Workshop on New Grass Germplasms
11
Noxious weeds. There are six species of noxious weeds known to occur
on base that are listed by the state of Colorado as a priority for control: diffuse
knapweed, spotted knapweed, yellow toadflax, leafy spurge, Canada thistle, and
musk thistle. The Texas Agricultural Experiment Station has been working on
base since 2000 to introduce biological control agents for these weed species.
This is part of a regional biological weed control effort that also includes Monu-
ment Fire Center and Fort Carson. The Colorado Natural Heritage Program has
been contracted to conduct a base-wide noxious weed inventory in 2002. The
data will be put into the GIS database and will form the basis for developing an
integrated weed management plan in 2003.
Future weed-control efforts will include chemical, biological, burning, and
mechanical measures that are implemented in a systematic and ecologically
prioritized manner. Release of biological control agents that have been proven
effective and host-specific for controlling noxious weeds will continue. Native
seed mixes and revegetation techniques that are adapted to the local area have
been developed in conjunction with the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Permanent range transects have been surveyed since 1991 to document trends in
species composition, cover, production, and invasive species. Certified weed-free
hay is used at the base stables and weed-free mulch and native seed are used in
revegetation and erosion control projects.
Game and fisheries management includes deer, elk, bass, and Canada
geese and stocking for recreational fishing. The loss of wildlife habitat due to
off-base development puts greater pressure on the base to sustain and manage a
healthy wildlife population. However, as more animals reside on base, the need
for effective habitat and population management increases.
In 2001, Natural Resources personnel observed approximately 70 elk on
base, and a January 2002 aerial survey by the Colorado Division of Wildlife
(CDOW) estimated that there are approximately 700 deer on base. In conjunction
with the CDOW, the Natural Resources office determined that it will manage for
a deer population of 500700 animals and an elk population of 2530 animals.
Hunting is viewed as the most effective, efficient, and economical means of
controlling deer and elk numbers on base. Natural Resources coordinates with
the Forestry program to plan prescribed burns and clearing to improve habitat for
elk, deer, bighorn sheep, turkey, and other wildlife. In cooperation with CDOW,
turkeys are trapped on base and transplanted for off-base populations.
Five lakes at the Academy are stocked by Natural Resources between March
and September with catchable-size rainbow trout, brook trout, and channel cat-
fish, and occasionally with German brown trout or Snake River cutthroat trout.
Annual and one-day fishing permits can be purchased; 6000 one-day permits are
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