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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Parks Advisory Board 2019-3-21Patrick Martchink, Town Board Trustee Liaison Brian Berg, Estes Park Public Works Staff Liaison Parks Advisory Board Agenda March 21, 2019 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM Administration Conference Rm. Room 150 Estes Park Town Hall 170 MacGregor Ave. Current Members: Geoffrey Elliot (12/31/19) Dewain Lockwood (12/31/21) Vicki Papineau (12/31/21) Rex Poggenpohl (12/31/19) Ron Wilcocks (12/31/21) Merle Moore (12/31/20) Wade Johnston (12/31/20) Public Comment Estes Arts District Approval of February Meeting Minutes Mrs. Walsh’s Garden Committee Update Mountain Heritage Festival Update Decorating Utility Box (DUB) Locations Weed Management Plan Update Noxious Weed Policy Update Parks Update Other Business Adjourn Current Projects: • Tree Ordinance • Noxious Weeds Ordinance • Arboretum • Town Hall Art Exhibit • AIPP Funding EAD Representative Chair Merle Moore Chair Merle Moore Co-Chair Geoffrey Elliot Parks Supervisor, Brian Berg Parks Supervisor, Brian Berg Parks Supervisor, Brian Berg Member, Vicki Papineau Parks Supervisor, Brian Berg Parks Supervisor, Brian Berg Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, February 14, 2018 Minutes of a regular meeting of the Parks Advisory Board of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the Administration Conference Room, Room 150, of Town Hall on the 14th day of February, 2019. Present Merle Moore Vicki Papineau Geoffrey Elliot Dewain Lockwood Ron Wilcocks Also Present: Brian Berg, Parks Supervisor Megan Van Hoozer, Public Works Administrative Assistant Patrick Martchink, Town Board Liaison Kevin McEachern, Public Works Operations Manager Absent: Rex Poggenpohl Wade Johnston Chair Merle Moore called the meeting to order at 8:35 a.m. Chair Moore introduced the new member in attendance, Ron Wilcocks. Wilcocks shared some personal history and the existing TAB members introduced themselves. PUBLIC COMMENT No public was in attendance. GENERAL BUSINESS A motion was made and seconded (Papineau/Lockwood) to approve the January meeting minutes with suggested edits and all were in favor. PAB OFFICER ELECTIONS Moore opened the floor to nominations for PAB Chair and Co-Chair seats. Member Papineau nominated Merle Moore for another term and nominated Wade Johnston for another term of PAB Co-Chair, although Johnston is absent for today’s meeting. Member Elliot self-nominated for PAB Co-Chair with scheduling uncertainties this year for Johnston. Papineau withdrew the original motion for Johnston as Co-Chair and nominated Geoffrey Elliot. Member Lockwood seconded Papineau’s motion and all were in favor. MRS WALSH’S GARDEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (MWGAC) UPDATE Berg reported that February’s meeting discussion involved the Mission Statement for MWG, eventually determining they’d go with the 2009 Mission Statement with minor wording edits. The MWGAC is also working toward establishing their goals for the garden. They’re discussing whether the garden will contain strictly Estes Valley native plant species Parks Advisory Board – February 14, 2019 – Page 2 where Estes Valley residents are able to see what types of plantings work in this climate. If it contains only those plants in Rocky Mountain National Park it limits the palate of what can be provided in the garden. Discussions to continue next month. They’ll also be discussing whether the included plants need to be grown or if they can be purchased. Planning continues for the hillside located just west of the MWG patio area. This should be a primary focal point and be made showier. All ideas are shared on the MWGAC Google Drive. Chair Moore invited PAB members to the Google group if anyone is interested in adding or viewing the ideas developed to date. PARKS DIVISION UPDATE Supervisor Berg met with Abi from Visit Estes Park (VEP). The new VEP CEO may start attending PAB as able. VEP wanted to donating a climbing wall however the School District determined it would be too dangerous. The thinking has been extended to the Carboard Duct Tape Boat Race which has been held at the Estes Valley Community Center swimming pool. The same company that has the climbing wall could also rent a 15,000-gallon pool. Berg is speaking with the Events Center about having the pool located at the Pavilion with no drainage available. Berg reported the following updates from the Town’s Parks Division: • Working with VEP’s new Board to get all websites linked together related to events, parks, etc. VEP can promote what the Parks Division is doing and providing consistent information to all. MWG will be in VEP’s Visitor Guide this year. • Hard work is occurring to construct the Sensory Garden. The recent ProGreen offered new ideas so a few changes are in the works. • The Town will be entering America In Bloom again this year. • Berg attended the CSU career fair. OTHER BUSINESS Mountain Heritage Festival: Member Elliot provided an update on the 2019 Mountain Heritage Festival (May 3, 2019) planning. The committee is reaching out to those entities that were involved in last year’s festival and has added a few more names (family groups, etc.). The committee is looking forward to some exciting things this year. There will be another meeting later this month to will dive into advertising and publicizing the festival. Berg provided Member Wilcocks with a brief history of the Mountain Heritage Festival. He stated the festival continues to grow each year. Typically, there is a minimum of 600 grade school students, 100 middle school students, and many home-schooled students. The Parks Division will be checking into having the barbed wire fencing located at Centennial Knoll-Willows removed. Berg was asked if there are any plans for more musical instrument installations. Berg stated there are none planned for the Riverwalk Proper but there are plans to install four in the Sensory Garden being constructed. Parks Advisory Board – February 14, 2019 – Page 3 The question was also posed regarding creation of a virtual Riverwalk tour. Trustee Liaison Martchink stated that Visit Estes Park may be able to help and/or provide resources to launch this idea. Berg reported that the Town has done a few similar things and will look into that option. Member Elliot asked how the businesses are responding to the installation of the Sensory Garden. Berg stated he’s only received positive feedback, even with sidewalk closure. Berg reached out to Events Center early on to provide updates for the Whiskey Warm-up and Duck Race events that take place in this location. Manager McEachern informed the PAB that the downtown tripping hazards have been addressed. Chair Moore stated that the east side of the Hwy 36 tunnel always ices over and needs attention. This is a very touchy area and Berg will see if anything additional can be done to address the situation. Member Wilcocks wanted to clarify the scope of a current project. He requested more information about an urban arboretum. Chair Moore stated this evolved from discussion about utilizing plantings within town and labeling them which has begun. Berg explained that the original Tree Board had a vision of an arboretum extending from the Visitor Center to the bird sanctuary at Lake Estes. The Town was unable to make it work due to needed irrigation along the route. The project could be considered again and Berg will look at as an option moving forward. Chair Moore suggested looking at utilizing more native plants which would require less water. Berg agrees and thinks this is a good idea. Member Wilcocks informed the PAB that he’s also a member of the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) and they’ve been discussing the Trails Master Plan. He is willing to funnel information back and forth for information and inclusiveness. He wants all properly involved so he’ll help in any way he can. PAB would appreciate updates as they occur. A motion was made and seconded (Elliot/Lockwood) to adjourn the meeting at 9:31 and all were in favor. Recording Secretary Megan Van Hoozer, Public Works Page 1 of 5 Weed Management Plan: Update 2/18/2019 Background: Town Board directed staff to develop a Weed Management Plan in late 2008 outlining policies and procedures to manage noxious weeds on Town-owned properties and right-of-ways. The plan was completed in April 2009. With Larimer County’s recent adaptation of a Noxious Weed Management Plan (11-20-18) and the current span of ten years since the Town’s was completed the Public Works Department (PWD) felt it was time to update our plan. Status to date: Attached is an updated draft of the Weed Management Plan developed by Parks Division staff. This Plan includes: 1. Relative information from the Noxious Weed Act (CRS Title 35 Article 5.5) adopted in 1991 last revision 2017 by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. 2. Definition of Management Area 3. Management Goals 4. Priorities 5. Inventory of Noxious Weeds 6. Actions 6.7. Attachments: Town of Estes Park Municipal Code Sec 8.04, General Disturbances 1. Relative information from the Noxious Weed Act (CRS Title 35 Article 5.5) adopted in 1991 last revision 2017 by the Colorado Department of Agriculture: 35-5.5-106. Noxious Weed Management - Municipal Authority (1) The governing body of each municipality in the state shall adopt a noxious weed management plan for all lands within the territorial limits of the municipality. In addition to , and independent of, the powers elsewhere delegated by law, the governing body of a municipality may adopt and provide for the enforcement of such ordinances, resolutions, rules, and other regulations as may be necessary and proper to enforce said plan and otherwise provide for the management of noxious weeds within the municipality, subject to the following limitation: No municipal ordinance, resolution, rule, other regulation, or exercise of power pursuant to this article shall apply to unincorporated lands or facilities outside the corporate limits of the municipality, except such lands or facilities which are owned by or leased to the municipality, unless the municipality and the county otherwise agree pursuant to part 2 of article 1 of title 29, C.R.S., or article 20 of title 29, C.R.S. (2) The governing body of the municipality shall provide for the administration of the noxio us weed management plan authorized by this article through the use of agents, delegates, or employees and may hire additional staff or provide for the performance of all or part of the noxious weed management plan through outside contract. Any agent, deleg ate, employee, Page 2 of 5 staff, or contractor applying or recommending the use of chemical management methods shall be certified by the department of agriculture for such application or recommendation. (3) The governing body may cooperate with counties and other municipalities for the exercise of any or all of the powers and authorities granted by this article. Such cooperation shall take the form of an intergovernmental agreement pursuant to part 2 of article 1 of title 29, C.R.S., or article 20 of title 29, C.R.S. (4) To the degree that a municipality has, upon enactment of this article, or subsequent to that date, adopted an ordinance or ordinances for the management of noxious weeds, the adoption of such an ordinance or ordinances shall be deemed to satisfy the requirement for the adoption of a noxious weed management plan imposed by this article. Colorado Noxious Weed List A. A, B, and C Listings The State of Colorado has designated 105 plants as Noxious Weeds, and has categorized them into three lists based on priority for management in Colorado. These lists have been named Lists A, B, and C. Most simply put: • List A plants are newly arrived and/or less common in Colorado and must be eradicated from all lands in the State. • List B includes plants whose continued spread in Colorado should be halted. • List C plants are those for which local governments have authorit y to decide the management strategy. The purpose of such categorization is to guide the State and local governments in developing Management Strategies for each weed. The Management Strategy of a particular weed in an area may be one of the following (see Appendix E for more complete definitions): • Eradication (complete elimination of all populations of a weed) • Containment (confinement of populations of a weed to a defined area) • Suppression (attempt to limit the vigor and spread of populations within a region) All List A species have been designated by the Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture (“the Commissioner”) for eradication. This means that it is a violation to allow any List A species to produce seed or develop other reproductive means such as roots, shoots and runners. Many List A weeds are not yet present in Colorado, but have become a problem in neighboring states. Others are present in small isolated populations. It is the intent of the Commission er to eliminate these species before they become widespread. The rules allow the local governing authority to file for a compliance waiver if it is determined that eradication is not a practical management objective for specific populations. List B weed species may be designated for eradication , suppression, or containment, depending on the extent of their presence in a particular county. The local Management Strategy for each List B species in each county is determined by the Commissioner (in consultation with the State Noxious Weed Advisory Committee, local governments, and other interested parties). From these local Management Strategies, the Commissioner develops a State-wide noxious weed Page 3 of 5 management plan for each List B species. This plan is designed to stop the continued spread of List B species, making it a violation to allow any List B species to spread into any un -infested area. Local governments are left to decide whether to require management of List C weed species, and, if so, whether the Management Strategy will be Eradication, Containment, or Suppression. State Management Plans for List C weed species developed by the Commissioner are designed to support the weed management efforts of local governing bodies. The goal of such plans is not to stop the continued spread of these species, but to provide additional education, research, and biological control resources to jurisdictions that choose to require management of List C species. (City of Alamosa, Noxious Weed Management Plan, 4-29-2016) 2. Definition of Management Area: Estes Park, Colorado / Larimer County The Town of Estes Park’s Weed Management Plan will focus only on land within the Town’s boundaries and those lands owned by the Town of Estes Park outside the Town limits. Some examples of lands owned by the Town outside of Town limits; Utility holdings, water tanks, storage facilities and treatment facilities. Town-owned land leased by private or other governmental entities are the responsibility of the lessee to manage the land for noxious weeds up to the standard outlined in the Colorado Noxious Weed Act and the Town of Estes Park’s Weed Management Plan. 3. Management Goals: Preform Perform management objectives to the standards outlined in the Colorado Noxious Weed Act. Through eradication of List A species; containment, suppression and eradication of List B species; and: management, containment and suppression of List C species. Aasspecies as resources and funding allow. 4. Priorities: The priorities for the Town’s weed management team will include ; conservation easements owned by the Town, open spaces, park lands, utility sites, and street rights of ways. These include: Scott Avenue Ponds Centennial Knoll/Willows Open Space Fairgrounds Complex Visitor Center Complex Stanley Conservation Easements Fish Hatchery Properties Downtown Areas Fish Creek Trail Fall River Trail New Townb Project Construction Areas 5. Inventory of Noxious Weeds: Page 4 of 5 Following are the weeds from the Colorado Department of Agriculture Noxious Weeds List, effective 3-31-2017, that staff has observedbeen witness to within the Town’s boundaries. List A: Common Scientific Myrtle spurge Euphorbia myrsinites Orange hawkweed Hieracium aurantiacum List B: Common Scientific Bull thistle Cirsium vulgare Canada thistle Cirsium arvense Common tansy Tanacetum vulgare Dalmatian toadflax, broad-leaved Linaria dalmatica Dame’s rocket Hesperis matronalis Diffuse knapweed Centaurea diffusa Hoary cress Cardaria draba Houndstongue Cynoglossum officinale Leafy Spurge Euphorbia esula Musk thistle Carduus nutans Oxeye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare Russian knapweed Acroptilon repens Scentless chamomile Tripleurospermum perforate Spotted knapweed Centaurea stoebe Sulfur cinquefoil Potentilla recta Yellow toadflax Linaria vulgaris List C: Common Scientific Common mullein Verbascum thapsus Downy brome (Cheat grass) Bromus tectorum Field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis Perennial sowthistle Sonchus arvensis Redstem filaree Erodium cicutarium 6. Actions: The Town’s Public Works Parks Division will use Integrated Weed Management (IWM) practices to eradicate, contain, suppress or manage all listed noxious weeds . Bby using chemical applications, mechanical methods, and outside contractors for the marathon fight against these persistent weeds. Page 5 of 5 7. Town of Estes Park Municipal Code 8.04, General Disturbances 8.04.030 Noxious weeds. It is unlawful for the owner, occupant or any agent in charge of any lot, block or parcel of land within the Town to allow, permit or fail to manage noxious weeds growing or remaining when grown upon the property or on or along any alleys or sidewalk areas adjacent to the property. Noxious weeds shall be defined as species listed in the Larimer County noxious weed list or the Colorado 8-2 Department of Agriculture noxious weed list as a noxious weed. Failure to manage a noxious weed is failure to prevent the plant from establishing, growing, reproducing or dispersing itself. Management methods include, but are not limited to, chemical treatment approved by the Colorado Department of Agriculture or mechanical cutting prior to seed maturity, including removal and proper disposal. (Ord. 15-97, 1997; Ord. 05-09 §1, 2009) 8.04.040 Abatement of nuisances, including waste material, unsanitary conditions and noxious weeds. (a) The Town shall cause a notice to be served upon the owner, occupant or agent in charge of any lot, building or premises in or upon which any nuisance in relation to health or sanitation may be found, or who may be the cause of such nuisance, requiring him or her to abate the same within fifteen (15) days after receipt of such notice. If such owner, occupant or agent fails to comply with such notice, he or she is subject to fines as provided in this Code. In addition to, or in lieu of, prosecuting the owner or occupant for an ordinance violation, if the notice to abate is not complied with within the required time, the Town may cause such nuisance to be abated and shall assess the cost of such abatement against the property and shall notify the owner or occupant of such assessment and the amount. Such assessment shall be a lien upon the property until it is paid. If the charge or assessment is not paid to the Town within thirty (30) days after the receipt of such notice of assessment, the charge or assessm ent shall be certified to the County Treasurer, to be placed by him or her upon the tax list for the current year and collected in the same manner as other taxes are collected, with ten percent (10%) penalty thereon to defray the cost of collecting. (b) In the event it is necessary to immediately abate a nuisance in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare, the Chief of Police may immediately, without notice, cause such nuisance to be abated. (Ord. 15-97, 1997) 8.04.030 - Noxious weeds. It is unlawful for the owner, occupant or any agent in charge of any lot, block or parcel of land within the Town to allow, permit or fail to manage noxious weeds growing or remaining when grown upon the property or on or along any alleys or sidewalk areas adjacent to the property. Noxious weeds shall be defined as species listed in the Larimer County noxious weed list or the Colorado Department of Agriculture noxious weed list as a noxious weed. Failure to manage a noxious weed is failure to prevent the plant from establishing, growing, reproducing or dispersing itself. Management methods include, but are not limited to, chemical treatment approved by the Colorado Department of Agriculture or mechanical cutting prior to seed maturity, including removal and proper disposal. (Ord. 15-97, 1997; Ord. 05-09 §1, 2009) Chapter 8.07 – Noxious Weeds It is unlawful for the owner, occupant or any agent in charge of any lot, block or parcel of land within the Town to allow, permit or fail to manage noxious weeds growing or remaining when grown upon the property or on or along any alleys or sidewalk areas adjacent to the property. Noxious weeds shall be defined as species listed in the Estes Park Noxious Weed Management Plant List. Failure to manage or abate a noxious weed is failure to prevent the plant from establishing, growing, reproducing or dispersing itself. Noxious weeds are classified as “List A”, “List B”, and “List C” within the Colorado Noxious Weed Act C.R.S. 35-5-5 and on the Estes Park Noxious Weed Management Plant List. Mandatory abatement is required for all plants on List A and List B. A management plan is recommended for noxious weeds on List C. 8.07.010 – Definitions. In this Chapter, the following words shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly requires otherwise: (1) “Abate or Abatement”, means the removal or management of one (1) or more noxious weeds by an approved method by the Town (2) “Infestation”, is the presence of one (1) or more noxious weeds identified on a lot, tract or parcel of real property. (3) “Management”, means any activity that prevents a plant from establishing, reproducing or dispersing itself (4) “Noxious Weed”, is an alien plant or parts of an alien plant that have been designated by rule as being noxious or as been declared a noxious weed by the Town, 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. (5) “Occupant”, means any person in physical possession of any lot, tract or parcel of real property located within the corporate limits of the Town who is not the owner of such property. (6) “Officer”, means the Code Compliance Officer of the Town or his or her designated agent(s). (7) “Owner”, means any person who owns any lot, tract or parcel of real property located within the corporate limits of the Town. (8) “Property”, means any lot, tract or parcel of real property located within the corporate limits of the Town. 8.07.020 – Duty of landowner and occupant to permit inspection. An owner or occupant, whose property may have located on it one (1) or more noxious weeds, shall allow the Officer to enter such property for the purpose of immediate inspection of the property when at least one (1) of the following events has occurred: (a) The owner or occupant has requested the inspection: (b) A neighboring landowner or occupant has reported a suspected noxious weed infestation and requested and inspection; or (c) The Officer made a visual observation from a public right-of-way or area that has reason to believe that the infestation exists on the property. 8.07.030 – Inspection for noxious weeds. (a) Subject to the requirements and limitations of this Section, the Officer shall have the right to enter upon any property, whether public or private, during reasonable hours for the purpose of inspecting for the existence of one (1) or more noxious weeds when at least one (1) of the three (3) events described in Section 8.07.020 has occurred. However, no agent or employee of the Town shall enter upon any property to inspect for noxious weeds without the permission of the owner or occupant or without an inspection warrant issued pursuant to this Section. (b) If verbal permission to inspect the property is not obtained from the affected owner or occupant, the Town shall send written notice to the landowner and any occupant of the property advising that the Officer desires to inspect the property for noxious weeds. The notice shall be sent by certified mail. The notice may be sent to the landowner at the address to which tax no tices are sent according to the records of the County Treasurer and to the occupant at the property addr ess or identified mailing address. Alternatively, the notice may be personally served upon the affected owner or occupant. Where possible, inspections s hall be scheduled and conducted with the concurrence of the owner or occupant . (c) If permission to enter upon and inspect the property is not obtained within ten (10) days after the notice described in Subsection (b) of this Section has been received, or within ten (10) days of date of service if the notice is personally served, the Officer may request that an inspection warrant be issued by the Municipal Court. The Municipal Court Judge shall issue an inspection warrant u pon presentation by the Officer of an affidavit satisfying the requirements of Rule 241(b)(2) of the Colorado Municipal Court Rules of Procedure. The Municipal Court Judge may issue an area - wide inspection warrant pursuant to this Section unless otherwise prohibited by law . (d) In case of an emergency involving imminent danger to public health, safety or welfare, the Officer may enter the property to conduct an emergency inspection without a warrant and without complying with the requirements of this Section . 8.07.040- Notice of infestation and abatement. (a) If the Officer determines that property contains one (1) or more noxious weeds, the Officer shall notify the owner and any occupant of the property. Such notice shall be given either by certified mail or personal delivery. (b) The notice shall: (1) Advise the owner and occupant that the property contains one (1) or more noxious weeds; (2) Advise the owner and occupant of Town-approved methods for the abatement of the noxious weeds in accordance with the Estes Park Noxious Weed Management Plant List; and (3) Advise the owner and occupant that all noxious weeds must be abated within ten (10) days following receipt of the notice, or that an acceptable plan and schedule for abatement of the noxious weeds must be submitted to the Officer within such ten-day period. 8.07.050 - Abatement order. (a) In the event the owner fails to comply with the Officer’s notice as described in Section 8.07.040 by abating the noxious weeds or submitting an acceptable schedule for such abatement within the applicable ten-day period, the Town has the authority to provide for and complete the abatement by obtaining and acting on an abatement order. (b) Upon the expiration of the period of notice, or at any time thereafter, if the required action has not taken place, the Town may apply to the Municipal Court for an abatement order. (c) An application for an abatement order shall be accompanied by an affidavit affirming that: (1) The Officer has determined that the subject property has one (1) or more noxious weeds; (2) The Officer has complied with the notice requirements of Section 8.07.040; and (3) The owner has failed to abate the noxious weeds, has failed to submit an acceptable plan for abatement of the noxious weeds within the required time or has failed to abate the noxious weeds pursuant to the accepted plan. (d) The Town shall give notice to the owner and any occupant of the property of its application for an abatement order either by certified mail or by personal service of the notice. (e) The notice of application for an abatement order shall include a copy of the Town's application and its affidavit in support thereof, as well as the date, time and place at which the Town will appear before the Municipal Court to request entry of the abatement order. (f) At the stated time, date and place, the Municipal Court Judge shall review the Town's application for an abatement order, the affidavit and any statement of the Town offered in support thereof, as well as any statement and evidence presented by the owner or occupant, if present. (g) The Municipal Court Judge shall issue an abatement order if: (1) The subject property has one (1) or more noxious weeds; (2) The Officer has complied with the notice requirements of Section 8.07.040; and (3) The owner has failed to abate the noxious weeds, has failed to submit an acceptable plan and schedule for abatement of the noxious weeds within the required time or has failed to abate the noxious weeds pursuant to the accepted plan. (h) An owner is responsible under this Chapter for any noxious weeds permitted to remain on the owner's property after the Officer has given notice of a violation pursuant to Section 8.07.040. (i) In case of an emergency involving imminent danger to public health, safety or welfare, the Town may authorize immediate abatement of any noxious weed without notice or an abatement order. (j) The Town may pursue the remedies set forth in this Section with or without filing a complaint in the Municipal Court, at the Town's sole discretion. (k) The owner shall be assessed twice the whole cost of abatement of the noxious weeds from the property, including administrative fees incurred by the Town. If all of the costs and charges incurred by the Town are not paid within thirty (30) days of the date of the assessment, the unpaid costs shall be certified to the County Treasurer for collection in the same manner as real property taxes. Common Name - Scientific Name* CO List Category see notes below Plant Life Cycle Flowering Reproduction Height Seed Longevity Management Notes Based on Recommended Control from Larimer County Weed Management Reference Guide and Estes Land Stewardship Association (ELSA) Fourteen Very Unwanted Weeds in the Estes Valley Identification and Management Guide Black Henbane Hyoscyamus niger B Annual Biennial May through fall seed 1-3 feet up to 4 years Manual removal by pulling or digging is effective if carried out for several years prior to flower and seed production. Caution: All parts of the plant are poisonous. Use gloves and wear protective clothing. Bag plant for proper disposal. Cut, bag, and dispose of flowers, buds, and seed heads to prevent seed spread. Persistence is required to deplete seed bank. Mowing or cutting mature plants requires bagging and proper disposal***. Herbicides** must be applied prior to the flowering stage or seed may still be produced. Canada Thistle Cirsium arvense B Perennial June through fall extensive underground root system and seed 1 1/2 - 4 feet up to 20 years Herbicides** are necessary. Continued spot treatment in subsequent years, is critical for eradication. Herbicide application is necessary after cutting or mowing. Treat early in season (May/June) before or right after flowering. Mowing or cutting mature plants requires bagging and proper disposal***. Manual removal of flowers and buds to prevent seed spread. Cheatgrass / Downy Brome Bromus tectorum C Estes Park Noxious Weed Annual Early spring through fall seed 2-6 inches up to 5 years Manual removal by pulling immature plants is very labor intensive prior to flower and seed production. Cut, bag and dispose of seed heads to prevent seed spread. Persistence is required to deplete seed bank. Mowing or cutting mature plants requires bagging and proper disposal***. Mowing prior to flowering may suppress weeds, but plants will flower below the mowed height that allows more seed dispersal. Herbicides** can be effective if used for several years to deplete seed bank. Treat with post emergent in April; pre-emergent in late summer after seeds have dropped. Common Mullein Verbascum thapsus C Estes Park Noxious Weed Biennial Early spring through fall seed and root system 1-8 feet over 100 years Manual removal by pulling or digging is effective if carried out for several years prior to flower and seed production. Cut, bag, and dispose of flowers, buds, and seed heads to prevent seed spread. Persistence is required to deplete seed bank. Digging rosettes the first year is ideal in eliminating plants with stalk, flower, and seeds the second year. Mowing or cutting mature plants requires bagging and proper disposal***. Mowing is not effective and causes the plants to quickly re-sprout and create mutiple seed heads. Herbicides** must be applied prior to the flowering stage or seed may still be produced. Dalmatian Toadflax Linaria dalmatica B Perennial June through fall extensive underground root system and seed up to 4 feet up to 10 years Manual removal by pulling or digging is effective if carried out for several years prior to flower and seed production. Cut, bag, and dispose of flowers, buds, and seed heads to prevent seed spread. Cut plant root 2" below the surface soil. Pulled or cut plants without buds or flower heads can be left to dry out. Persistence is required to deplete seed bank. Mowing or cutting mature plants requires bagging and proper disposal***. Mowing is not effective because of persistent rootstalk growth. Herbicides** can be effective if used for several years to kill root system. Treat in spring when flowering. Dame's Rocket Hesperis matronalis B Biennial Perennial Spring through fall seed 4 inches to 3 feet several years Manual removal by pulling or digging is effective if carried out for several years prior to flower and seed production. Cut, bag, and dispose of flowers, buds, and seed heads to prevent seed spread. Persistence is required to deplete seed bank. Mowing or cutting mature plants requires bagging and proper disposal***. Herbicides must be applied prior to the flowering stage or seed may still be produced. Diffuse Knapweed Centaurea diffusa B Biennial June through fall seed up to 3 feet up to 15 years Manual removal by pulling or digging is effective if carried out for several years prior to flower and seed production. Cut, bag, and dispose of flowers, buds, and seed heads to prevent seed spread. Cut plant root 2" below the surface soil. Pulled or cut plants without buds or flower heads can be left to dry out. Persistence is required to deplete seed bank. Mowing or cutting mature plants requires bagging and proper disposal***. Herbicides** must be applied prior to the flowering stage or seed may still be produced. Field Bindweed Convolvulus arvensis C Estes Park Noxious Weed Perennial Spring through fall extensive underground root system and seed Prostrate; climbs Length up to 5 feet over 50 years Manual removal is not effective due to its deep spreading root system. Cut, bag, and dispose of flowers, buds, and seed heads to prevent seed spread. Persistence is required to deplete seed bank. Mowing or cutting mature plants requires bagging and proper disposal***. Herbicides** must be applied prior to the flowering stage or seed may still be produced. Hoary Alyssum Berteroa incana Larimer County Troublesome Weed Estes Park Noxious Weed Annual Biennial Perennial June through fall seed 1-3 feet at least 9 years Manual removal by pulling or digging is effective if carried out for several years prior to flower and seed production. Cut, bag, and dispose of flowers, buds, and seed heads to prevent seed spread. Cut plant root 2" below the surface soil. Pulled or cut plants without buds or flower heads can be left to dry out. Persistence is required to deplete seed bank. Mowing or cutting mature plants requires bagging and proper disposal***. Herbicides** must be applied prior to the flowering stage or seed may still be produced. Estes Park Noxious Weed Management Plant List Common Name - Scientific Name* CO List Category see notes below Plant Life Cycle Flowering Reproduction Height Seed Longevity Management Notes Based on Recommended Control from Larimer County Weed Management Reference Guide and Estes Land Stewardship Association (ELSA) Fourteen Very Unwanted Weeds in the Estes Valley Identification and Management Guide Houndstongue Cynoglossum officinale B Biennial Summer through fall seed 1-4 feet up to 3 years Manual removal by pulling or digging is effective if carried out for several years prior to flower and seed production. Cut, bag, and dispose of flowers, buds, and seed heads to prevent seed spread. Cut plant root 2" below the surface soil. Pulled or cut plants without buds or flower heads can be left to dry out. Persistence is required to deplete seed bank. Mowing or cutting mature plants requires bagging and proper disposal***. Herbicides** must be applied prior to the flowering stage or seed may still be produced. Knapweed (hybrid) Centaurea xpsammogena B Perennial June through fall seed up to 3 feet up to 15 years Manual removal by pulling or digging is effective if carried out for several years prior to flower and seed production. Cut, bag, and dispose of flowers, buds, and seed heads to prevent seed spread. Cut plant root 2" below the surface soil. Pulled or cut plants without buds or flower heads can be left to dry out. Persistence is required to deplete seed bank. Mowing or cutting mature plants requires bagging and proper disposal***. Herbicides** must be applied prior to the flowering stage or seed may still be produced. Leafy Spurge Euphorbia esula B Perennial Early spring through fall extensive underground root system and seed 1-3 feet up to 8 years Manual removal by pulling or digging is effective for small patches if carried out for several years prior to flower and seed production. Cut, bag, and dispose of flowers, buds, and seed heads to prevent seed spread. Persistence is required to deplete seed bank. Due to very caustic latex sap, use proper protective eye and skin care. Mowing or cutting mature plants requires bagging and proper disposal***. Herbicides** can be effective if used for several years to deplete seed bank and root system. Treat early before flowering or late season when pulling sugars back to the roots. Musk Thistle Carduus nutans B Biennial June through fall seed 1-8 feet up to 10 years Manual removal by pulling or digging is effective if carried out for several years prior to flower and seed production. Cut, bag, and dispose of flowers, bud, and seed heads to prevent seed spread. Cut plant root 2" below the surface soil and chop plant to prevent additional budding. Pulled or cut plants without buds or flower heads can be left to dry out. Persistence is required to deplete seed bank. Digging rosettes the first year is ideal in eliminating plants with stalk, flower, and seeds the second year. Mowing or cutting mature plants requires bagging and proper disposal***. Herbicides** must be applied prior to the flowering stage or seed may be still be produced. Ideal treatment when plant is in rosette stage. Myrtle Spurge Euphorbia myrsinites A Perennial Early spring through fall seed 4-12 inches with up to 18 inch spread up to 8 years Manual removal by pulling or digging is effective if carried out for several years prior to seed production. Cut, bag, and dispose of flowers, buds, and seed heads to prevent seed spread. Persistence is required to deplete seed bank. Due to very caustic latex sap, use proper protective eye and skin care. Mowing or cutting mature plants requires bagging and proper disposal***. Mowing is not practical due to low growth structure. Herbicides** can be effective if used for several years to deplete seed bank and root system. Herbicides must be applied prior to the flowering stage or seed may be still be produced. Orange Hawkweed Hieracium aurantiacum A Perennial June through fall extensive root system, runners at ground level and seed up to 12 inches up to 7 years Herbicides** are necessary. Continued spot treatment in subsequent years is critical for eradication. Treat at flowering stage. Do not cut, mow, or burn plants; this encourages new plants from remaining roots. Manual removal of flowers and buds before herbicides application to prevent seed spread. Mowing or cutting mature plants requires bagging and proper disposal***. Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare B Perennial June through fall extensive underground root system and seed up to 2 feet 38 years or more Manual removal by pulling or digging is effective if carried out for several years prior to flower and seed production. Cut, bag, and dispose of flowers, buds, and seed heads to prevent seed spread. Persistence is required to deplete seed bank. Mowing or cutting mature plants requires bagging and proper disposal***. Herbicides** must be applied prior to the flowering stage or seed may still be produced. Poison Hemlock Conium maculatum C Estes Park Noxious Weed Biennial Spring through fall seed 2-10 feet 3 years Manual removal by pulling or digging is effective is carried out for serval years prior to flower and seed production. Caution: All parts of the plant are poisonous. Use gloves and wear protective clothing. Bag plant for proper disposal. Mowing or cutting mature plants requires bagging and proper disposal***. Herbicides** must be applied prior to the flowering stage or seed may still be produced. Redstem Filaree Erodium cicutarium C Estes Park Noxious Weed Annual Biennial All seasons seed 1 inch to 2 feet 5 years or more Manual removal by pulling or digging is effective if carried out for several years prior to flower and seed production. Cut, bag, and dispose of flowers, buds, and seed heads to prevent seed spread. Persistence is required to deplete seed bank. Mowing or cutting mature plants requires bagging and proper disposal***. Herbicides** must be applied prior to the flowering stage or seed may still be produced. Common Name - Scientific Name* CO List Category see notes below Plant Life Cycle Flowering Reproduction Height Seed Longevity Management Notes Based on Recommended Control from Larimer County Weed Management Reference Guide and Estes Land Stewardship Association (ELSA) Fourteen Very Unwanted Weeds in the Estes Valley Identification and Management Guide Russian Thistle Salsola tragus Larimer County Troublesome Weed Estes Park Noxious Weed Annual Summer through fall seed 6 inches to 4 feet 2-3 years Manual removal by pulling or digging is effective if carried out for several years prior to seed production. Cut, bag, and dispose of flowers, buds, and seed heads to prevent seed spread. Persistence is required to deplete seed bank. Mowing or cutting mature plants requires bagging and proper disposal***. Mowing is not effective and causes the plants to quickly re-sprout. Herbicides** must be applied prior to the flowering stage or seed may still be produced. Scentless Chamomile Tripleurospermum perforata B Annual Perennial Spring through fall seed 6-30 inches up to 15 years Manual removal by pulling or digging is effective if carried out for several years prior to seed production. Cut, bag, and dispose of flowers, buds, and seed heads to prevent seed spread. Persistence is required to deplete seed bank. Mowing or cutting mature plants requires bagging and proper disposal***. Herbicides** must be applied prior to the flowering stage or seed may still be produced. Spotted Knapweed Centaurea stoeba B Perennial June through fall seed up to 3 feet up to 15 years Manual removal by pulling or digging is effective if carried out for several years prior to flower and seed production. Cut, bag, and dispose of flowers, buds, and seed heads to prevent seed spread. Cut plant root 2" below the surface soil. Pulled or cut plants without buds or flower heads can be left to dry out. Persistence is required to deplete seed bank. Mowing or cutting mature plants requires bagging and proper disposal***. Herbicides** must be applied prior to the flowering stage or seed may still be produced. Yellow Toadflax Linaria vulgaris B Perennial June through fall extensive underground root system and seed 1-2 feet up to 10 years Manual removal by pulling or digging is effective for small patches if carried out for several years prior to flower and seed production. Cut, bag, and dispose of flowers, buds, and seed heads to prevent seed spread. Cut plant root 2" below the surface soil. Pulled or cut plants without buds or flower heads can be left to dry out. Persistence is required to deplete seed bank. Mowing or cutting mature plants requires bagging and proper disposal***. Mowing is ineffective because of persistent root system growth. Herbicides** can be effective if used for several years to kill root system. Treat at flowering stage. Colorado Noxious Weed Act C.R.S. 35-5.5 A Colorado State Law was enacted (August 6, 2003) to stop the establishment and spead of noxious weeds. The Colorado Dept. of Agriculture classifies noxious weed into three categories: List A: Noxious weed species that require mandatory eradication in Colorado for all land owners. List B: Eradicate, contain, or suppress these noxious weed species. List C: Widespread noxious weeds where management is recommended. Estes Park Noxious Weed: A widespread noxious weed in Estes Park that requires management to prevent it from spreading onto adjacent property. Larimer County Troublesome Weed: A widespread weedy species found in Larimer County. *Accepted USDA name in 2019 **Use herbicides specific to a targeted weed. Check with your local garden/hardware center for their recommendations. Also contact Larimer County Dept of Natural Resources Land Stewardship Program www.larimer.org/weeds ***Proper Disposal opportunities are offered one Saturday morning in each month during June, July, August and September. Events will be posted in the EP News and on the Town of Estes Park website: www.colorado.gov/pacific/townofestespark/weeds Bring in your weeds – no slash, pine needles, trash – in paper yard bags for free disposal. Please remove/shake off dirt from plant roots. Unauthorized drop-offs at this location are considered theft of services. No bags of non-weed materials will be accepted at these events. Paper yard bags are available for purchase at local hardware stores. Weeds and trash can be disposed of in personal trash service and throughout the year at Waste Management for a fee.