San Luis Valley Regional Noxious Weed Plan

Transcription

1 San Luis Valley Regional Noxious Weed Plan This plan was produced as a guideline for use by the SLV Cooperative Noxious Weed Management Committee to facilitate noxious weed control in the San Luis Valley Noxious Weed Management Area. It is suggested that all partners develop a noxious weed management plan that fits the partner s needs and states requirements as a formal management plan. The committee can supply several management plans for reference. Vision Noxious weeds are managed and/or controlled cooperatively throughout the San Luis Valley Management Area regardless of geographic or political boundaries to promote ecological and economic values. Mission The SLV Cooperative Noxious Weed Management Committee is a public and private partnership created to promote awareness and management of noxious weeds through local and regional initiatives in the SLV area. Participation The San Luis Valley Noxious Weed Management Committee shall consist of valley wide partners and have a formal committee of not less than 10 members and not more than 20 members. The committee shall have a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary. The committee shall meet monthly and no less than quarterly to facilitate the SLV Noxious Weed Management Committee Plan. Members of the committee will have to be active members to participate on the committee. More than 3 absences without an excuse will be reason for replacement on the committee. Partners: CDOT Counties BOR CDOW Conservation Districts Railroad s Municipalities Canal and ditch companies State Land Board Tamarisk Task Force SLV Water CD Federal Wildlife Refuge Closed Basin Water Project 1

2 Private Land Owners Towns/Cities State & Federal Parks Airports Home Owner Association Properties San Luis Valley Public Lands Center San Luis Valley GIS/GPS Authority Definitions 1. Act: the Colorado Weed Management Act, Title 35, Article 5.5, C.R.S. as amended. 2. Alien plant: a non-native, exotic, introduced plant species. 3. Annual weed: a weed that lives for one year, then dies. Seeds are the primary dispersal mechanism for annual plants. 4. Best Management Practices (BMP): recommendations for the most reasonable, effective and economical but least harmful methods of weed control; may include mechanical, cultural, biological and chemical methods as well as prevention. 5. Biennial weed: a weed that has a two year life cycle. It germinates and grows leaves one year, then sends up a flower stalk and sets seed the following year. Seeds are the primary dispersal mechanism for annual plants. 6. Biocontrol agent: a living creature that is used to control undesirable pests. Includes insects, diseases, and vertebrate animals. 7. Board: Noxious Weed Advisory Board (NWAB). 8. Bolting: a stage in the life cycle of a plant when it sends up a flower stalk. 9. CDOT: Colorado Department of Transportation. 10. Commissioners: the Board of County Commissioners. 11. County: the unincorporated areas of Counties. 12. EDRR: Early Detection Rapid Response. 13. Geographic Information Systems (GIS): a method used to map weed infestations using satellite technology (Geographic Positioning System or GPS) coupled with on-the-ground observations and computer mapping programs to determine the extent and severity of an infestation and to track the effect of weed management practices. 2

3 14. Inspector: County or Partner Pest and Weed Inspector. 15. Integrated Weed Management (IWM): the planning and implementation of a coordinated program that uses a variety of effective tools to manage noxious weeds. Elements of an IWM plan include weed identification, education, prevention, cultural practices, mechanical removal, chemical use, and biological control. 16. Landowner: any owner of record of state, federal, county, municipal, or private land, including owners of easements, irrigation canals and ditches, and rights-of-way. 17. Partner: County, Municipal, Landowner or any agency involved with a noxious weed management plan and area of concern. 18. Neighboring: a property with a boundary immediately adjacent to the boundary of another property. 19. Noxious weed: an alien plant or parts of an alien plant that has been designated by state rule as being noxious or has been declared a noxious weed by a County Advisory Board, and meets one or more of the following criteria: - are aggressive invaders, detrimental to agriculture or native plant communities, - may be poisonous to livestock, - may be carriers of or hosts to insects, diseases or parasites, - are detrimental to sound management of native or agricultural ecosystems. 20. Noxious Weed Advisory Board: a panel of citizens appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to advice on management of noxious weeds in the County. 21. Noxious Weed List: a list of noxious plant species recommended by the Noxious Weed Advisory Board and approved by the Board of County Commissioners that is to be managed by landowners within the County and associated with the state weed list. 22. Perennial weed: a weed that lives for 3 or more years. These species usually spread by root systems or root pieces, as well as seeds. 23. Pest and Weed Inspector or Inspector: the agent or employee appointed by the Commissioners to fulfill the duties and functions designated under a Plan. 24. Plan: San Luis Valley Noxious Weed Management Plan. 25. Propagules: plant parts that have the ability to give rise to new plants, for example, seeds and root pieces. 3

4 26. Rosette: a circular growth of leaves that forms after germination of some plants. 27. ROW: right-of-way. 28. State Noxious Weed: any noxious weed identified by rule by the Commissioner of the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The current list of noxious weeds can be found at San Luis Valley Noxious Weed Management Area: Will include the entire valley floor, all associated areas that drain into the valley floor, association with adjacent counties and New Mexico. 30. NW: Noxious Weed. 31. NWR: National Wildlife Refuge. Authority Colorado Weed Management Act: C.R.S. Title 35, Article 5.5, as amended Purpose of C.R.S. Title 35, Article 5.5 Because certain undesirable plants, primarily aggressive non-native invaders, constitute a threat to the continuous economic and environmental value of the lands of the state, these species must be managed on private and public lands, using integrated management techniques which are least damaging to the environment and which are practical and economically reasonable. A Brief Abstract As mandated by the Colorado Noxious Weed Act, all persons must control noxious weeds on their property if such plants are a threat to neighboring landowners or natural ecosystems. Weed control programs should be integrated in their approach, using all available technologies for effective weed control. To comply with the Law, the Board of County Commissioners must adopt a noxious weed management plan for all unincorporated lands within its jurisdiction. The Commissioners may use employees or contractors to enforce noxious weed control on county lands. Costs for said control on county property are to be paid from the county noxious weed management fund, if 4

5 one exists. The Commissioners may enter into cooperative weed management agreements with other governmental agencies. The Noxious Weed Advisory Board, a commission of resident private landowners, must develop a management plan to be reviewed at least once every three years. At least a majority of the members of the Board must own forty or more acres of property. The Board designates which species are to be managed within the County, thereby establishing the County Noxious Weed List. Additional plants can be added to the list, after a public hearing with 30 days prior notice. The Board can require identified landowners to submit weed management plans when species on the list are found on their property. The County has the right to inspect premises under at least one of the following conditions: a. the landowner requests inspection b. a neighbor files a complaint or report c. the Pest Inspector made a visual observation of a weed infestation from a right of way (ROW) or a public area Before entering private property, the landowner or occupant must be notified of the problem by certified mail. If entry is refused, an inspection warrant may be obtained by the Pest and Weed Inspector. A landowner cannot deny entry to inspect if a warrant is secured. After inspection, a notice of the problem and control recommendations must be sent by mail. Within 10 days of notification, the landowner or occupant must comply with the recommendations, submit an acceptable weed management plan, or request an arbitration panel hearing. The county has the authority to act in the case of failure to comply with the Act, with an assessment of the cost of control plus overhead expenses, up to 20%, charged against the land. Noxious weeds may be declared a public nuisance, subject to all applicable laws and remedies for abatement, including removal or destruction of the weeds. The County cannot force a private owner to control weeds without first having equal or greater successful control measures on county-owned lands adjacent to the private property in question. State agencies have the same responsibility as private landowners. Notification by the county is the same as for private landowners. The county has the power to enforce and charge state agencies for weed control on state lands. The county may enter into cooperative agreements for weed management with State and Federal agencies. Public rights-of-way (ROW) easements, utilities, mining operations, etc., must be in compliance with the management plan and must bear the financial responsibility of weed control. The Colorado Noxious Weed Act established a State Weed Coordinator position to oversee implementation of the Law. A State Noxious Weed Management Fund was established to fund grants or contracts for weed management practices, with procedures for allocation of funds to 5

6 appropriate entities. The fund was broadened in 2000 to include grants for educational programs. Counties may levy a tax, upon voter approval, to fund noxious weed management programs GOALS for The San Luis Valley Noxious Weed Management Area Prevention, Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) and early treatment are the most cost effective means for weed control, and are the ideal for preserving our agricultural production, recreational open space and natural resources and environment 1. Strive to identify and contain, reduce or eradicate current weed infestations and reduce or eliminate weed seed production in certain species. 2. Monitor for new infestations and new invasive species so as to prevent new encroachments on unincorporated lands in the Counties. 3. Help develop and implement Integrated Weed Management Plans for noxious weeds on County owned properties, easements, rights-of-ways and all other properties. 4. Protect agricultural production, native plant ecosystems, watersheds, and recreational lands from degradation from noxious weeds by enforcing the Noxious Weed Act and working through cooperative agreements with city, state and federal agencies and adjacent counties and states. 5. Preserve the quality of life in urban and rural areas of the SLV Noxious Weed Management Area through desirable plant stewardship and noxious weed management to enhance human health aspects, land values and esthetics. 6. Provide technical support and recommendations for noxious weed management and work with landowners, counties, including state and federal agencies, to develop their Integrated Weed Management Plans. 7. Educate citizens on the impact of noxious weeds on the economy and the environment and provide information on Best Management Practices for noxious weeds. Possible NW Site locations: Some sites should be prioritized for action. This list should be considered a general list of location for NW management. These sites fall into several categories, high priority, moderate priority, low priority, natural areas and pathways for noxious weed spread. Areas where actions and options are limited River corridors pathway downstream Sprinkler Circle corners these areas are not sprayed in farming and may go unnoticed if in the section center Perimeters in general are important to control along with canal and ditch systems 6

7 Organic farming and ranching areas Gravel pits-state/federal/private Canals/ditch systems Municipalities/towns/cities Right of ways-utilities, gas/electric Railroad Right of ways-operational/non operational Conservation easements Areas without weeds currently High priority protected areas such as NWR, McIntire Springs, Blanca Wetlands with sensitive species Education is needed to agriculture partners especially around delivery systems and how to control effectively Education on moving of equipment from area to area Equipment related to seasonal harvest- equipment coming in from out of state Education: For a weed management program to be successful, the general public and private sector needs to be well informed. The public/private should be encouraged to take ownership of their weed problems and make the necessary effort to control weeds on their property. Once educated about noxious weeds and their impact, however, most landowners become actively involved. Goals Educational efforts need to coordinate noxious weed education with other educational efforts and specialized education on noxious weeds. Education needs to be coordinated with new mapping technology and inventory. Priorities Information/Awareness for voting public in order to pass local funding efforts. One idea is to include weed information in tax bills. Conservation districts should focus on noxious weeds and educational issues. Internal education for partners- more coordination needed to train seasonal staff among agencies and counties. Education for recreational users. Educate part time residents through HOA s, targeted workshops, with tax bills inserts, and new landowners (Kiowa County Assessment example). Educate counties Land Use Administrators/Inspectors on noxious weeds. People with sensitivity to herbicide should have awareness by education. Perimeters and pathways on the spreading of noxious weeds. Watch out for species not found in SLV (yet). Species considered as floral to some landowners that are noxious. SLV Noxious Weed Pamphlet. PowerPoint presentations. News articles and newsletter from coordinator. 7

8 Assist the public with weed identification and mapping. Provide information on the Best Management Practices for noxious weeds. Explain the environmental impact of noxious weeds on our quality of life, on agricultural production, and on native plants and wildlife. Stress the economic impact of weeds on agricultural production and the cost of food, native plants and community ecology, wildlife habitat, real estate values, and recreational opportunities, among others. Encourage and develop cooperative weed management efforts with irrigation districts, road departments, citizen groups, and federal and state agencies along with other partners. Mapping and Inventory Marking out weed infestations on a map, whether it be by computer (GIS) or hand drawn methods, provides a landowner or weed manager with information about the extent of the infestation, possible modes for spread, potential un-infested areas to be protected and monitored, and the effectiveness of control methods. Over the long term maps provide historical evidence of the epicenter of an infestation and track its spread or decline. Areas of treatment should also be a mapping goal. Digital photography is a modern technology that should also be used as a documentation format for before and after control applications. In some cases funding documentation will require this type of digital information. Goals Where mapping is happening, the data should be given to the San Luis Valley GIS/GPS Authority (SLV GIS) so that up to date information is consistently available and on file for valley and state agencies. SLV GIS will serve as a data repository. Ensure that CDOW habitat and weed mapping data is incorporated in the SLV GIS Authority if posssible. Ensure that USGS weed mapping efforts are incorporated in the SLV GIS Authority. Ensure that counties have ready access to SLV GIS/GPS Authority data. Should have data available on the web for easy access. Identify areas in SLV that are not well inventoried and prioritize efforts to map and/or gather information. Organizational Structure A full time coordinator will be acquired to organize and promote the San Luis Valley Regional Noxious Weed Plan, valley wide. The coordinator will be responsible to acquire funding to support their position and have funding to promote and support the management plan valley wide. The coordinator will be guided by the formal committee as to the direction of implementing the management plan. The formal committee and plan will work under the Rio Grande Watershed Conservation & Education Initiative organization which is a 501-c-3. A formal committee shall be set up with a chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary and committee members of not less than 10 and not more than 20 from the valley wide partnership. The treasurer for the RGWC&EI will oversee the financial aspect of the noxious 8

9 weed organization. The committee shall meet on a regular basis of not more than monthly unless a special meeting is called and not less than quarterly in a 12 month period. The coordinator will send out various communications to partners. The Chairman will set up meetings, prepare the agenda and help assure minutes of meetings are sent out. To promote the management plan a point person will be needed from each county, organization, municipal, agency and listed partner. Also geographic working groups may be beneficial in the future. The coordinator will be a part of these group work sessions. Species of Concern: The listed weed species below was determined whether the goal for each species was eradication, or control in the SLV or smaller area. The state weed management plans included in the Rules Pertaining to the Administration and Enforcement of the Colorado Noxious Weed Act provide guidance for boundaries for control and eradication for many species in the SLV. For a complete copy of state weed management plans, please visit the Colorado Department of Agriculture s website Groupings of species are listed below along with several examples. A list species goal eradication in the state and therefore also for the SLV African rue (Peganum harmala) Camelthorn (Alhagi pseudalhagi) Cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias) Dyer's woad (Isatis tinctoria) Myrtle spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites) Rush skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea) Squarrose knapweed (Centaurea virgata) not yet found in CO Yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) Other species with Eradication for the SLV as a goal: Some of these species have state-wide management plans and some do not. The thought that eradication within the SLV was possible for these species. Diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa) List B, Statewide Management Plan calls for elimination required in SLV, found in Saguache County near Villa Grove along HWY 285 Spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa) List B, Statewide Management Plan calls for elimination required in SLV, found in Saguache County near Villa Grove along HWY 285 Black knapweed (Centaurea nigra) not included on CO s noxious weed list Bouncingbet (Saponaria officinalis) List B species, no State Management Plan yet Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) List B, no State Management Plan yet but eradication feasible for SLV Chinese clematis (Clematis orientali ) List B, eradication required in SLV Common teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) List B, State Management Plan yet Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale) List B, Statewide Management Plan calls for elimination required except in Costilla County suppression/containment 9

10 Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) List B, still formalizing plans, found in Saguache County and is associated with agricultural practices Musk thistle (Carduus nutans) List B, State Management Plan yet Saltcedar (Tamarix parviflora) List B, Statewide Management Plan calls for elimination required in Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, and Saguache Saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima) same as above Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium) List B, no State Management Plan yet, but eradication feasible for SLV a good prevention species, found in Saguache County near the Rito Alto trailhead along the Sangre De Cristo mountain range Scotch thistle (Onopordum tauricum) same as above Wild caraway (Carum carvi) List B, no State Management Plan yet Water Hyacianth on list?? not on State Weed List, but we are watching it Eurasian Water Milfoil on list?? List B, no State Management Plan yet These species have not yet been found in the SLV and should be kept out or eradicated when found: Sulfur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta) List B, no State Management Plan yet Elongated mustard on list?? Not currently on State Weed List, but may be soon Species that can and should be eradicated in large portions of the SLV: Black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) Workshop group suggested that this species be contained in the North; eradicate in rest of SLV; List B, Statewide Management Plan calls for elimination required in SLV, except for Saguache County Oxeye daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum) Workshop group suggested that this species be contained in South; eradicate in the North; List B, Statewide Management Plan calls for elimination required in SLV except for Conejos County Yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) Workshop group suggested that this species be contained in Mineral County; eradicated elsewhere; List B, Statewide Management Plan calls for elimination required in SLV except for Conejos Species that should be eradicated where possible (smaller portions of the SLV) and contained elsewhere Perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) eradicate on public lands (USFS, BLM and NPS, and parts of Baca NWR) and parts of Costilla County List B, this one is a mess, I need to review the State Management Plan maps Russian knapweed (Centaurea repens) eradicate on public lands (USFS, BLM and NPS) and parts of Saguache County List B, no State Management Plan yet Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) List B, no State Management Plan yet Downy brome (Bromus tectorum) eradicate in South? List C Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) List C Hoary cress (Cardaria draba) List B, no State Management Plan yet Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris ) List C Russian Olive on list? List B, no State Management Plan yet 10

11 Appendix A Noxious Weed Management Project Partners Municipality Address Phone # Alamosa 425 Fourth St. - P.O. Box 419- Alamosa, CO Antonito 307 Main. St. - P.O. Box 86 - Antonito, CO Blanca 601 Main St. - P.O. Box Blanca, CO Bonanza City 8 Bonanza Rd. - P.O. Box 36 - Villa Grove, CO Center 294 S. Worth - P.O. Box Center, CO Creede 2223 Main St. - P.O. Box Creede CO Crestone 199 N. Alder St. - P.O. Box 64 - Crestone, CO Del Norte 140 Spruce St. - P.O. Box Del Norte, CO Hooper 8681 Main St. - P.O. Box 1 - Hooper, CO La Jara 221 Broadway - P. O. Box La Jara, CO Manassa 401 Main St. - P.O. Box Manassa, CO Moffat P.O. Box 353, Moffat, CO Monte Vista 4 Chico Camino - Monte Vista, CO Romeo 315 2nd Ave. - P.O. Box Romeo, CO Saguache 504 San Juan Ave. - P.O. Box Saguache, CO Sanford 390 Greenleaf St. - P.O. Box Sanford, CO San Luis 408 Main St. - P.O. Box San Luis, CO South Fork 0100 Silver Thread Lane - P.O. Box South Fork, CO Organization/Agency Name Title NPS, Great Sand Dunes Art Hutchinson Superintendent Art_Hutchinson@nps.gov San Luis Central Francie Nye Manager francie@sanluiscentral.com Railroad Company Rio Grande NF Gary Snell Invasive Species gsnell@fs.fed.us Coordinator USBR Ken Beck Manager AFD kbeck@usbr.gov CDOT Ken Martinez? ken.martinez@dot.state.co.us Colorado State Land Kit Page South District kit.page@state.co.us Board Manager Mineral County Les Cahill County Administrator mincty@hotmail.com San Luis & Rio Grande Mathew Abbey General Manager AbbeyM@iowapacific.com Railroad USFWS Mike Blenden SLV Project Leader mike_blenden@fws.gov CDOW Rick Basagoitia SLV Area Manager rick.basagoitia@state.co.us 11

12 Colorado State Parks John Brandstatter Manager, San Luis Lakes State Park San Luis Valley Water Mike Gibson Manager Conservancy District Denver and Rio Grande Historical Foundation Ron Atencio Track Manager Center Conservation District Conejos Conservation District Costilla Conservation District Mosca-Hooper Conservation District Rio Grande Conservation District Danny Neufeld President Center, CO Jason Coombs President La Jara, CO Harold Anderson President San Luis, CO Ben Rizzi President Alamosa, CO Cory Off President Monte Vista Ditch Companies from Darrel Plane Ditch Company Contact Address City Bowen Drain Ken Heersink 5590 E 10 S Monte Vista, CO Kevin Beiriger 1825 Darwin Ave Monte Vista, CO Monte Vista Canal Robert Hagedorn 3501 E 1 S Rio Grande Piedra Mike McNeil 3335 S Hwy 15 Monte Vista, CO Valley Ditch Company Rio Grande San Luis Ditch Scott Schaefer 452 Co Rd 36 Monte Vista, CO Lariat Ditch Company Mary Stillings 3414 CR 104 S Alamosa, CO Rio Grande Canal Jay Yeager PO Box 288 Monte Vista, CO Farmers Union Canal Travis Smith Center, CO Mapping Partner Contact Address City Contact SLV GIS Pete Magee 419 San Juan Ave Alamosa pete_magee@qwestoffice.net 12

13 Acknowledgement of Plan For The San Luis Valley Noxious Weed Management Area Date of acceptance of Plan Chairperson Myron Price Date Coordinator Vern Elliott Date Vice-Chairman Jim Clare Date Secretary/Treasurer Brenda Anderson Date Reviewed Date Revised Date