrient Farm PUD - New Castle, CONutrient Farm PUD - Noxious
Weed Survey
Russian olive tree along the
Colorado River.
Cheatgrass and Russian
knapweed along the Vulcan
Ditch.