Bear Lodge Project – Bull Hill Mine
January 2013
Weed Management Plan
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soils, and landscape position. This integrated approach will use one or more of the following
methods:
Prevention and Education
A significant part of weed management is educating personnel working on the Bull Hill Mine
project.
Weed identification handbooks will be made available to all RER field personnel, including
construction workers. Weed identification handbooks are free at the Wyoming Department of
Agriculture, Wyoming Weed and Pest Control Districts, and the University of Wyoming.
All RER project personnel (including maintenance and operations) will be trained to recognize
and document new or spreading weed populations.
Cultural
RER will incorporate Forest Service Best Management Practices (BMP’s) for re-vegetation
and soil protection to limit the establishment and spread of weeds.
Disturbance will be minimized to limit the opportunities for weed infestations to colonize. If
there are existing weed populations in a proposed disturbance area, treatment will occur before
disturbance takes place to reduce potential spread and establishment.
Once an infestation has been treated, the area will be re-seeded with desirable plant species to
prevent establishment of more weed species.
Disturbed areas will be immediately re-seeded with approved seed mixes containing certified
weed-free seed (blue tags). Seed will be tested for noxious weeds at the time of purchase.
RER will use only certified weed-free hay, straw, and mulch where needed.
Equipment and vehicles will be inspected before entering and leaving the Bull Hill Mine
permit area. All equipment will be washed free of all mud and vegetative debris prior to being
moved onto the permit area.
Washing will occur at either a commercial truck wash or at a private facility where the water
and debris are collected for treatment or disposal in an appropriate landfill.
Use of domestic grazing animals may be used as a cultural control method.
Manual/Mechanical
On smaller and new weed infestations, hand pulling, cutting, or digging with hand tools may
be used for removal. Removed vegetation will be bagged to minimize dispersal of vegetative
parts and seeds and disposed of properly.
Mechanical treatments will include mowing, plowing, disking, tilling, or burning.
Biological
Biological control agents, including domestic grazing animals, may be utilized for weed
control, with species, management requirements, and desired results being considered.
Biological treatments such as release of insects or inoculation with pathogens may also be
implemented.
