Landscaping at Mesa Antero · 539-3833) is charged with mediating all irrigation issues. 2 L....

Revision – 08/01/08 of 25

Landscaping

at Mesa Antero


Index Mesa Antero (History and Vision) ……………………….….. 3 Xeriscaping ……………………………………………………. 4 Outside Use of Water ..………………………………………. 6 Trees & Shrubs ……………………………………………..... 7 Perennials ……………………………………………….….… 9 Grasses ………………..…………………………………..…. 11 Weeds …………………………………………………….….. 12 Seasonal Considerations …………..……………………… 17 Deer/Rabbit/Ground Squirrel Resistant Species …………. 18 Construction Site Disturbance/Rehabilitation …………..… 20 Beetle Infestation ……………………………………………. 21 Wild Fire Preparedness …………………………………….. 23 References …………………………………………………... 25 Acknowledgements .……………………………………….... 25


This is MESA ANTERO “You are in the middle of the incredibly beautiful Colorado heartland. Nearby, the Rocky Mountains rise up to 14,000 feet and more. Spectacular scenery exists in virtually all directions. And, Mt. Antero, at 14,265 feet high, keeps a timeless watch over a secluded mountain meadow known as Mesa Antero. Mesa Antero is Colorado.” These were the opening remarks by developer Ed Greene, when he started “his dream” of developing a recreational mountain community. Those of us who live here are indebted to Ed for his “dream” followed by a commitment and dedication to making it happen. Since 1972 a number of Mesa Antero residents have enjoyed this unique home site. They have come from throughout the United States, from different natural environments and life styles. Mesa Antero is in a unique natural environment and the purpose of these few pages is to acquaint you with what you should know about this community’s “environmental life”. Ed’s “dream” was to maintain the 3700 acres as natural a site as possible. Protect the woods, maintain and enjoy the grasslands and wild flowers, limit fencing, and preserve the darkness of the night to enjoy the vastness of the night sky. Explorer Zebulon Pike camped on Brown’s Creek in 1806, James Purcell trapped beaver along the creek earlier that same year. They were followed by ranchers and cowboys who tended herds of cattle on the Mesa, living in the range cabin near the entrance or under the open sky. Miners, in the 1870’s followed Brown’s Creek up to their “hoped for fortune” in the higher elevations. Today’s residents of Mesa Antero are now part of that history and heritage from those who have gone before and left this land as undisturbed as possible, for us to enjoy and be responsible for.

“Welcome to this very special place and your part in living here!”


Xeriscaping Xeriscaping refers to landscaping in ways that do not require supplemental irrigation. It is promoted in areas that do not have easily accessible supplies of fresh water, and is catching on in other areas as climate patterns shift. The word Xeriscaping was coined by combining xeros (Greek for "dry") with landscape. Plants whose natural requirements are appropriate to the local climate are emphasized, and care is taken to avoid losing water to evaporation and run-off. Plants used in xeriscaping depend upon the climate. Some common plants used in Western xeriscaping are agave, cactus, lavender, juniper, sedum and thyme. In some areas, terms such as water-conserving landscapes, drought-tolerant landscaping, zeroscaping, and smart scaping are used instead. Don’t confuse “Xeriscape” with “Zero-scape.” Any landscape can be a Xeriscape if attention is given to conserving water. Xeriscaping is a method, not a style, of landscaping. Home landscapes of rock and cactus and weeds are the true “Zero-scapes.”

XeriscapeTM 1

There are seven basic principles of xeriscaping: 1) Waterwise Planning and Design. Also termed hydrozoning, involves grouping plants with similar watering requirements together. Plants that require more water (for example, vegetables, fruits, and certain flowers) are grouped together. These less water-efficient plants may also be sheltered from the wind and/or sun by planting them in the shade (under trees, beside a house etc.) to decrease the amount of water they need. Also place high water users nearer the home in an "oasis" area where they are more fully enjoyed. 2) Drought Tolerant Plants. Appropriate choice and arrangement of a plant (or plants) - where possible, plants that are native to the area or to similar climates, as well as other plants that tolerate or avoid water stress (succulents, xeriphytes, halophytes, summer or winter dormant bulbs, very deeply rooted plants) as ornamentals. 1 XeriscapeTM and the xeriscape logo are registered trademarks of Denver Water. They were created by the Front Range Xeriscape Task Force of Denver Department in 1978.


3) Appropriate Size Turf Areas. Smaller turf area and only where it will be used by the family. Use drought-tolerant turf-grass species where turf is needed at all (children's play areas) (pet use areas). The landscape can be filled in with borders and islands of more water-efficient ornamental plants. 4) Harvest Water Where Possible. Note: While this technique is used in many areas of the United States, capturing or storing rain water or snow melt is prohibited under Colorado statute. It is also prohibited to divert or “pond” natural flows, streams, ditches or any rain or snow-melt run-off. 5) Efficient Irrigation Equipment and Design. Note: In Filings 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5a, outside irrigation with household water for landscape purposes is prohibited. Chaffee County does not allow 'gray water' to be used for irrigation. The only Filing in Mesa Antero that allows outside irrigation is Filing 5. Where allowed: apply water efficiently via drip irrigation or soaker hoses where possible. Overhead irrigation (never ideal) is applied in the morning or evening, when it is less likely to be blown away by wind or lost by evaporation. Drought-tolerant plants get no more water than they need to look good, and of course water is not allowed to splash onto concrete walkways or other areas where it is not needed. 6) Mulch & Soil Amendments. A layer of mulch aids in conservation of water in the soil as it cools the soil surface and hinders evaporation. Adding amendments to the soil as you plant improves your soil. Soil with improved structure retains water better. 7) Proper Maintenance Practices. Proper maintenance practices will reduce water use.

• In general, prune minimally. Topiary pruning is to be avoided at all costs as it increases water use and stresses plants.

• Fertilize only enough for plant health, and ideally use a slow release fertilizer. • Aerate and dethatch, where practical, once a year to improve infiltration and reduce

runoff. • Remove weeds as they use valuable water. • Where allowed: Maintain your irrigation system in good working order, and change your

water cycles with the season. Advantages

• Lower water bills. • More water available for other uses and other people (such as showers, sinks, hoses

etc). • Less time and work needed for maintenance, making gardening more simple and stress-

free. • Little or no lawn mowing (which saves gas). • Xeriscape plants along with proper bed design tend to take full advantage of rainfall. • Where water restrictions apply (like Mesa Antero), xeriscape plants will tend to survive,

while more traditional plants may not. • Increased habitat for native bees, butterflies, and other fauna. • Can live in more habitats than most other plants.

Disadvantages

• May require more start-up work to prepare beds for planting than simply spreading seed or laying sod.

• Requires that people moving from water-abundant to water-scarce areas change their mindset as to what types of plants they are able to practically and economically maintain.

• Xeriscape beds require periodic maintenance that is more involved than simply mowing and edging, especially to maintain color. Weeds and trash may also be more of a problem than in a traditional landscape area.


Water Use/Conservation in Mesa Antero Because of different rulings by the Colorado Water Court and the various decrees that were granted, water use in Mesa Antero varies by Filing. For example, Filings 1, 2, 5, and 5a are allowed to drill one domestic well, while Filings 3 and 4 must connect to the central water system. Further, water in all Filings except Filing 5 is for in-house use only; Filing 5 is allowed limited water use for irrigation and livestock. It is important to understand that use of water for watering landscaping or gardens (except Filing 5), washing cars or other vehicles, or filling hot tubs is not consistent with the water court decrees. The collection of rainwater, the diversion of stream flow, or the digging of ponds for such purposes is in violation of Colorado statute. The use of gray water from washing machines or bathtubs for irrigation is also prohibited. The intent of these restrictions is to minimize the consumptive use of water (including evaporative loss) so that other downstream water right holders can use it and in the case of gray water, to prevent pollution of below-ground aquifers. Other parties own the majority of the groundwater and surface water rights within the Mesa Antero Subdivision. Water Wisely2 – “Planting with the precipitation.” Plant drought-tolerant plants when the rainy season begins. In Mesa Antero this is often in early to mid-July. Plants should be watered (if permitted) on the day they are planted and then mulched to retain moisture. Trial gardens indicate a very high survival rate when planted this way. Wildflowers and native grasses sown in the fall also have little to no watering needs. Note: Mountain water is often very cold and can decrease the soil temperature, slowing growth. Mulches – Use organic mulches such as weed-free straw, bark chips, or shredded bark to protect plants from severe drying where snow cover does not persist during the winter, and to increase soil moisture and decrease weeds in the summer. Organic mulches can delay spring growth; remove them in early spring to allow the soil to warm up. You may need to use netting or branches to keep the wind from blowing the mulch off. Pea gravel or rock mulches are more wind-resistant, provide frost protection, and increase the soil temperature for enhanced growth, particularly if it is dark-colored, and may allow self-seeding of plants. Irrigation Channels – Mesa Antero has several irrigation ditches, as well as Brown’s Creek, which flow through the subdivision. Activities relative to and the area surrounding these channels are regulated and supported by numerous Colorado statutes: • The ditch owners, who have paid for water rights to that ditch, maintain the ditches. Property

owners accept this easement through their property and have no right to use any of the water.

• The ditch owners have a right to access the ditch for maintenance. The ditches are normally checked every May, to remove any fallen branches, vegetation or other materials that obstruct the water flow.

• Any obstruction will simply be placed out of the way of the ditch. Property owners should not place vegetation or other landscape elements, e.g. rocks, in or in close proximity of any water channel. The ditch owner will probably remove these, if they impede water flow.

• The ditch owners are responsible for any damages caused by water overflowing a ditch. If a property owner observes water running other than in its normal channel, perhaps due to a blockage in a culvert, or at some other point, please call the MAPOA President or Filing Representative, immediately so the incident can be corrected. Depending of which ditch is having the problem, they will have a list of ditch owners to call.

• If a legal problem or other dispute arises, Bruce Smith (Chaffee County Water Commissioner, 539-3833) is charged with mediating all irrigation issues.

2L. Potts, Colorado State University Extension agent, Eagle county; and I. Shonle, Extension agent, Gilpin county.


TREES & SHRUBS MESA ANTERO lies at elevations from 8000 to 8700 feet above sea level. It has a limited amount of natural watering; we are in a semi-arid climate averaging only 10 to 11 inches of precipitation a year, and many years are well below that number. Therefore specific trees and shrubs are natural to these conditions and those are the ones you should concentrate on for planting. We have two governmental organizations that will help you make your selection. • Colorado State University – Cooperative Extension Office – Chaffee County Fair Grounds

(main building at 10165 C/R 120) 539-6447 • Colorado State Forest Service – 7980 W. US Hwy 50 – 539-2579 • Property owners of 2 acres or more are eligible to purchase seedlings for Spring planting at a

modest cost. The CFS will also do the planting at an additional charge. In addition, the staffs of local nurseries in Buena Vista and Salida are knowledgeable about what can be grown in our environment. For best success, select plant varieties that are native to this area. Note that as you drive through Mesa Antero you start with Cottonwood (along the streams), Piñon and Juniper, then on to Ponderosa, Douglas Fir, and Colorado Blue Spruce. Aspen can also be found throughout the area, but closer to water availability. TREES FOR OUR AREA 8000 to 9500 elevation, full sun, low moisture required Name Description Aspen (Populus tremuloides)

Develops it’s own forest from roots, poor drought resistance, beautiful yellow fall colors. Requires lots of initial watering to expand root system. Native to area.

Spruce (Colorado Blue) (Picea pungens)

Pyramid shape, fair drought resistance, excellent decorative tree. Native to area. Named the official state tree of Colorado in 1939.

Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga) Tall evergreen, forest tree, good drought resistance, slow growth.

Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) Moderate height, excellent drought resistance, and rapid growth rate. Forest tree and native to the area. Subject to pine beetle infestations, when stressed due to drought.

Piñon Pine (Pinus cembroides var. edulis) A slow-growing native except where water is abundant. Very drought resistant, but subject to ips beetle infestation, when stressed.

Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum)

Small to moderate height, excellent drought resistance, short and good decorative tree.

Bristlecone Pine (Pinus aristata) Moderate height. Can resist drought. Must have good drainage.


SHRUBS FOR OUR AREA 8000 to 9500 elevation, full sun, low moisture required Name Description Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)

Upright, deep green glossy leaves turn purple-red in the fall. White flowers and fruit that attract birds.

Alpine Currant (Ribes alpinum) Upright shrub, stout branches with velvet-like hairs. Bright green leaves turn red-purple in fall. Fuzzy red fruits. Critter Resistant

Buffalo Juniper (Juniperus sabina `Buffalo`)

Excellent decorative evergreen bushy, fast growing and low spreading. With blue berries.

Peking Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster acutifolia) Shiny small leaves. Berries are black and a source of food for birds and small animals. Deer don't seem to bother it. Critter Resistant

Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) Silvery leaves on gray branches. Fruit is scarlet. Can be trained either as shrub or small tree.

Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus) Stiffly upright shrub. Can be either evergreen or deciduous, depending on type. Produces many fuzzy, ornamental, corkscrew-shaped seeds.

Potentilla (cinquefoil) (Potentilla fruticosa cultivars)

Small shrub; needs full sun. Showy white to yellow flowers. Critter Resistant

Mock-orange (Philadelphus v. lewisii)

Short, ball-shaped with numerous small white flowers. Lewis’ Syringa (Mock-orange) is the state flower of Idaho

Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) Produces tall sprays of lavender-colored blossoms. Propagates by spreading roots with new shoots arising.

Winterfat (Ceratoides lanata) Also known as white sage. Upright silvery-gray shrub that needs full sun. Propagates by windblown seeds and can be somewhat invasive. Good food source for small animals and supposedly deer.

Threeleaf Sumac (Rhus trilobata)

Large shrub with showy red fruit. Deer are attracted to its pungent fragrance. Critter Resistant

Yucca (yucca v. sp.) Sword-like foliage with tall showy spikes of creamy-white flowers. Several varieties.

PLANTING SUGGESTIONS Dig a hole at least twice the size of the plant ball. Put water (if permitted) in the hole to be absorbed by the ground around the hole. Insert ball of plant; fill hole with bag(s) of dirt from nursery or garden center, to permit faster expansion of root system. Plant during times of natural precipitation to utilize nature’s water during the spring, summer and fall growing season. Utilize available snow for watering during the winter.


Xeriscape Perennials for Mountain Gardeners3 Growing perennial flowers in mountain gardens is no small feat. Only the tough prevails at high elevations.

Many Colorado mountain gardeners must accept a 90-day growing season with the last killing spring frost a month later and first average fall frost a month earlier than Front Range gardeners, who enjoy the luxury of a 150-day growing season. Plants for mountain areas must be able to withstand daily temperature fluctuations of forty degrees, high summer heat, intense sunlight and cool nights. Water is one of the most limiting factors. For most Mesa Anteroans, this means relying on summer rain showers.

Location, planting and care are of equal importance to plant selection in mountain perennial growing success. Location differences are magnified at high elevations. Pronounced microclimate effects from the interplay of sunshine, objects and terrain make plant location decisions critical. A plant growing in the shade of a rock may as well be in a whole different climate than the same plant located 3 feet away in full sun. Take advantage of cooler eastern exposures to reduce evaporation or the drip line of a roof to harvest water. If your growing season is especially short, consider planting in barrels on wheels or in portable containers. Move the

containers to follow the path of the sun across the sky over the seasons. Take advantage of sheltering walls and overhangs in cooler periods and sunny open spaces during warmer times.

Plant in late spring to early summer, June to July. Take time to amend soil with compost, peat or well-composted manure. This helps shallow, rocky soils hold the balance of water and air needed for root growth. Allow one full growing season for root establishment. Hardy drought resistant plants will thrive on periodic deep watering from nature (rainfall). These less-thirsty perennials grow well in a garden located in a chilly

valley at 8,000 feet elevation. Many can be seen growing in gardens as high as 10,000 feet. Look for the compact varieties of catnip (Nepeta v. sp.) (Critter Resistant) for lavender, bugle-like flowers to edge the garden. A ground-hugging companion is Mount Atlas daisy (Anacyclus depressus). Its red buds open to reveal delicate white petals on sunny days. Thrift (Armeria maritima) is another edging plant that forms evergreen cushions with pink globe blooms. Include silver-green snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum) (Critter Resistant) for a mass of white flowers early in the season. Shear this plant after bloom and you may be rewarded with a second show of

white flowers.

3 Rina Peck, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Master Gardener, Denver County

Mountain Bluet

Catmint

Snow-in-summer

Dasies


Among taller, "water-wise" perennials, Oriental poppy (Papaver orientale) (Critter Resistant) provides a dramatic, orange spring display. Both dwarf and 2-3 feet tall yarrow are desirable for the golden flat-topped blooms. Yarrow (Achillea filipendulina) (Critter Resistant) makes excellent fresh and dried cut flowers and adds garden color through the summer.

Mauve-flowered beebalm (Monarda fistulosa) (Critter Resistant) grows on dry hillsides and does well when planted among other tall flowers to conceal the spindly stems. Consider support from baby's breath (Gypsophila paniculata) (Critter Resistant) and tall native dasies (Erigeron). Drought-tolerant mainstays for mountain gardens include the deep-blue starburst flowers of mountain bluet or mountain bachelor’s buttons (Centaurea montana) and orange-yellow blanket flower (Gallardia aristata) (Critter Resistant). Consider pairing both with oregano (Origanum) for its light green leaves and gently-waving, purple flower spikes. These combinations are irresistible to painted lady butterflies, as well as to a host of other insects such as bees and

fuzzy bottlebrush flies. For a partially shady spot, try bellflowers (Campanula). Plant habits range from low-growing clusters to tall, nodding show plants. Perennials are a sure-fire way to jump start the high elevation gardening season. The rugged corduroy leaves of catnip (Critter Resistant) and prickly growths of Oriental poppies (Critter Resistant) are welcome signs of spring in the high country. Flax (Critter Resistant) is a long-blooming blue flowered plant, but is considered somewhat invasive. Several varieties of penstemon do well (palmeri, strictus, barbatus), requiring full sun but little water. They attract bees and hummingbirds. Scarlet gilia (Fairy Trumpet) attracts hummingbirds and requires little water. Bearded Iris does well, needing low to moderate water. Various varieties of Lupine (Critter Resistant) are good accent plants. Golden Banner does well in sun or partial shade, but can be invasive due to numerous seed pods (pea family). Stonecrop (sedum) (Critter Resistant) is not competitive with other plants. Many varieties are available.

Yarrow


Xeriscape Grasses For

None to Very Low Water Areas

Western Wheatgrass - (Pascopyrum smithii 'Arriba') - bluish-green cool-season grass spreads by runners. It occurs naturally on loam to clay soils at elevations from 3,500 to 10,500 feet. The species goes dormant in the summer, and will begin growing again in the fall when temperatures cool. It is good forage for cattle, horses, and sheep, but only fair quality food for pronghorn antelope and

other wildlife. The inflorescence is arranged in a spike (18 in. to 24 in. by 3 ft. to 4 ft.). It is the state grass of South Dakota, North Dakota and Wyoming.

Big Bluestem – (Andropogon gerardii) This native prairie grass is one of the taller species on the prairie. Summer and winter texture is medium. The hairy leaf blades are medium green in summer. The flowers (racemes) are purple and turn to rusty-tan or purple for the winter. The fuzzy seedheads are white. Fall color is combinations of orange, rust, purple or gold. Winter color is rusty-purple. It is the state grass of Texas.

Sideoats Gramma – (Bouteloua curtipendula 'Vaughn') - A slow-spreading, warm season grass with flowers appearing in late summer. The foliage may turn reddish orange in the fall and keeps a golden tan color through winter.

Blue Grama Grass – (Bouteloua gracilis 'Lovington') A slow growing, warm season bunch grass (6 in. to 12 in) that forms an open sod. Attractive seed heads are formed if left unmowed. During its active growing season, the fine blades of this grass are a light green color and during dormancy are straw-colored. It is the state grass of Colorado.

Sand Love Grass – (Eragrostis trichodes) A warm season bunch grass with pinkish flowers (loose, open panicles) in late summer. Local residents have reported good luck with plantings of Arizona Fescue – (Festuca arizonica ) and seeds can be obtained from local nurseries. Indian Ricegrass – (Oryzopsis hymenoides) is another perennial bunch-type dryland grass that shows up around Mesa Antero.


Weed Control4 Chaffee County Weed List: Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) - a 2-5 ft. tall forb with deep, wide spreading, horizontal roots.

Mechanical control: repeated and frequent pulling or hand cutting of individual plants will eventually starve underground stems. Cutting or pulling should be at least 3 times each season, in June, August, and September. Mowing or plowing cannot control it. Chemical control: spot application with glyphosate or with selective herbicide clopyralid, or metsulfuron

Dalmation toadflax (Linaria dalmatica) - is a colony-forming perennial with snapdragon type

yellow flowers from deep underground and extensive horizontal roots. Stems are 1-4 ft. tall, ridged, branching above. This vegetation has shown up in local gardens. Mechanical control: one season of intensive tillage from spring until freeze-up will usually eliminate over 90% of Dalmation toadflax. Chemical control: Corsair @ 1 gram + 2,4-D amine @ 1.5 tablespoons /1000 sqft. in the spring at the bloom stage orin the fall. Escort @ 2oz/acre.

Diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa) - is an annual, biennial or short-lived perennial that can

grow to a height of 3 feet, with a many-branched stem that usually has a bush appearance. Tips of each branch have a white or sometimes pinkish flower head. Mechanical control: Pull the weed. It is important to remove the entire taproot. If present, be careful the seed does not fall from the weed. Place the weed in a plastic bag or similar container. Dispose of the weed by burning. Chemical control: Tordon 22K (picloram)

Hoary cress (Lepidium draba – formerly Cardaria draba) - sometimes referred to as “White

Top” is a creeping perennial which reproduces by seed and creeping roots. The extensive root system spreads horizontally and vertically with frequent shoots arising from the root stock. It grows erect from 10 to 18 inches high and has a white color. A large area of this is in the pasture to the east of US 285 just south of Mesa Antero entrance. Mechanical control: Hand-pulling of aboveground plant parts is ineffective. Successful digging requires complete plant removal within 10 days after weed emergence throughout the growing season for two to four years. Chemical control: spot application with Campaign (glyphosate + 2,4-D)

4 All herbicides must be used in accordance with the registered label. Read the label first.


Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale) - is biennial or short-lived perennial that reproduces

by seed only. The mature plant can grow to 1-4 ft. tall. Flowers are reddish-purple, with five petals, arranged in panicles in the upper leaf axils. The basal leaves are 2 to 12 inches long, lance-shaped, pointed and much tapered at the stem end. Houndstongue causes poisoning in horses and cattle. Mechanical control: digging, pulling and cutting is typically ineffective except for very small infestations. The rosettes must be severed below the crown of the taproot. Clipping or mowing of flowering stems will limit seed production but it is essential that all plant material and flowers be bagged and properly disposed of. Houndstongue will not survive repeated tillage of young plants. Chemical control: Picloram, dicamba, chlorsulfuron, metsulfuron and 2,4-D amine.

Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula)- is characterized by plants containing a white milky sap and

flower parts in three's. Leafy spurge is an erect, branching, perennial herb 2-3½ ft. tall, with smooth stems and showy yellow flower bracts. Stems frequently occur in clusters from a vertical root that can extend many feet underground. The leaves are small, oval to lance-shaped, somewhat frosted and slightly wavy along the margin. Similar-looking spurge is on some properties in Mesa Antero, but it is not deemed invasive by the county weed control officer. Mechanical control: mowing is a means of weakening the leafy spurge plant. Mowing, however, will not kill the plant but does make spurge more susceptible to herbicide treatments. Tillage and/or spading create similar behavior as mowing by causing the plant to regrow from its root reserves. These methods must be done about every 10-14 days if use alone until no regrowth occurs in the fall. Chemical control: herbicides (2,4-D amine, glyphosate or combination) have been found to be effective if applied in June, when the flowers and seeds

are developing, or in early to mid-September, when the plants are moving nutrients downward into the roots. Musk thistle (Carduus nutans) - Musk thistle is a herbaceous biennial plant that grows to 6 feet

tall. It can be recognized by its showy, red-purple flowers and very spiny stem and leaves. The large disk-shaped terminal flower heads droop when mature giving this plant its other common name, nodding thistle. The key to successful musk thistle control is to prevent seed production. Mechanical control: Musk thistle will not tolerate tillage and can be removed easily by severing its root below ground with a shovel or hoe. Mowing can effectively reduce seed output if plants are cut when the terminal head is in the late-flowering stage. Gather and burn mowed debris to destroy any seed that has developed. Chemical control: picloram, dicamba and 2,4-D amine are commonly used. Apply in spring or fall to musk thistle rosettes.

Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens or Centaurea repens) - is a creeping, herbaceous perennial that reproduces from seed and vegetative root buds and is poisonous to horses. Shoots, or stems, are erect, 18-36 in. tall, with many branches. Shoots and leaves are covered with dense gray hairs. The solitary, urn-shaped flower heads occur on shoot tips and generally are 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter with smooth papery bracts. Flowers can be pink, lavender or white. A single control strategy, such as mowing or a herbicide, usually is not sufficient. Mechanical control: repeated mowing has been shown to suppress growth. Chemical control: picloram + 2,4-D amine have been shown to be effective.


Spotted knapweed (Centaurea biebersteinii or Centaurea maculosa) - looks like Diffuse knapweed (see above) with some notable exceptions. Spotted knapweed is a short-lived, noncreeping perennial that reproduces from seed (primary means of spread) and forms a new shoot each year from a taproot. The weed produces one or more shoots that are branched and 1 to 3 feet tall. Rosette leaves can be 6 inches long and deeply lobed. Lavender to purple flowers are solitary on shoot tips. Mechanical control: Pull the weed. It is important to remove the entire taproot. If present, be careful the seed does not fall from the weed. Place the weed in a plastic bag or similar container. Chemical control: picloram or clopyralid along with 2,4-D amine have been effective

Yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) - sometimes called common toadflax and butter and eggs,

resembles the snapdragon in appearance and is a member of the Figwort family. It is a perennial reproducing from seed, as well as from underground root stalks. The stems of yellow toadflax are from 8 inches to 2 feet tall and leafy. Leaves are pale green, alternate, narrow, and pointed at both ends. The flowers are bright yellow with deep orange centers. These flowers are about an inch long and blossom in dense clusters along the stem as it lengthens and grows. The fruit is round, about 1/4 inch in diameter, brown, and contains many seeds. Mechanical control: handpulling may control this weed if populations are small and the plants are pulled consistently for five to six

years. The site must be visited for 10 to 15 years to remove seedlings produced from dormant seeds. Mowing is not recommended since it does not affect root reserves or buried seeds. Cultivation, where feasible, will control yellow toadflax. Chemical control: best results have been shown by applying herbicide (picloram) just after a killing frost in the fall or during flowering when the plant reserves are low. The state of Colorado requires eradication of all 'A list' species from the state weed list. These are 17 species that are not yet found in Colorado or are found only in small populations. Please report any findings of these species to the Chaffee County Weed Department. African rue Medusahead Camelthorn Myrtle spurge Common crupina Purple loosestrife Cypress spurge Rush skeletonweed Dyer's woad Sericea lespedeza Giant salvinia Squarrose knapweed Hydrilla Tansy ragwort Meadow knapweed Yellow starthistle Mediterranean sage Chaffee County Weed Department services: • Can identify noxious/invasive weeds and recommend management practices for landowners. • Have some spray equipment for loan to landowners. • The weed department is a commercial applicator and can make herbicide applications for an

hourly fee, plus herbicide costs. • The weed department controls noxious weeds on county right-of-ways. • Can help landowners with long range noxious weed management plans. The Chaffee County Weed Department phone number is 719-539-3455 or email – [email protected].


Other Weeds and Invasive Plants5 Know to Exist In MESA ANTERO Tumble Mustard (Sisymbrium altissimum) - is a winter annual or annual. This species often

breaks off at soil level at maturity and spreads when main stem dries and breaks at ground, allowing plant to tumble in the wind loosing thousands of seeds, which if finding disturbed soil will create a monoculture of plants. The stems are simple below, much branched above having a bushy appearance. It grows 2-5 ft. tall. Leaves are alternate and of 2 types; lower leaves are coarse and divided into broad lobes or leaflets. Upper leaves are much reduced and finer with narrow lobes or segments. Flowers are small, pale yellow, in racemes. The seeds are small, numerous, yellow to brown and oblong. Mechanical control: Tillage or hand hoeing when soil is damp and disposing of the entire plant.

Preferred over chemical control because of the abundance of seeds and ease of wind dispersal. Chemical Control: 2,4-D, glyphosate or combination at rosette stage. Russian Thistle, prickly (Salsola tragus) – also known as tumbleweed, is an annual which

reproduces by seed. It is a round, bushy, much-branched plant growing 1 to 3-1/2 feet high. The branches are slender, succulent when young, and woody when mature. The leaves are alternate with the first ones being dark green, soft, slender and 1 to 2-1/2 inches long. These drop off and later leaves are short, stiff, spiny, and not over 1/2 inch long, with two sharp-pointed bracts at the base. The flowers are small, inconspicuous,

green-white or pink, and are usually solitary in the leaf axils. Seeds are about 1/16 inch in diameter and conical. When dry, it propagates by breaking off at the ground and tumbling in the wind, spreading its seeds far and wide. Mechanical Control: Tillage, hand hoeing, or any other method that disrupts the contact between the plant roots and soil is also effective at controlling both seedling and larger plants. Wear gloves, as the plant is very prickly at all stages. Preferred over chemical control because of the abundance of seeds and ease of wind dispersal. Chemical Control: 2,4-D amine, glyphosate, dicamba and triclopyr are effective post-emergent. Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) - Also known as Downy Brome or Military Grass. Non-native

usually found along roadsides where it has been brought in with gravel and road base. This is a very prevalent grass in the BLM land north of Mesa Antero. Seed heads have awns that may injure eyes and mouth of grazing animals and contaminate animal hair. Deer and pronghorn graze it in the spring while it is actively growing. It furnishes some food for upland birds and rodents. Very invasive and a fire hazard. Cheatgrass has the potential to completely alter the ecosystems it invades. Easily identified by the drooping seed heads that turn a purplish color when mature. The best management has been to ensure perennial herbaceous plants are managed to dominate the site. Chemical control: a double mixture of RoundUp (glyphosate).

5 Some plants that are used in xeriscape gardens can, if not properly managed, spread to very wide areas and compete with native plants. These are especially those that propagate through seeds.


Fringed Sage (Artemisia frigida) -- Very common and can be invasive to the detriment of other, more desirable plants. It is common to xeriscape gardens. Grows by root runners and seeds. Is an important wildlife food source. It is resistant to rabbits and cattle. Scientists have been planting this shrub in bulk because of its ability to absorb CO2 (greenhouse gas) at very high rates.

Rabbitbrush (Ericameria) -- A common native that can take over acreage if allowed to. It is also

common to xeriscape gardens because of the flowers and butterfly attraction potential, but can spread into unwanted areas, if allowed. There are two species here in Mesa Antero: Gray and Douglas. Gray rabbitbrush is the least desirable and the hardest to eradicate. Douglas rabbitbrush is notable in that its narrow leaves are usually twisted about the long axis. Rabbitbrush grows from a thick taproot. Gray is the taller of the two species.

Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) -- Also known as wooly mullein, a non-native, tall,

single-stalked plant with woolly leaves that grows biennially from a rosette. Usually found in distressed soils. Mature flowering plants grow to 5 to 10 feet in height, including the conspicuous flowering stalk. The seeds found on long spikes are winter food for small birds. Can be invasive owing to the large number of seeds produced. Common mullein threatens natural meadows and forest openings. It is a prolific seeder and its seeds last a very long time in the soil. Mechanical control: Mullein plants are easily hand pulled on loose soils due to relatively shallow tap roots. Care should be taken, however, to minimize soil disturbance since loose soil will facilitate mullein seed germination. Chemical control: glyphosate or triclopyr have been shown to be effective

There are a number of other 'nuisance' plants found on our lots. Flixweed, pinnate tansymustard, prickly pear cactus, sticktight, lambsquarter, gumweed, needle-and-thread grass, etc. Except for the cactus, these are not generally invasive when they have to compete with other species. The prickly pear can be a problem if allowed to propagate freely.


SEASONAL CONSIDERATIONS Residents of Mesa Antero enjoy a unique natural environment of having wildflowers and other vegetation spread over their property, which often go unnoticed as our eyes enjoy the awesome views of the mountains around us. But, we need to be conscious of other aspects of nature that can drastically affect us. Here are some points to consider for the future homebuilder and the current homeowner. • During the summer and fall, be aware of the potential of a possible forest fire and how it

might affect your property and home. It is recommended that trees be thinned, dead branches removed, and weeds be cut for a brush fire safety zone around your house.

• Talk with your Filing Representative on the Water Board, MAPOA*, and/or ACC* about outdoor plantings6. There may be restrictions by various water rules for MAWA* or by the State of CO, if you have your own well.

• Use of temporary snow fences may be approved, but must comply with covenant setback requirements.

• If using one of the local LP gas companies, be sure to consult with them on location of the tank so it is accessible to their truck, and extended hose, for refilling

• While we live in a “banana belt” area of Chaffee County and Colorado, we must think ahead to the potential of severe winters, since we live at the base of Colorado’s tallest peaks. • In laying out a driveway, make it wide enough to consider snow banks on each side, the

ease of keeping it plowed or shoveled, being prepared for drifting snow, and providing ample room of 12+ feet for LP gas trucks to back in. Any curves in the drive require additional space for those trucks.

• Sharp circles near the front of the house are difficult to plow, and consider locations for where to stack the snow out of the way.

• In the fall, it would be appropriate to place marker poles to outline the edges of the driveway and the entrance, for future plowing. Make the entrance as wide as possible for stacking snow from your own plowing as well as the County clearing the county roads.

• Rocks along your driveway look great 9 months out of the year to define your drive, but in the winter, following a good snow, they will not be seen and can cause damage or “being stuck” by vehicles riding over them. Rocks should be set well back from the edges of the drive and/or the markers used to identify their location.

• Tell the person doing your plowing what your drive base is composed of (asphalt, stones, basic road base, etc). They can plow accordingly to preserve your base.

• When property owners received their annual county tax bill, usually there is an insert that you use to purchase seedlings to develop a snow fence or windbreak. The Colorado State Forest Service makes this available for lots over 2 acres, it’s inexpensive, and adds “character” to your lot. The CSFS office is located just west of Wal-Mart on US-50.

• The ACC recommends to home builders that in positioning your new home you’ll want to select the best views, but also plan on having your primary entrance and garage doors facing the sun for a major portion of the day. This will help keep snow and ice on your primary walkway and garage entrance to a minimum. Also consider blowing snow from the west and northwest. And don’t forget, snow on metal roofs will slide off to pile up on the ground under the roof. Design your entrances to prevent “Mesa Antero avalanches”.

6 MAWA= Mesa Antero Water Association MAPOA = Mesa Antero Property Owners Association ACC – Mesa Antero Architectural Control Committee


Rabbit/Ground Squirrel/Deer Resistant Plants7,8 In general, animals are discouraged by: ~ Very aromatic plants ~ Prickles and spines ~ Tough, leathery leaves ~ Toxic plants ~ Milky sap No list is foolproof --a hungry animal will eat just about anything, including poisonous plants. Plant deterrent plants surrounding the more delectable plants. Newly transplanted plants are more likely to be eaten – especially those just bought from nurseries, but even those recently moved within a garden. Bigger plants are more able to withstand nibbling. Cultural controls such as removing brush piles or other protective cover where rabbits and ground squirrels hide and nest may help. Provide open areas in the landscape – small mammals tend to avoid open spaces that make them vulnerable to predators. Many odor repellents are ineffective with rabbits, so read labels carefully before buying them. Something that works for deer may not work with rabbits. Some products are labeled for both. What works in one persons’ yard may not work in another person’s yard. Fencing with chicken wire fencing, hardware cloth or flexible netting at least two feet high, buried 4-8 inches under is fairly effective against rabbits. Deer can be prevented with fencing at least 8 feet high. Raised beds with hardware cloth (1/4” squares or less) tacked to the bottom can keep pocket gophers out of gardens. Encircle trees and shrubs with hardware cloth (buried an inch or two under the ground) to prevent voles from girdling the trees. CRITTER RESISTANT PERENNIALS AND BULBS Alliums, Allium spp. Sagebrushes, Artemisia frigida and ludoviciana Basket of Gold , Aurinia saxatilis Bee balm, Monarda spp. Black Eyed Susan , Rudbeckia hirta Blanketflower, Gaillardia spp. Bleeding Heart , Dicentra spectabilis Blue Flax , Linum lewisii Clustered bellflower, Campanula glomerata Catmints, Nepeta spp. Chives, Allium schoenoprasum Cleome, Cleome serrulata Columbine (marginal), Aquilegia spp (especially bad when newly planted!) Golden smoke, Corydalis aurea Creeping Oregon Grape Holly , Mahonia repens Creeping Phlox , Phlox subulata Creeping baby’s breath, Gypsophila repens Daffodils * , Narcissus spp. Delphinium , Delphinium spp. ‘ Dianthus, Dianthus spp. Dragon’s head , Dracocephalon spp

7 Dr. Irene Schole, Director/Agent of Gilpin County Extension 8 Not all plants listed are also Xeriscape type plants. Those that are in this category are also noted in the appropriate sections of this report.


Engelmann Ivy, Parthenocissus quinquefolia engelmannii Golden Banner, Thermopsis divaricarpa Goldenrod, Solidago spp. Hardy Geraniums, Geranium spp Hummingbird Flower , Zauschneria garrettii Iceland Poppy , Papaver nudicaule Jacob’s Ladder , Polemonium caeruleum Kinnikinnick , Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Lily-of-the-Valley , Convallaria majalis Locoweed, Oxytropis Lupine , Lupinus spp. May Night Salvia , Salvia sylvestris x ‘Mainacht’ Mexican Hat , Ratibida columnifera Monkshood , Aconitum spp. Oriental poppy, Papapever orientale Pearly everlasting, Anaphalis margaritacea Penstemon , Penstemon spp. Piqsqueak , Bergenia spp. Poppies, Papaver spp. Prince's Plume, Stanelya Purple Flowering Sage , Salvia nemorosa Pussytoes , Antennaria Sage , Artemisia Sea Pink , Armeria maritima Sedum, Stone Crop Siberian Iris , Iris sibirica Showy daisy, Erigeron spp. Snow-in-Summer , Cerastium tomentosum Soapwort , Saponaria ocymoides Sulphur flower, Eriogonum umbellatum Tansy aster, Macaeranthera tanacetifolia Thyme, Thymus species Veronica, Veronica spp. Yarrow, Achillea spp. ORNAMENTAL GRASSES Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca ) Blue Avena Oat Grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens) DECIDUOUS SHRUBS Alpine Currant (Ribes alpinum) Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa) Boulder Raspberry (Rubus delicious) Curl Leaf Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius) Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster lucidus) Gambel Oak (Quercus gambelii) Potentilla (Potentilla spp.) Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus) Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) Tall Western Sage (Artemisia tridentata) Three Leaf Sumac (Rhus trilobata) Golden Currant (Ribes aureum)


Construction Site Disturbance/Rehabilitation Construction Site – Mesa Antero is located in the Montane region of Chaffee County (above 8000 feet). The area has very fragile topsoil. With limited rainfall, limited growing season, often high winds and a cool climate, it takes longer than one would expect for any vegetation to recover from disturbance. The following should be used as a guide when anticipating construction: • restrict the areas of your property that may be driven on during construction • use rope barriers and signage to discourage excessive landscape scaring and damage to

trees, shrubs and grasses • establish a construction zone that is limited to 35 feet from the building footprint • the construction driveway should be no more than 30 feet wide and follow the planned

driveway • place all utilities in a common trench along the driveway • place all excavated dirt and boulders within the construction zone, in areas planned for

resident parking or turnaround or in planned landscape areas • limit any scalping of soil used for fill or leveling of the building footprint One local contractor/builder puts it this way – I offer “a strong affirmation to all employees and subs/suppliers that if they drive, or park where they shouldn’t then their continued employment is tenuous at best”. Native Plants – One of the most effective re-vegetation plans you can have is to plant native wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees. These will adapt best to local soil and moisture conditions, will be able to withstand drought conditions and deter feeding by deer and rabbits. Native plants are available at nurseries in Buena Vista and Salida. However, there are easier ways to re-vegetate your lot following construction. In order of preference, you might consider the following: • If native plants are just driven on without the soil being excavated, they will re-sprout from the

rootstock or re-grow from seeds in the soil. Minimize overall site disturbance during construction (see above).

• Encourage native plants by removing non-native or undesirable plants as vegetation returns to disturbed areas. (see weed control section)

• Collect seeds from native wildflowers and grasses that you find attractive and distribute these around disturbed areas.

• Purchase native plants from a local nursery and plant them on your lot. It is important to keep in mind that establishing native plants takes a great deal of patience. Remember: we live in a high desert with a short growing season (only about 100 days) and an average annual precipitation of only 10 to 11 inches. Native seeds can exist in the soil for years before they germinate. Even in undisturbed areas, we may not see the same wildflowers and grasses every year. It all depends on the growing conditions in the cool season (spring) and warm season (summer). So you may spread seeds and see no results for several years. Experience in Mesa Antero indicates that it may take 4 to 5 years to re-establish desirable vegetation following initial disturbance. We must also remember that supplemental watering of plantings is not consistent with our in-house-only wells and community water system. Native wildflowers and grasses can become established without supplemental watering.


Beetle Infestations Driving through the forests of Colorado, you can see the terrible devastation due to the Mountain Pine and Ips Beetles. Mesa Antero has taken an outstanding and proactive approach to protecting our trees. Every year, trained people walk through the area checking our trees for beetle infestation. Trees that appear to be infected are marked. As a property owner, you need remove the trees in a way to protect the rest of the area. There are arborists that can give you information and help, if needed. Many Mesa Antero property owners use Jetco9, to spray healthy trees (especially those near infested trees) to protect them from damage. Recognition and Treatment10

Quick Facts – Mountain pine beetles (MPB) are the most important insect pest of Colorado's pine forests. MPB often kill large numbers of trees annually during outbreaks.

• Trees that are not growing vigorously due to old age, crowding, poor growing conditions, drought, fire or mechanical damage, root disease and other causes are most likely to be attacked.

• For a long-term remedy, thin susceptible stands. Leave well-spaced, healthy trees. • For short-term controls, spray, cover, burn or peel attacked trees to kill the beetles.

Preventive sprays can protect green, unattacked trees. Signs and Symptoms of MPB Attack

• Popcorn-shaped masses of resin, called "pitch tubes," on the trunk where beetle tunneling begins. Pitch tubes may be brown, pink or white.

• Boring dust in bark crevices and on the ground immediately adjacent to the tree base.

• Evidence of woodpecker feeding on trunk. Patches of bark are removed and bark flakes lie on the ground or snow below tree.

• Foliage turning yellowish to reddish throughout the entire tree crown. This usually occurs eight to 10 months after a successful MPB attack.

• Presence of live MPB (eggs, larvae, pupae and/or adults) as well as galleries under bark. This is the most certain indicator of infestation. A hatchet for removal of bark is needed to check trees correctly.

• Blue-stained sapwood. Check at more than one point around the tree's circumference.

Prevention – An important method of prevention involves forest management. In general, MPB prefers forests that are old and dense. Managing the forest by creating diversity in age and structure with result in a healthy forest that will be more resilient and, thus, less vulnerable to MPB. Most mature Colorado forests have about twice as many trees per acre as those forests that are more resistant to MPB. Contact your local forester for more information on forest 9 Jetco, Inc., Buena Vista, CO 10 Colorado State University Extension, Publications 5.528 and 5.558


management practices. Certain formulations of carbaryl (Sevin and others) permethrin (Astro, Dragnet and others) and bifenthrin (Onyx) are registered for use to prevent attacks on individual trees. These sprays are applied to living green trees in early summer to kill or deter attacking beetles. This preventive spray is generally quite effective through one MPB flight (one year). Recently there have been studies published to indicate an alternative to pesticide use.11 Pheromone packets, called “Beetle Block”, are a recently approved eco-friendly option for Mt. Pine Beetle control. These contain Verbenone, a synthetic pheromone, and are hung on trees to repel beetles. The EPA says that there is no risk expected to humans or the environment from Verbenone.

The packets need to be placed on trees before the beetles fly in early summer. Beetle Block has been most successful when used as part of an overall plan to thin forests and remove infested trees, and when used in forests that are less than 20 percent infested. Beetle Block is relatively less successful than carbaryl. Verbenone is a natural pheromone that beetles emit when the population of a tree has reached a high level. The pheromone is a signal to adult beetles to stay away because the tree cannot support full development of the population that has already infested the tree. Beetles turn away and seek another food source. The verbenone in BeetleBlock is an exact

mimic of the verbenone naturally produced by beetles. Use Beetle block in a grid pattern (1 pack every 38 feet per acre) to help limit the # of infestations. The product can be used on every tree or on "special" trees but it has been most effective in the grid pattern. Recommended use is 30-40 packets per acre. EPA only approves 60 per acre. Application over a 5-year period is recommended. The packets are relatively expensive; a 10- pack will cost ~$160.12,13

11 Rocky Mountain News, Sunday, 6 July 2008, Christine Weeber 12 http://www.verbenone.info/ 13 http://www.agbio-inc.com/


Wild Fire Preparedness14,15 Quick Facts – • Fire Wise landscaping can be aesthetically pleasing while reducing potential wildfire fuel. • Plant choice, spacing and maintenance are critical. • Your landscape, and the plants in it, must be maintained to retain their Fire Wise properties. Creating a "defensible space" around your home is one of the most important and effective steps you can take to protect you, your family and your home from catastrophic wildfire. Defensible space is the area between a structure and an oncoming wildfire where nearby vegetation has been modified to reduce a wildfire's intensity.16 This is an area extending out from the structure out to ~125 feet. In this area, depending on grade, the continuity and arrangement of vegetation is closely managed. Many people resist creating defensible space around their homes because they believe these areas will be unattractive and unnatural. This is far from true. With careful planning, Fire Wise landscaping can be aesthetically pleasing while reducing potential wildfire fuel. It can actually enhance beauty and property values, as well as personal safety. Fire Resistance – Many native plants are highly flammable during different seasons of the year. At such times, left unmanaged, they can accelerate the spread of a wildfire through your neighborhood, threatening homes, property and lives. All vegetation, naturally occurring and otherwise, is potential fuel for fire. Its type, amount and arrangement have a dramatic effect on fire behavior. There are no truly "fireproof" plant species, so plant choice, spacing and maintenance are critical to defensible space landscaping. In fact, where and how you plant may be more important than what you plant. However, given alternatives, choose plant species that tend to be more resistant to wildfire. In some cases, there is a strong correlation between drought tolerance and fire resistance. For example, a plant may shed its leaves or needles during extreme drought. Other drought-tolerant species may have smaller leaves or thick, succulent leaves. These plants offer less fuel or have higher moisture content, both of which help reduce fire hazard. Additional Fire Wise Guidelines • Landscape according to the recommended defensible-space zones. The plants nearest your

home should be more widely spaced and smaller than those farther away. • Plant in small, irregular clusters and islands, not in large masses. • Break up the continuity of the vegetation (fuel) with decorative rock, gravel and stepping

stone pathways. This will help modify fire behavior and slow its spread across your property. • Plant a variety of types and species. Besides being aesthetically pleasing, this will help

ensure a healthier forest by reducing Insects and diseases. Healthy, vigorous, thinned forests can better resist catastrophic fires than unhealthy ones with insect and disease problems.

• Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weed growth. Mulch can be organic (wood chips or small bark pieces) or inorganic (gravel or rock). Avoid pine bark, thick layers of pine needles or other materials that can easily carry fire.

Don't Forget Maintenance A landscape is a dynamic, constantly changing system. Plants considered "fire resistant" and that have low fuel volumes can lose these characteristics over time. Your landscape, and the plants in it, must be maintained to retain their Fire Wise properties.

14 F.C. Dennis, Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Coordinator, Colorado State Forest Service. 15 Colorado State University Extension, Publication 6.305 – Fire Wise Plant Materials 16 Colorado State University Extension, Publication 6.302 – Creating Wildfire Defensible Zones


• Be aware of the growth habits of the plants on your land and of the changes that occur

seasonally. Keep a watchful eye for the need to reduce fuel volumes and fuel continuity. • Remove annual, herbaceous plants after they have gone to seed or when the stems become

overly dry. • Rake up and dispose of litter as it builds up over the season. • Mow or trim grasses to a low height within your defensible space. This is especially important

as they begin to cure and dry. • Remove plant parts damaged by snow, wind, frost or other agents. • Timely pruning is critical. It not only reduces fuel volume but also maintains healthier plants

with more succulent, vigorous growth.


REFERENCES 1. www.xeriscape.org – Xeriscape Colorado 2. www.ext.colostate.edu – Colorado State University Extension 3. www.cwma.org – Colorado Weed Management Association 4. www.nawma.org – North American Weed Management Association 5. www.plants.usda.gov – USDA NRCS Invasive Plants Database 6. www.epa.gov/pesticides/safety/ - USEPA Pesticide Database 7. www.invasivespecies.gov – USDA Invasive Species Information Center 8. www.colostate.edu/dept/soilcrop/extension/cepep/mpvoes.htm 9. Colorado Big Country Resource Conservation & Development, Inc. – CBCRCD 10. Upper Arkansas Regional Weed Management Cooperative – UARWMC 11. www.invasive.org/weeds.cfm – Invasive and Exotic Species – Invasive.org ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Grateful recognition is give to the following Mesa Antero residents for their help in putting this document together: Ruth Runge-Barnes Stan Barnes Stew Brown Linda Burton Donna Francis Tom Golson Chris Ludwig Drew Ludwig In addition, the numerous photographs in this document have come from a wide variety of Internet sources, including many of the above reference sources.

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