Biological Control of Noxious Weeds on Federal Installations in

Air Force Academy Buckley Airbase Ft. Carson Military Post Monument Fire Center Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site

By

G. J. Michels, Jr., D. A. Owings, Mustafa Mirik Johnny Bible, Lana Castleberry, Shana Camarata Sarah Bruno, Ryan Bouton, Bob Villarreal, Elise McCown

Texas Agricultural Experiment Station 2301 Experiment Station Road Bushland, Texas 79012

Consolidated 2003 Progress Report

Cover Photo: A young hawk at Buckley Airbase sits surrounded by field bindweed. A Photoshop-enhanced digital photograph. G. J. Michels, Jr.

2 Table of Contents

Introduction...... 6 General Notes for All Sites...... 7 Air Force Academy...... 9 Ice Lake Road I Canada thistle perimeters ...... 15 Ice Lake Road I Canada thistle density 2003...... 16 Ice Lake Road I Canada thistle height 2003...... 17 Ice Lake Road I Canada thistle seedheads per plant...... 18 Ice Lake Road II Canada thistle perimeters...... 19 Ice Lake II Canada thistle density 2003...... 20 Ice Lake Road II Canada thistle height 2003...... 21 Monument Creek spotted knapweed perimeters...... 22 Monument Creek spotted knapweed density and height...... 23 Monument Creek spotted knapweed seedheads/plant...... 24 FERL leafy spurge perimeters...... 25 FERL leafy spurge density 2003...... 26 FERL leafy spurge height 2003...... 27 Douglas School leafy spurge perimeters...... 28 Douglas School leafy spurge density 2003...... 29 Douglas School leafy spurge height 2003...... 30 Deadman’s Trail leafy spurge perimeters...... 31 Deadman’s Trail leafy spurge density 2003...... 32 Deadman’s Trail leafy spurge height 2003...... 33 Ice Lake Road I musk thistle area and percentage change...... 34 Releases and New Sites Established in 2003...... 35 Highway 83 diffuse knapweed perimeter 2003...... 37 Highway 83 diffuse knapweed density 2003...... 37 Highway 83 diffuse knapweed height 2003...... 37 Kettle Lake Canada thistle perimeter 2003...... 38 Kettle Lake Canada thistle density 2003...... 38 Kettle Lake Canada thistle height 2003...... 38 Monument Trail Road spotted knapweed perimeter 2003...... 39 Monument Trail Road spotted knapweed density 2003...... 39 Monument Trail Road spotted knapweed height 2003...... 39 NPWR spotted knapweed perimeter 2003...... 40 NPWR spotted knapweed density 2003...... 40 NPWR spotted knapweed height 2003...... 40 Parade Loop Canada thistle perimeter 2003...... 41 Parade Loop Canada thistle density 2003...... 41 Parade Loop Canada thistle height 2003...... 41 Water Treatment Plant spotted knapweed perimeter 2003...... 42 Water Treatment Plant spotted knapweed density 2003...... 42 Water Treatment Plant spotted knapweed height 2003...... 42 Water Treatment Plant diffuse knapweed perimeter 2004...... 43 Water Treatment Plant diffuse knapweed density 2003...... 43

3 Water Treatment Plant diffuse knapweed height 2003...... 43 Community Center Drive Site 1 yellow toadflax perimeter 2003...... 44 Community Center Drive Site 1 yellow toadflax density 2003...... 44 Community Center Drive Site 1 yellow toadflax height 2003...... 44 Community Center Drive Site 2 yellow toadflax perimeter 2003...... 45 Community Center Drive Site 2 yellow toadflax density 2003...... 45 Community Center Drive Site 2 yellow toadflax height 2003...... 45 Community Center Drive Combined Sites 1 and 2 yellow toadflax perimeters 2003...... 46 Buckley Airbase ...... 47 Buckley Airbase leafy spurge perimeter 2003...... 51 Buckley Airbase leafy spurge height 2003...... 51 Williams Lake leafy spurge perimeter 2003...... 52 Williams Lake leafy spurge density 2003...... 52 Williams Lake leafy spurge height 2003...... 52 Williams Lake Dam Canada thistle perimeter 2003...... 53 Williams Lake Dam Canada thistle density 2003...... 53 Williams Lake Dam Canada thistle height 2003...... 53 Aspen Southeast Dalmatian toadflax perimeter 2003...... 54 Aspen Southwest Dalmatian toadflax density 2003...... 54 Aspen Southwest Dalmatian toadflax height 2003...... 54 Williams Lake Southwest Canada thistle perimeter 2003...... 55 Williams Lake Southwest Canada thistle density 2003...... 55 Williams Lake Southwest Canada thistle height 2003...... 55 Ft. Carson Military Post...... 56 ARA Canada thistle infestation perimeters...... 66 ARA Canada thistle density 2003...... 67 ARA Canada thistle height 2003 ...... 68 ARA Canada thistle seedheads per plant...... 69 Highway 115 Canada and Musk thistle perimeters...... 70 Highway 115 Musk thistle parameters...... 71 Highway 115 Canada thistle density 2003...... 72 Highway 115 Canada thistle height 2003...... 73 Duck Pond Canada thistle perimeters...... 74 Duck Pond Canada thistle density 2003...... 75 Duck Pond Canada thistle height 2003...... 76 Duck Pond Canada thistle seedheads per plant...... 77 Reservoir Canada thistle perimeters...... 78 Reservoir Canada thistle density 2003...... 79 Reservoir Canada thistle height 2003...... 80 Reservoir Canada thistle seedheads per plant...... 81 Fueling Site (Cantonment I) spotted knapweed perimeters...... 82 Fueling Site (Cantonment I) spotted knapweed density 2003 ...... 83 Fueling Site (Cantonment I) spotted knapweed height 2003...... 84 Fueling Site (Cantonment I) spotted knapweed seedheads/plant...... 85 HazMat site (Cantonment II) spotted knapweed perimeters...... 86 HazMat site (Cantonment II) spotted knapweed density 2003...... 87

4 HazMat site (Cantonment II) spotted knapweed height 2003...... 88 HazMat Site (Cantonment II) spotted knapweed seedheads per plant...... 89 Turkey Creek spotted knapweed infestation perimeters...... 90 Turkey Creek spotted knapweed density 2003...... 91 Turkey Creek spotted knapweed height 2003...... 92 Turkey Creek spotted knapweed seedheads per plant...... 93 Wildlife Refuge musk thistle perimeters...... 94 Wildlife Refuge musk thistle density 2003...... 95 Wildlife Refuge musk thistle height 2003...... 96 Wildlife Refuge musk thistle seedheads per plantMonument Fire Center ...... 97 Monument Fire Center...... 98 Monument Fire Center overall leafy spurge perimeters...... 99 Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Sites 1 and 2 perimeter 2003...... 99 Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Sites 1 and 2 density 2003...... 100 Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Sites 1 and 2 height 2003...... 100 Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Site 3 perimeter 2003...... 101 Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Site 3 density 2003...... 101 Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Site 3 height 2003...... 102 Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Sites 4-6 perimeter 2003...... 103 Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Sites 4-6 density 2003...... 103 Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Sites 4-6 height 2003...... 104 Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Sites 7-9 perimeter 2003...... 105 Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Sites 7-9 density 2003...... 105 Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Sites 7-9 height 2003...... 106 Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Site 10 perimeter 2003...... 107 Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Site 10 height 2003...... 108 Monument Fire Center leafy spurge density and height...... 109 Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site ...... 110 Rocky Flats Dalmatian toadflax perimeters all sites. Initial site lower right hand corner. 114 Rocky Flats Dalmatian toadflax Site 1 perimeter 2003...... 114 Rocky Flats Dalmatian toadflax Site 1 density 2003...... 115 Rocky Flats Dalmatian toadflax Site 1 height 2003...... 115 Rocky Flats Dalmatian toadflax Site 2 perimeter 2003...... 116 Rocky Flats Dalmatian toadflax Site 2 density 2003...... 116 Rocky Flats Dalmatian toadflax Site 2 height 2003...... 117 Rocky Flats Dalmatian toadflax Site 3 and 4 perimeters 2003...... 117 Rocky Flats Dalmatian toadflax Sites 3 and 4 density 2003...... 118 Rocky Flats Dalmatian toadflax Sites 3 and 4 height 2003...... 118 Rocky Flats Dalmatian toadflax perimeters initial site 2001-2002...... 119 Rocky Flats spotted knapweed perimeter 2003...... 121 Rocky Flats spotted knapweed density 2003...... 121 Rocky Flats spotted knapweed height 2003...... 122 Knapweed Seedhead Dissections, All Sites 2003...... 123

5 Introduction The program goal is to reduce or eliminate infestations of federal- and state-listed noxious weeds, and control the spread of these weeds through the use of approved biological control agents. The biological control program consisted of releasing candidate insect and species, colonizing these species, and redistributing the biocontrol agents from established sites to new infestations. Each weed infestation is mapped and plant parameters such as plant density, height, number of flower or seed heads, and damage are recorded. In previous years, annual progress reports were generated for each federal installation participating in the program. In 2003, because of the breadth of the program, and interest in the overall progress of the program at all sites, the report has been consolidated into one document. The program concluded its seventh year in 2003. Beginning at Ft. Carson in 1996, the program expanded to include the Air Force Academy and Monument Fire Center in 1998, Rocky Flats in 2001, and Buckley Airbase in 2003. Since that time, 18 species of insect and mite biocontrol agents have been released against eight noxious weed species. Biocontrol agents have been recovered at 30 over sites at the five locations now in the program. We continue to introduce biocontrol agents as new locations or sites are available and as new biocontrol agents become available. For instance, Buckley Airbase in Aurora, CO, joined the program in 2003, and a program on Canada thistle, Dalmatian toadflax, field bindweed, and leafy spurge began there in the summer of 2003; mapping weed infestations and making releases of biocontrol agents. At the Air Force Academy, eight new sites were mapped and releases made in the summer of 2003 after a plant survey conducted by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program in 2002 identified new areas where noxious weed biocontrol would be of value. Locations and

Figure 1. Gearing up at Buckley for mapping noxious weeds. Elise McCown, Johnny Bible, Bob Villarreal, and Debi Owings set up a GPS unit and quadrate. July 2003.

6 Figure 2. Two student workers from Colorado, Sarah Bruno and Ryan Bouton, assisted with the project in the summer of 2003.

noxious weed species addressed continues to expand. In 2004 we expect to begin a program at Warren Airbase in Cheyenne, , and to begin biocontrol efforts on salt cedar at Ft. Carson, Pinon Canyon, and the Pueblo Arsenal. In this consolidated report, the locations are listed alphabetically, beginning with the Air Force Academy and ending with Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site. The format is arranged to provide a written narrative of each site within a location, followed by tabular material with historic site data and plant parameters, and then maps and graphs. The first map presents the historic weed infestation perimeters, followed by a graph illustrating the historic extent of the infestation and the percentage change in the infestation over time. These figures are followed by maps illustrating the weed infestation density for 2003, an historic graph of weed density, a map of plant height followed by a graph indicating historic plant height at the site, and finally, for certain weeds, a graph of historic seedheads per plant. For all tables, maps, and graphs, infestation perimeters are in m2, plant densities are in plants per 1/2m2, and plant height is in cm. Error bars in the graphs represent the 95% confidence interval (p=0.05). Where the top error bar for a given year does not overlap the bottom error bar for another year, or vice, versa, the difference is significant. We welcome comments on this consolidated report, and look forward to continuing this valuable program.

General Notes for All Sites

7 In 2003, Colorado again suffered from severe drought and record high temperatures at many of our sites. There is some concern that these climatic conditions may give false indications of the actual noxious weed control, especially where dramatic decreases in plant density are observed when compared to the data from 2002. Obviously this is not a problem that can be discerned until the drought lessens, and more normal precipitation returns to the area. However, at most sites, there are indications that good weed control is underway, and biocontrol agents are present and causing damage. Assessing the biological control taking place at a given site may seem confusing if one looks at just one or two parameters. For instance, the perimeter map for an infestation may show a significant increase in the area of the infestation, or plant height may have increased significantly from 2002 to 2003. However, all parameters need to be looked at in light of each other. As the biocontrol agents do their job, the best indication of control is plant density per 1/2m2. As a weed infestation begins to break down into smaller and smaller pockets of weeds, it is obvious that height or seedheads per plant could increase because the weeds that remain have more resources available than when crowded together in a dense infestation. The infestation perimeter may increase as seeds spread or rhizomatous growth invades other areas. However, this is not an indication that the biocontrol agents will not attack these areas in the future. The seed bank, seeds already in the soil that have not yet germinated, is also a factor to consider. This phenomenon can result in an area that was devoid of a weed species in a previous year showing new or higher weed densities in a subsequent year. However, where biocontrol agents are present, these new areas should be attacked and controlled over time. One of the reasons for including the 95% confidence intervals in the graphs, in addition to tracking the year-to-year change at a site, is to give an indication of the plant population parameters not readily illustrated by single mean data points. Sites parameters with narrow confidence intervals indicate a more uniform distribution; those with broad confidence intervals indicate a more variable weed distribution. Therefore, at a given site, a high plant density with a narrow confidence interval would indicate a uniform distribution while high density with a broad confidence interval would indicate that there is a wide range of densities observed in the infestation. It would be expected that as a weed infestation begins to collapse, there would be a more clumped weed distribution, and sampling would encompass areas of high and low weed density. As the collapse continues, one would expect more consistently low plant density parameters across the site and a correspondingly narrow confidence interval. A good example of these types of results is found in the Air Force Academy leafy spurge site at Deadman’s Trail. The plant density graph shows a wide confidence interval in 200 and 2001, indicating a wide range of plant densities across the site in those years. In 2002, the plant density declined, but not significantly over the previous two years, however the confidence interval is contract. In 2003, leafy spurge density declined significantly and the confidence interval was quite narrow, indicating plant density per unit area becoming uniformly low. On the other hand, at this same site, plant height increased between 2002 and 2003, although not significantly. This increase is probably due to the clumping effect as the density declines, and the remaining plants, although fewer in number, have more resources to draw upon. Also, it should be kept in mind that we sample plant density, height and seed head numbers out of the remaining infestation. Therefore, the plant parameters are those observed in the existing infestation, not the density for the entire original area. If samples were taken from the entire original area of infestation, all density data would be significantly lower.

8 Air Force Academy

Sites, weeds addressed, biocontrol agents released and other notes are contained in Table 1 and historic infestation and plant parameters are contained in Table 2. As noted in the introduction and general notes, severe drought probably had an effect on plant densities in 2003. Canada thistle infestations at Ice Lake Road I showed reductions of 82% over those recorded in 2002, and a 91% reduction since the project started in 2001. Similar results were recorded at Ice Lake Road II, with 78 and 86% reduction in Canada thistle density since 2002 and inception (2000), respectively. Larinus planus, Cassida rubiginosa, and Trichosirocalus horridus have been recovered from these sites. T. horridus is not thought to have a significant impact on Canada thistle and the beetle may be transient from musk thistle that also occurs at these sites. Spotted knapweed infestations at Monument Creek were almost non-existent in 2003. The average density was 1.5 plants per 1/2m2. Larinus minutus is the probable biocontrol agent active at this site. Apthona sp. beetles at all leafy spurge sites have been doing a remarkable job. A 64% reduction in leafy spurge area was noted at Douglas School, and at Deadman’s Trail, a 78% reduction in leafy spurge area was noted. The overall reduction since inception at Deadman’s Trail is a bit misleading. The original mapped area was 406 m2, however this expanded to 1,148 m2 in 2001. Therefore the actual reduction in the leafy spurge area is much greater than the reduction since inception statistic indicates. Plants per 1/2m2 at Deadman’s Trail have dropped

Figure 2. Deadman’s Trail leafy spurge site in 2003. All that remains of the once extensive infestation is a small pocket of plants in the right center part of the photo.

9

Figure 3. FERL leafy spurge site in 2003. Significant reduction is noticeable in the foreground, and the weed infestation in the background was under attack by Apthona sp. beetles.

from an average of 59 to 9. The FERL sites also show a reduction in leafy spurge area (71%), even thought density rose slightly. Generally, leafy spurge is coming under control in a number of areas at the Air Force Academy. As Apthona beetle numbers increase, we will continue to redistribute them to other sites in the area.

10

Table 1. Noxious weed biological control sites, target weeds, species released and recoveries at Air Force Academy, 2003. Location Target Site Species released Species New New weed recovered releases site Air Force Academy Canada thistle Ice Lake Road 1 Trichosirocalus horridus X Air Force Academy Canada thistle Ice Lake Road 1 Urophora cardui X Air Force Academy Canada thistle Ice Lake Road 2 Cassida rubiginosa X Air Force Academy Canada thistle Ice Lake Road 2 Larinus planus X Air Force Academy Canada thistle Ice Lake Road 2 Urophora cardui X Air Force Academy Leafy spurge Deadman's Trail Apthona czwalinae X Air Force Academy Leafy spurge Deadman's Trail Apthona lacertosa X Air Force Academy Leafy spurge Deadman's Trail Apthona nigriscutis X Air Force Academy Leafy spurge Douglas School Apthona czwalinae X Air Force Academy Leafy spurge Douglas School Apthona lacertosa X Air Force Academy Leafy spurge Douglas School Apthona nigriscutis X Air Force Academy Leafy spurge FERL Apthona czwalinae X Air Force Academy Leafy spurge FERL Apthona lacertosa X Air Force Academy Leafy spurge FERL Apthona nigriscutis X Air Force Academy Yellow toadflax Comm Center Drive X Air Force Academy Canada thistle Highway 83 Urophora cardui XX Air Force Academy Canada thistle Kettle Lake X Air Force Academy Spotted knapweed Monument Creek Road X Air Force Academy Spotted knapweed NPWR X Air Force Academy Canada thistle Parade Loop X X Air Force Academy Diffuse knapweed Water Treatment Plant X Air Force Academy Spotted knapweed Water Treatment Plant X Air Force Academy Spotted knapweed Monument Creek Larinus minutus X Air Force Academy Spotted knapweed Monument Creek Metzneria paucipunctella Table 2. Historic noxious weed infestation parameters, Air Force Academy, Colorado, 2000-2003. Year Area (m2) n Density (1/2m2) Height (cm) Seedheads Head size Year to year % change % Change 2 avg. max. avg. max. per plant mm area (m ) avg. density avg. height to date Canada thistle - Ice Lake Road I 2001 976 39 11.03 40 66.85 143.00 35.56 0.52 2002 449 33 3.18 21 25.87 96.70 0.97 0.90 -54.00 -71.17 -61.30 2003 80 49 2.61 14 33.00 107.00 6.78 0.25 -82.22 -17.92 27.56 -91.82 Canada thistle - Ice Lake Road II 2000 341 65 8.01 36 67.17 115.00 2001 434 32 10.00 46 2.47 79.00 27.45 24.84 -96.32 2002 214 27 4.00 18 24.04 124.00 3.85 0.21 -50.78 -60.00 873.28 2003 46 18 2.27 16 39.70 100.00 10.33 0.27 -78.45 -43.25 65.14 -86.48 Canada thistle - Kettle Lake 2003 1,153 72 6.03 110 62.35 132.00 9.32 0.38 na na na na Spotted knapweed - Parade Loop I 2003 625 11 0.82 3 24.09 98.00 3.18 0.23 na na na na Spotted knapweed - Parade Loop II 2003 812 54 0.79 4 34.18 130.00 11.02 0.08 na na na na Diffuse knapweed - Water treatment plant 2003 1,162 97 2.16 23 36.67 107.00 36.13 0.13 na na na na Diffuse knapweed - Highway 83 2003 606 61 0.61 3 21.21 97.00 46.31 0.07 na na na na Diffuse knapweed - Water treatment plant 2003 484 20 2.50 7 54.75 115.00 na na na na Table 2 cont. Historic noxious weed infestation parameters, Air Force Academy, Colorado, 2000-2003. Year Area (m2) n Density (1/2m2) Height (cm) Seedheads Head size Year to year % change % Change 2 avg. max. avg. max. per plant mm area (m ) avg. density avg. height to date Spotted knapweed - Monument Creek Road 2000 622 35 6.66 25 47.60 80.00 2001 948 45 17.16 68 42.18 98.00 66.16 52.36 157.66 -11.39 2002 746 41 6.98 26 16.62 73.40 16.61 0.26 -21.32 -59.32 -60.60 2003 236 44 1.50 9 27.09 93.00 23.02 0.28 -68.37 -78.51 63.00 -62.08 Spotted knapweed - Non-potable Water Reservoir 2003 124 29 0.97 5 24.43 100.00 9.62 0.61 na na na na Leafy spurge - Douglas School 2000 187 30 15.43 56 32.33 61.50 2001 290 93 18.08 103 43.51 82.00 55.43 17.17 34.58 2002 380 72 7.44 60 15.42 65.50 30.94 -58.85 -64.56 2003 67 5 2.40 3 65.00 80.00 -82.35 -67.74 321.53 -64.09 Leafy spurge - Dead Man's Trail 2000 406 28 58.89 195 39.68 75.50 2001 1,148 66 44.70 214 43.74 97.00 182.94 -24.10 10.23 2002 1,145 117 33.57 196 30.24 89.00 -0.27 -24.90 -30.86 2003 249 21 9.00 22 49.25 85.00 -78.24 -73.19 62.86 -38.59 Leafy spurge - FERL 2000 1,139 62 4.61 29 9.82 36.50 2001 1,528 76 8.37 56 19.93 58.00 34.15 81.56 102.95 Table 2 cont. Historic noxious weed infestation parameters, Air Force Academy, Colorado, 2000-2003. Year Area (m2) n Density (1/2m2) Height (cm) Seedheads Head size Year to year % change % Change 2 avg. max. avg. max. per plant mm area (m ) avg. density avg. height to date Leafy spurge FERL Ditch 2001 15 42.93 144 59.13 99.00 Leafy spurge - FERL Training 2000 1,139 2001 1,528 24 33.13 194 45.70 67.00 34.15 2002 796 66 11.29 66 19.85 49.40 -47.89 -65.92 -56.56 2003 329 28 11.54 51 40.54 85.00 -58.71 2.21 104.23 -71.13 Musk thistle - Ice Lake Road I 2000 1,016 129 7.76 82 58.87 171.00 2001 976 39 1.13 6 23.82 158.00 2.57 0.90 -3.95 -85.44 -59.54 2002 449 7 2.00 6 63.66 111.00 9.00 2.18 -54.00 76.99 167.25 -55.82 Yellow toadflax - Community Center Dr 2003 52 4 9.25 15 26.25 40.00 na na na na 2003 96 8 8.63 34 29.88 95.00 na na na na n - number of samples or observations. na - not applicable, data represent first year of sampling.

14

Ice Lake Road I Canada thistle perimeters

1,200 0 Canada Thistle, Ice Lake Road I -10 1,000 -20 Square Meters ge ) 800 Percentage Change -30

(m2 -40

600 ge Chan a -50 t station n rce

Infe 400 -60 Pe -70 200 -80

0 -90 2001 2002 2003

Ice Lake Road I Canada thistle density 2003.

14

12 2

½m Ice Lake Road I 10 / Density y t nsi 8 e De l t 6 is h a t 4 nad

Ca 2

0 2000 2001 2002 2003

16

Ice Lake Road I Canada thistle height 2003.

120

100 ) m Ice Lake Road I (c t 80 Height igh e He l 60 t s i h

da t 40 Cana 20

0 2000 2001 2002 2003

17 80

t 70 an l p 60 Ice Lake Road I s/ d Seedheads a e

h 50 d 40

istle See 30 h t da 20 na

Ca 10

0 2001 2002 2003

Ice Lake Road I Canada thistle seedheads per plant.

18

Ice Lake Road II Canada thistle perimeters.

500 40 Canada Thistle, Ice Lake Road II 450 20 400 350 0

300 ange -20 e Ch ion (m2)

t 250 -40 200 Square Meters rcentag Infesta 150 Percentage Change e

-60 P 100 -80 50 0 -100 2000 2001 2002 2003

19

Ice Lake II Canada thistle density 2003.

10 9

8 Ice Lake Road II

/ ½m2 7 Density y it s

n 6 5 4 thistle De a

d 3 na 2 Ca 1 0 2000 2001 2002 2003

20

Ice Lake Road II Canada thistle height 2003.

90

80

) Ice Lake Road II 70 m Height (c t 60 igh 50 e He l t s i 40 h

da t 30

20 Cana

10

0 2000 2001 2002 2003

21

Monument Creek spotted knapweed perimeters.

1,000 60 900 40 800 700 20 ) nge 600 (m2 0 Cha 500 age Square Meters t

-20 n 400 festation Percentage Change n rce I 300

-40 Pe 200 Spotted Knapweed Monument Creek -60 100 0 -80 2000 2001 2002 2003

22 14

12

10 Monument Creek ½m2 Density / ed 8 we ap 6 kn tted 4 Spo 2

0 2000 2001 2002 2003

Monument Creek spotted knapweed density and height.

60

) 50 m c

( Monument Creek

ht Height 40 ed Heig 30 apwe 20 ed kn t ot

Sp 10

0 2000 2001 2002 2003

23 350 t an

l 300 p / Monument Creek ads 250 Seedheads dhe 200 ed See 150 apwe 100 ed kn t ot 50 Sp

0 2001 2002 2003

Monument Creek spotted knapweed seedheads/plant.

24

FERL leafy spurge perimeters.

1,800 40 Leafy Spurge FERL 1,600 20 1,400 )

1,200 0 nge (m2

1,000 Cha -20 age 800 Square Meters t n festation Percentage Change n rce

I 600 -40 Pe 400 -60 200

0 -80 2000 2001 2002 2003

25

FERL leafy spurge density 2003.

18

16

14 FERL Density 12 nsity / ½m2 10 De e

g 8 r

spu 6 afy 4 Le 2

0 2000 2001 2002 2003

26

FERL leafy spurge height 2003.

60

50 FERL Height 40 ht (cm)

Heig 30 ge r u 20 afy sp e L 10

0 2000 2001 2002 2003

27

Douglas School leafy spurge perimeters.

400 80

350 60 40 300 )

20 nge 250 (m2

0 Cha 200 Square Meters age Percentage Change -20 t n

festation 150 n rce

I -40

100 Pe Leafy Spurge Douglas School -60 50 -80

0 -100 2000 2001 2002 2003

28

Douglas School leafy spurge density 2003.

50

40 Douglas School Density

½m2 30 ity / s 20 Den ge r 10

0 afy spu e

L 2000 2001 2002 2003 -10

-20

29

Douglas School leafy spurge height 2003.

90

80

) 70 Douglas School m Height (c t 60 igh 50 He ge 40 pur s

y 30 af

Le 20

10

0 2000 2001 2002 2003

30

Deadman’s Trail leafy spurge perimeters.

1,400 200

1,200 150

1,000 )

100 nge Square Meters

(m2 800 Percentage Change Cha 50 age t

600 n festation n rce

I 0

400 Pe Leafy Spurge Dead Man's Trail 200 -50

0 -100 2000 2001 2002 2003

31

Deadman’s Trail leafy spurge density 2003.

100 90

80 Deadman's Trail 70 Density 60 nsity / ½m2

De 50 e g r 40 spu 30 afy

Le 20 10 0 2000 2001 2002 2003

32

Deadman’s Trail leafy spurge height 2003.

70

Deadman's Trail 60 Height m) 50 (c ght 40 Hei

urge 30 sp y 20 eaf L 10

0 2000200120022003

33 1,200 0 Square Meters 1,000 Percentage Change -10 )

800 -20 nge (m2 Cha 600 -30 age t

Musk Thistle Ice Lake Road I n festation n rce

I 400 -40 Pe

200 -50

0 -60 2000 2001 2002

Ice Lake Road I musk thistle area and percentage change.

34 Releases and New Sites Established in 2003

New releases in 2003 included Urophora cardui on Canada thistle at both Ice Lake Road sites and the Parade Loop, which is a new site (see below). In 2003, seven new sites were established. Infestation perimeter, density and height maps are presented below. The sites are as follows:

1. Highway 83 – Diffuse knapweed 2. Kettle Lake – Canada thistle site near the South Gate entrance 3. Monument Trail Road – Spotted knapweed. This is not the original Monument Creek site. 4. NPWR (Non-Potable Water Treatment) – Spotted knapweed. 5. Parade Loop – Spotted knapweed, two disjunct infestations. 6. Water Treatment Plant – Combined infestations of spotted and diffuse knapweed. Separate maps are included below. 7. Community Center Drive – Yellow toadflax.

A very important survey of the Air Force Academy was conducted by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program in 2002. This survey has helped very much in identifying these new sites. We will begin redistribution and new releases into these sites in 2004, along with our typical yearly mapping of perimeters and plant parameters. A table indicating noxious weed acreages at the Air Force Academy and at the Farish Outdoor Recreation Area is shown below. This table was taken from the Colorado Natural Heritage Program’s survey and indicates that yellow toadflax (butter and eggs) and Canada thistle are the two most important weed species at the Air Force Academy, and yellow toadflax is the most important weed at Farish. Therefore, it is important that a program begin as soon as possible to release biocontrol agents for yellow toadflax control in 2004. We have had very good results controlling Dalmatian toadflax at Rocky Flats, and will have several good insect nurseries at Rocky Flats and Buckley Airbase in the near future. An aggressive redistribution program among these three sites will be very advantageous. A weevil, Mecinus janthinus and Brachypterolus pulicarius, a Nititulid beetle are both available in Colorado and attack yellow toadflax. Gymnetron antirhini Paykull and G. netum Germar, two other weevil species are know to occur in State and Canada. Both may be good candidates for release at Air Force Academy. According to Agricultural Canada:

“The yellow toadflax population of G. antirrhini adds 20-25% to the 65-70% seed reduction of Brachypterolus pulicarius. Presumably the gall sequesters resources from other parts of the plant as the 8-17 seeds galled per oviposition does not account for all the seed reduction.” Peter Harris and Andre Gassman 2003

35

We will, therefore, work to develop yellow toadflax releases at both Air Force Academy and Farish in 2004.

U.S. Air Force Academy and Farish Outdoor Recreation Area CNHP Weed Survey, 2002

U.S. Air Force Academy Acres per Weed Scientific Name Common Name Species Linaria vulgaris butter-and-eggs 102.93 Canada thistle 101.43 Centaurea diffusa diffuse knapweed 56.41 Eleagnus angustifolia Russian olive 49.79 Dipsacus fullonum Fuller's teasel 18.34 Carduus nutans musk thistle 16.16 Centaurea maculosa spotted knapweed 4.68 Cardaria draba white top 3.58 Euphorbia esula leafy spurge 1.09

Total Acres of Weeds 330.43 Documented at AFA*

Farish Outdoor Recreation Area Acres per Weed Scientific Name Common Name Species Linaria vulgaris butter-and-eggs 5.25 Carduus nutans musk thistle 0.85 Cirsium arvense Canada thistle 0.23

Total Acres of Weeds 6.22 Documented at Farish*

GRAND TOTAL (AFA AND FARISH)* 336.66

*Overlaps were removed in locations with multiple weed species to generate acreage of weeds. Other species, such as bindweed, are not included in gross area calculations.

Highway 83 diffuse knapweed perimeter 2003.

Highway 83 diffuse knapweed density 2003.

Highway 83 diffuse knapweed height 2003.

37

Kettle Lake Canada thistle perimeter 2003.

Kettle Lake Canada thistle density 2003.

Kettle Lake Canada thistle height 2003.

38

Monument Trail Road spotted knapweed perimeter 2003.

Monument Trail Road spotted knapweed density 2003.

Monument Trail Road spotted knapweed height 2003.

39

NPWR spotted knapweed perimeter 2003.

NPWR spotted knapweed density 2003.

NPWR spotted knapweed height 2003.

40 \

Parade Loop Canada thistle perimeter 2003.

Parade Loop Canada thistle density 2003.

Parade Loop Canada thistle height 2003.

41

Water Treatment Plant spotted knapweed perimeter 2003.

Water Treatment Plant spotted knapweed density 2003.

Water Treatment Plant spotted knapweed height 2003.

42

Water Treatment Plant diffuse knapweed perimeter 2004.

Water Treatment Plant diffuse knapweed density 2003.

Water Treatment Plant diffuse knapweed height 2003.

43

Community Center Drive Site 1 yellow toadflax perimeter 2003.

Community Center Drive Site 1 yellow toadflax density 2003.

Community Center Drive Site 1 yellow toadflax height 2003.

44

Community Center Drive Site 2 yellow toadflax perimeter 2003.

Community Center Drive Site 2 yellow toadflax density 2003.

Community Center Drive Site 2 yellow toadflax height 2003.

45

Community Center Drive Combined Sites 1 and 2 yellow toadflax perimeters 2003.

46 Buckley Airbase

Buckley Airbase was a new project site in 2003. Noxious weeds addressed are Canada thistle, Dalmatian toadflax, field bindweed, and leafy spurge. The target weeds, sites and biocontrol agents released are found in Table 3. Site parameters recorded for 2003 are found in Table 4. Releases of Cassida rubiginosa and Urophora cardui for Canada thistle control were made at the Williams Lake Southwest site. Five thousand Apthona sp. were released on leafy spurge at the Williams Lake dam, and the bindweed mite, malherbae, was released at multiple sites on the base. A release of 300 Ceutorhynchus litura was made in Canada thistle at the Williams Lake Southwest site. All sites except the field bindweed releases were mapped and plant parameters recorded. Field bindweed is a major noxious weed problem, being addressed with the bindweed mite, Aceria malherbae.

Figure 3. General field bindweed infestation at Buckley Airbase.

A. malherbae was found to be infesting field bindweed prior to our releases; therefore our efforts were directed at enhancing the total number of infestations of the mite. Although the large Dalmatian toadflax site was mapped along South Aspen Way, the season was too far advanced to make releases of toadflax biocontrol agents. Releases will be made in 2004.

47 Plans for 2004 include mapping all weed infestations to record changes in perimeter, density, plant height, and seedheads/plant where appropriate. Where biocontrol agents are found to be established, we will redistribute them to additional infestations if sufficient numbers are found. Field bindweed is probably the most significant noxious weed at Buckley Airbase in regard to the extent of the infestation. It would be beneficial for future control to mow selected bindweed mite infested field bindweed patches in early summer to spread the to new foliage. Redistribution of the mite will be very easy. In 2004, certain field bindweed areas will be marked as demonstration sites to illustrate the effectiveness of the mites on field bindweed over time.

Figure 4. Texas Agricultural Experiment Station personnel map leafy spurge infestations at Williams Lake prior to a release of Apthona sp. leaf-feeding beetles.

A good release of Apthona sp. leaf-feeding beetles was made at Williams Lake on leafy spurge in July 2003. The leafy spurge infestation is extensive and dense. The beetles are very aggressive and prolific, and we expect to see significant damage in 2004. Active leaf feeding was observed in 2003, and we are confident that the beetles have established.

48

Figure 5. Apthona sp. leaf-feeding beetle release at Williams Lake, July 2004. Above, container lid indicating release instructions, below, beetles exiting the shipping container.

49 Table 3. Noxious weed biological controlsi tes, target weeds, species released and recoveries at Buckley Airbase, 2003. Location Target Site Species released Species New New weed recoveredreleases site Buckley Airbase Canada thistle Williams Lake Southwest Cassida rubiginosa XX Buckley Airbase Canada thistle Williams Lake Southwest Urophora cardui XX Buckley Airbase Dalmatian toadflax South Aspen Way X Buckley Airbase Field Bindweed Multiple sites Aceria malherbae XX Buckley Airbase Leafy Spurge Leafy spurge Site I X Buckley Airbase Leafy Spurge Williams Lake Dam Apthona sp. XX

Table 4. Historic noxious weed infestation parameters, Buckley Airbase, Colorado, 2003. Year Area (m2) n Density (1/2m2) Height (cm) Seedheads Head size Year to year % change % Change 2 avg. max. avg. max. per plant mm area (m ) avg. density avg. height to date Dalmatian toadflax - Aspen Way Southeast 2003 32,556 374 3.5 78 36.01 128 na na na Leafy spurge - Buckley Air Force 2003 139 5 39.4 98 58.8 82 na na na Canada thistle - William's Lake Dam Site 2003 636 82 6.74 26 71.2 120 17.83 0.71 na na na Leafy spurge - William's Lake 2003 4,476 107 33.65 123 43.32 98 na na na Canada thistle - William's Lake Southwest 2003 434 47 6.17 18 60.64 145 na na na n - number of samples or observations. na - not applicable, data represent first year of sampling.

Buckley Airbase leafy spurge perimeter 2003.

Buckley Airbase leafy spurge density 2003.

Buckley Airbase leafy spurge height 2003.

Williams Lake leafy spurge perimeter 2003.

Williams Lake leafy spurge density 2003.

Williams Lake leafy spurge height 2003.

52

Williams Lake Dam Canada thistle perimeter 2003.

Williams Lake Dam Canada thistle density 2003.

Williams Lake Dam Canada thistle height 2003.

53

Aspen Southeast Dalmatian toadflax perimeter 2003.

Aspen Southwest Dalmatian toadflax density 2003.

Aspen Southwest Dalmatian toadflax height 2003.

54

Williams Lake Southwest Canada thistle perimeter 2003.

Williams Lake Southwest Canada thistle density 2003.

Williams Lake Southwest Canada thistle height 2003.

55 Ft. Carson Military Post

Sites, noxious weeds addressed, biocontrol agents released and recovered are listed in Table 5. Historic noxious weed infestation parameters are listed in Table 6. New releases made in 2003 included Cassida rubiginosa on Canada thistle at the ARA site, Aceria malherbae (the bindweed mite) at various sites on base, including ARA, and Range Control. Bangasternus fausti, Larinus obtusus (two new knapweed-feeding weevils) and Larinus minutus were released at the Fueling Site (old Cantonment I).

Figure 6. Bangasternus fausti release at the spotted knapweed Fueling Site.

New recoveries included the bindweed mite at ARA, HazMat (old Cantonment II), at Turkey Creek Ranch, and the Turkey Creek knapweed site. Larinus planus was recovered on Canada thistle at ARA on July 7th. This is the first recovery of L. planus at Ft. Carson. One adult beetle was recovered. Trichosirocalus horridus was recovered on Canada thistle at ARA, although this is thought to be an adventitious recovery since T. horridus was not released at this site. In addition to these recoveries, sweep net samples from ARA also included insect species that were unknown to us and sent to the USDA Systematics Laboratory in Beltsville, MD for identification and potential biocontrol activity. The results are as follows:

Recovered from Canada thistle:

Curculio pellitus Curculionidae not of biocontrol importance Gymnetron tetrum Curculionidae biocontrol agent on mullein Corythucha distincta Tingidae feeds on Platte thistle, Hawthorn lace bug? Terellia ruficauda Tephritidae may feed on Canada thistle 56 Euaresta bellula Tephritidae feeds on ragweed and bur sage Gymnocarena diffusa Tephritidae unknown Entiminae Curculionidae unknown (subfamily id only)

Recovered from musk thistle:

Onychobaris sp. Curculionidae unknown (genus id only)

Recovered from wavyleaf thistle:

Orius tristicolor Anthicidae unknown, probably predaceous pirate bud Brachypterolus pulicarius Curculionidae known biocontrol agent on toadflax

As with other sites in the program, the continuing drought is a problem that needs to be kept in mind when reductions in noxious weed densities and perimeters are examined in 2003. Although the drought has most likely influenced our results this year, reduction in weed densities was ongoing prior to the drought, and we are confident that noxious weed control is taking place. A general reduction in Canada thistle density was recorded at ARA. Some reduction is drought related, and may also be due to an endemic rust infection. However, feeding damage by Cassida rubiginosa is evident, and Larinus planus was recovered this year. The area infested

Figure 7. Elise McCown and Debi Owings making a release of Cassida rubiginosa at ARA. dropped by 45% and the density by 52%. The Canada thistle infestation at the Duckpond site has also declined in size and plant density from 2003 to 2003, however there was small increase in total size of the infestation from the inception of the program. A key reason for this increase is that the pond was drained in 57 2002, and Canada thistle has spread into what was formerly the pond itself rather than being confined to the banks. As with the other two Canada thistle sites, densities at the Reservoir site have also decreased. A 55% reduction in the infestation has been recorded from the inception of the program, with a 31% and 25% change in size and density, respectively, from 2002 to 2003. The musk thistle infestation at the Wildlife Refuge site is steadily declining. There was a significant increase in the area infested with musk thistle, but density declined by 90% from 2002 to 2003, from an average of almost three plants per m2 in 2002 to 0.27 plants/m2 in 2003. Rhinocyllus conicus and T. horridus are active at the site, and the indication is that the site is being significantly impacted by these insects.

Figure 8. Dramatic changes in the Turkey Creek spotted knapweed site. Top, site on 7/25/03, bottom, site on 8/3/00. Note extensive increase in grasses and forbs.

58 Spotted knapweed infestation at the two sites located in the Cantonment area; Fueling Site (old Cantonment I), and HazMat Site (old Cantonment II), had variable results. Area and density at the Fueling Site dropped from 2002 to 2003; however the results were not spectacular. Additional releases of L. minutus and releases of two new species - L. obtusus and B. fausti were made to improve the biocontrol intensity at this site. The HazMat site is a mixed bag from a casual perusal of the results. Over time, this site has had a number of changes, including new roads being established that have changed the area of the infestation, and possibly impacted the biocontrol agents. In addition, some areas where releases were made in 2002 and 2003 were mowed shortly after releases. However, we believe that biocontrol is working. If we can get consistent year-to-year maps of the area, we believe that it will indicate that a general decline in spotted knapweed has taken place. Cyphocleonus achates is active at the site. At the present time, the year-to-year change in the area of the infestation is rather inaccurate. Since the program inception, spotted knapweed infestations at Turkey Creek have been reduced by 97%. In 2003 we recorded a rebound in plant density, but this is negligible when compared to the size of the infestation which dropped from its high of 30,681 m2 in 2001 to 328m2 in 2003. Native grasses, yellow clover, sunflower and other forbs have replaced spotted knapweed throughout the site. Figure 8 illustrates the dramatic change in the vegetative composition of the site in the last four years. The top photo was taken on 7/25/2003, and the bottom on 8/3/2000.

CABI Subcontract.

The project entered into a subcontract with CABI in Switzerland in 2003 for research on eriophyiid mites, specifically Aceria anthocoptes, in Europe that are candidates for importation and release on Canada thistle. These mites are similar to the bindweed mite, and are very host specific. At the present time, the final report for 2003 is unavailable; however an excerpt from their September 2003 report that deals with Aceria anthocoptes is included below:

6.1 Aceria anthocoptes (: Eriophyiidae) Surveys and collection: To date, Aceria anthocoptes has been recorded at 51Cirsium arvense sites in Serbia. Two populations near Belgrade have been selected for biological and host range studies. In these sites, the presence of A. anthocoptes is being monitored and fluctuations in mite populations recorded. Surveys and studies of the eriophyiid fauna on other Carduinae species have continued. The population density of A. anthocoptes decreases during the flowering period of its host plant. A predatory mite, Amblydomella rhenana (Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae), was identified as a primary predator of Aceria in the field and seems to be an important factor in the decrease of Aceria populations. In July and August, it was observed also that Aceria populations move down from flowering shoots to young shoots arising from rhizomatous buds. Deutogyne females were recorded from early August onwards. Female populations increased slightly during the second half of August and early September. Preliminary host acceptance tests: Tests were carried out with a population of A.anthocoptes discovered near Belgrade and designated BG1. Five A. anthocoptes adults were transferred onto each of seven plant species in five replicates: Cirsium arvense (control), C. vulgare, Carduus acanthoides, Carduus picnocephalus, Onopordum acanthium, Centaurea diffusa and Centaurea maculosa. The tests were conducted between August 2 and September 2. Cirsium arvense and C. vulgare are suitable host plants for the development of A.anthocoptes. Over 200 adults have been recorded on all exposed plants as well as and many eggs and nymphs. All other plant species 59 were free of Aceria attack. Additional host acceptance test with available plants will be continued during September.

Test with Aceria from phytoplasma-infected plants: Between May 30 and June 1, some 15 Aceria adults were collected from phytoplasma-infected C. arvense and transferred onto each of 15 healthy young growing C. arvense. On September 5, plant samples of C. arvense infested with Aceria adults collected from phytoplasma-infected plants were sent to Prof. Asunte Bertaccini (Bolognia, Italy) for PCR analysis for the presence of phytoplasma. In addition 150 A. anthocoptes adults were collected from phytoplasma-infected C. arvense, preserved in 80% ethanol and also sent for PCR analysis. 6.2 Chlorosis of Cirsium arvense Nine samples of the Canada thistle chlorosis have been collected in Northern Germany, four in Switzerland and one in France. Surveys and collection will continue until October. It is suspected that the infection by the bacteria may have been handicapped locally by the exceptionally long and severe summer drought. The isolation of the CT chlorosis has started and will be continued until the end of October when all samples will be shipped to AAFC Saskatoon.

60 Table 5. Noxious weed biological control sites, target weeds, species released and recoveries at Ft. Carson, 2003. Location Target Site Species released Species New New weed recovered releases site Ft. Carson Canada thistle ARA Ceutorhynchus litura Ft. Carson Canada thistle ARA Cassida rubiginosa X Ft. Carson Canada thistle ARA Larinus planus X Ft. Carson Canada thistle ARA Trichosirocalus horridus X 1 Ft. Carson Canada thistle ARA Urophora cardui Ft. Carson Canada thistle Duckpond Aceria malherbae X Ft. Carson Canada thistle Duckpond Ceutorhynchus litura Ft. Carson Canada thistle Duckpond Larinus planus Ft. Carson Canada thistle Duckpond Urophora cardui X Ft. Carson Canada thistle Highway 115 Urophora cardui Ft. Carson Canada thistle Reservoir Ceutorhynchus litura Ft. Carson Canada thistle Reservoir Cassida rubiginosa Ft. Carson Canada thistle Reservoir Larinus planus Ft. Carson Canada thistle Reservoir Urophora cardui X Ft. Carson Field Bindweed ARA Aceria malherbae XX Ft. Carson Field Bindweed Multiple sites Aceria malherbae XX Ft. Carson Field Bindweed Range Control Aceria malherbae XX Ft. Carson Musk thistle Highway 115 Trichosirocalus horridus X Ft. Carson Musk thistle Wildlife Refuge Trichosirocalus horridus X Ft. Carson Spotted knapweed Fuel Site Agapeta zoegana Ft. Carson Spotted knapweed Fuel Site Bangasternus fausti X Ft. Carson Spotted knapweed Fuel Site Cyphocleonus achates Ft. Carson Spotted knapweed Fuel Site Larinus minutus XX Ft. Carson Spotted knapweed Fuel Site Larinus obtusus X Ft. Carson Spotted knapweed Fuel Site Metzneria paucipunctella Table 5 cont. Location Target Site Species released Species New New weed recovered releases site Ft. Carson Spotted knapweed Fuel Site Urophora affinis X Ft. Carson Spotted knapweed HazMat Bangasternus fausti Ft. Carson Spotted knapweed HazMat Cyphocleonus achates X Ft. Carson Spotted knapweed HazMat Larinus minutus XX Ft. Carson Spotted knapweed HazMat Larinus obtusus X Ft. Carson Spotted knapweed HazMat Metzneria paucipunctella Ft. Carson Spotted knapweed HazMat Sphenoptera jugoslavica Ft. Carson Spotted knapweed HazMat Urophora affinis X Ft. Carson Spotted knapweed Turkey Creek Agapeta zoegana Ft. Carson Spotted knapweed Turkey Creek Cyphocleonus achates X Ft. Carson Spotted knapweed Turkey Creek Larinus minutus X Ft. Carson Spotted knapweed Turkey Creek Metzneria paucipunctella Ft. Carson Spotted knapweed Turkey Creek Sphenoptera jugoslavica Ft. Carson Spotted knapweed Turkey Creek Urophora affinis X 1 Adventitious recovery, T. horridus was not released at this site.

Table 6. Historic noxious weed infestation parameters at Ft. Carson, Colorado 1997-2003. Year Area (m2) n Density (1/2m2) Height (cm) Seedheads Head size Year to year % change % Change 2 avg. max. avg. max. per plant mm area (m ) avg. density avg. height to date Canada thistle - ARA 1997 23 25.55 42 1999 40 62.33 95 2000 37,062 166 13.96 58 45.87 91 2001 37,061 299 12.94 64 52.98 122 18.95 0.57 0.00 -7.31 15.50 2002 38,002 386 4.95 40 12.89 83.5 8.54 0.12 2.54 -61.75 -75.67 2003 20,992 224 2.39 24 25.98 125 2.98 0.2 -44.76 -51.72 101.55 -43.36 Musk thistle - HWY 115 2000 1,445 81 12.48 40 53.49 80 2001 5,098 82 6.02 24 60.37 147 -51.76 2001 5,098 31 10.48 48 49.03 103 9.65 0.6 74.09 2001 5,098 67 8.24 48 46.63 147 11.7 0.56 -21.37 -4.89 2002 1,998 70 1.59 14 7.24 29 2.25 0.03 -80.70 -84.47 2003 1,263 61 0.62 5 17.64 127 0.68 -61.01 143.65 -12.59 Canada Thistle - Duckpond 1997 19 35 82 1998 27,769 1999 33 70.82 114 34.88 2000 28,788 267 9.33 58 76.76 193 2001 39,409 26 16.23 70 66.73 136 18.12 36.90 73.95 -13.07 2002 38,916 196 7.74 56 21.3 124 11.33 0.23 -1.25 -52.31 -68.08 2003 29,486 147 5.25 29 38.9 143 3.08 0.22 -24.23 -32.17 82.63 6.18 Musk Thistle - Reservoir 1997 22 0.18 4 1999 2000 201 0.23 4 2001 154 10 5.4 14 56.1 84 8.3 2247.83

63 Table 6 cont. Historic noxious weed infestation parameters at Ft. Carson, Colorado 1997-2003. Year Area (m2) n Density (1/2m2) Height (cm) Seedheads Head size Year to year % change % Change 2 avg. max. avg. max. per plant mm area (m ) avg. density avg. height to date Canada thistle - Reservoir 1997 22 20.82 30 1999 26 73.12 109 19.12 2000 8,178 201 5.28 40 28.23 71 -61.39 2001 9,517 143 7.25 31 39.53 84 13.55 16.38 37.31 40.03 2002 5,268 101 8.16 32 24.26 65 6.36 0.3 -44.64 12.55 -38.63 2003 3,635 165 6.09 38 41.48 123 6.02 0.38 -31.00 -25.37 70.98 -55.55 Musk thistle - Wildlife 1999 59 110.92 175 7.53 2000 5,035 114 1.76 14 43.14 138 -61.11 2001 2,844 68 3.84 21 72.22 174 6.07 -43.52 118.18 67.41 2002 1,838 61 2.82 36 8.65 57.3 8.18 0.22 -35.39 -26.56 -88.02 2003 10,219 77 0.27 3 14.39 124 1.17 456.14 -90.43 66.36 102.96 Spotted knapweed - Cantonment 1 1997 22 55.27 82 1999 50 71.68 104 2000 2,072 154 16.71 50 46.69 91 -34.86 2001 2,869 113 55.19 564 55.88 104 134.48 18.85 38.46 230.28 19.68 2002 2,375 155 6.04 36 20.56 71.5 45.6 0.34 -17.22 -89.06 -63.21 2003 2,093 92 5.98 35 64.35 150 52.26 1.92 -11.87 -0.99 212.99 1.01 Spotted knapweed - Cantonment 2 1997 21 49.05 62 1999 100 79.66 116 41.61 2000 8,462 361 10.54 52 42.56 127 -46.57 2001 9,094 143 20.66 140 60.48 100 72.35 7.47 96.02 42.11 2002 3,429 92 12.24 58 22.69 81 31.16 0.35 -62.30 -40.76 -62.48 2003 5,254 160 5.26 70 57.42 140 64.85 0.67 53.23 -57.03 153.06 -37.91

64 Table 6 cont. Historic noxious weed infestation parameters at Ft. Carson, Colorado 1997-2003. Year Area (m2) n Density (1/2m2) Height (cm) Seedheads Head size Year to year % change % Change 2 avg. max. avg. max. per plant mm area (m ) avg. density avg. height to date Spotted knapweed - Turkey Creek 1997 22 16 18 1999 11,818 25 12.72 20 109.67 132 19.36 -20.50 2000 16,848 285 17.05 68 59.57 101 42.56 34.04 -45.68 2001 30,681 375 8.83 65 54.66 125 44.3 82.10 -48.21 -8.24 2002 1,314 79 2.24 27 10.99 73.2 13.51 0.27 -95.72 -74.63 -79.89 2003 328 48 5.33 43 46.83 118 0.34 -75.01 137.95 326.11 -97.22

65

ARA Canada thistle infestation perimeters.

40,000 10

35,000 0 30,000 -10 25,000 Square Meters (m2) Percentage Change ion

t 20,000 -20 a 15,000 rcentage Change

Infest -30 Canada Thistle ARA 10,000 Pe -40 5,000

0 -50 2000 2001 2002 2003 Year

ARA Canada thistle density 2003.

16

14

12

½ m2 10 ARA e/ l t

s Density i

h 8 da t 6

Cana 4

2

0 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

67

ARA Canada thistle height 2003

80

70 ) m 60 ARA (c t Height

igh 50 e He l 40 t s i h 30 da t 20 Cana 10

0 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002

68 35

30 ant l P / 25 ARA ads Seedheads he 20 e Seed l

t 15 s i h 10 da t

Cana 5

0 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002

ARA Canada thistle seedheads per plant.

69

Highway 115 Canada and Musk thistle perimeters.

6,000 300

Square Meters 250 5,000 Percentage Change 200

4,000 nge 150 (m2) Cha n

tio 3,000 100 age a ent fest 50 n

I 2,000

0 Perc 1,000 Musk Thistle Highway 115 -50 0 -100 2000 2001 2002 2003 Year

70 12 Hwy115Rt11 10 Musk Density 8 ½m2 / e l 6 ist sk th 4 Mu

2

0 2000 2001 2002 2003

Highway 115 Musk thistle parameters.

100 90 80 m) c

( 70 t Hwy115Rt11 igh 60 e Musk 50 Height e H tl s 40 thi k 30

Mus 20 10 0 2000 2001 2002 2003

71

Highway 115 Canada thistle density 2003. 25

Hwy115Rt11 20 Canada Thistle Density ½m2 15 thistle /

da 10 na Ca 5

0 2000 2001 2002 2003

72

Highway 115 Canada thistle height 2003. 80

70 ) m 60 (c t Hwy115Rt11 igh 50 Canada Thistle

e He Height l 40 t s i h 30 da t 20 Cana 10

0 2000 2001 2002 2003

73

Duck Pond Canada thistle perimeters.

45,000 40

40,000 Square Meters 30 35,000 Percentage Change 20 )

30,000 nge

(m2 10 25,000 Cha age 20,000 t

0 n festation n rce

I 15,000

Canada Thistle Duckpond -10 Pe 10,000 -20 5,000

0 -30 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Year

74

Duck Pond Canada thistle density 2003.

25

20 Duck pond Density / ½m2 15 le thist a d 10 na Ca 5

0 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

75

Duck Pond Canada thistle height 2003.

120

Duck pond 100 Height (cm) t

h 80 ig

60 istle He h t

da 40 na Ca 20

0 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

76 30

Duck pond nt 25 Canada thistle la

P Seedheads / ds 20 hea

eed 15 S e l t s i h 10 da t 5 Cana

0 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Duck Pond Canada thistle seedheads per plant.

77

Reservoir Canada thistle perimeters.

10,000 20 9,000 10 8,000

Square Meters 0 e g

) 7,000 Percentage Change n 6,000 -10 Cha n (m2 io ge t 5,000 sta -20 nta

e 4,000 f

Canada Thistle Reservoir rce In 3,000

-30 Pe 2,000 -40 1,000 0 -50 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Year

78

Reservoir Canada thistle density 2003.

30

25

2 Reservoir m 20 Density ½ e / l t s i 15 h t da

na 10 Ca

5

0 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

79

Reservoir Canada thistle height 2003.

90

80

) 70 m Reservoir (c t 60 Height igh 50 e He l t s i 40 h

da t 30

20 Cana

10

0 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

80 25 nt 20 /Pla s d Reservoir a e Seedheads h 15 ed

10 thistle Se a d

na 5 Ca

0 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Reservoir Canada thistle seedheads per plant.

81

Fueling Site (Cantonment I) spotted knapweed perimeters.

3,500 50

3,000 Square Meters 40 Percentage Change 30 2,500 ) nge 20

(m2 2,000 Cha 10 age t

1,500 n

festation 0 n rce I

1,000 Pe Spotted Knapweed Fueling Site (Cantonment I ) -10 500 -20

0 -30 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Year

82

Fueling Site (Cantonment I) spotted knapweed density 2003

35 2

30 Cantonment I Density 25

20

15

10

5 Spotted Knapweed Density/½m 0 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

83

Fueling Site (Cantonment I) spotted knapweed height 2003.

80

70

60

ight (cm) Cantonment I e 50 height 40

30 ted Knapweed H 20 Spot 10

0 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

84 180

160 t Cantonment I an Seedheads Pl 140

120 eads / 100

80 eed Seedh 60 Knapw d 40 e t 20 Spot

0 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Fueling Site (Cantonment I) spotted knapweed seedheads/plant.

85

HazMat site (Cantonment II) spotted knapweed perimeters.

10,000 60 9,000 40 8,000 Square Meters 7,000 Percentage Change 20 ) nge 6,000 (m2 0 Cha 5,000 age t

-20 n 4,000 festation n rce I 3,000 Spotted Knapweed HazMat Site

-40 Pe (Cantonment II ) 2,000 -60 1,000 0 -80 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Year

86

HazMat site (Cantonment II) spotted knapweed density 2003.

35

Cantonment II 2 30 Density

ity/½m 25 s

Den 20 ed

we 15 ap

d Kn 10 te t o

Sp 5

0 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

87

HazMat site (Cantonment II) spotted knapweed height 2003.

90

80 ) Cantonment II cm 70 ( Height ght 60 Hei 50 weed 40

Knap 30 ed t

ot 20 Sp 10

0 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

88 100 Cantonment II t 90 n Seedheads a

Pl 80 / 70 60 50 40 30 ed Knapweed Seedheads 20

Spott 10 0 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

HazMat Site (Cantonment II) spotted knapweed seedheads per plant.

89

Turkey Creek spotted knapweed infestation perimeters

35,000 100 Square Meters 80 30,000 Percentage Change 60 25,000 40

20 ange 20,000 0 e Ch ion (m2) t 15,000 -20 -40 rcentag Infesta e

10,000 -60 P Spotted Knapweed Turkey Creek -80 5,000 -100 0 -120 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Year

90

Turkey Creek spotted knapweed density 2003.

35

2 30 Turkey Creek Density ½m y/

it 25 s n

De 20 d e e w

p 15

Kna 10 otted

Sp 5

0 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

91

Turkey Creek spotted knapweed height 2003.

180 Turkey Creek 160

) Height cm 140 ht ( 120 Heig 100 ed we 80 ap 60 d Kn te t o 40 Sp 20

0 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

92 100

90 Turkey Creek Plant Seedheads

/ 80 s d a 70 e h

ed 60 Se

d 50 ee

w 40 p 30 Kna 20 otted 10 Sp 0 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Turkey Creek spotted knapweed seedheads per plant.

93

Wildlife Refuge musk thistle perimeters.

12,000 500 Square Meters 10,000 Percentage Change 400

8,000 300 ange e Ch ion (m2)

t 6,000 200 rcentag

Infesta 4,000 100 e Musk Thistle Wildlife Refuge P 2,000 0

0 -100 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Year

94

Wildlife Refuge musk thistle density 2003.

6

5

Wildlife 4 Density

3 istle / ½m2

2 Musk th

1

0 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

95

Wildlife Refuge musk thistle height 2003.

140

120

m) 100 Wildlife

(c Height t h g i 80 He e tl

is 60 th sk 40 Mu

20

0 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

96 12

10 ant l

P Wildlife / 8 Seedheads ads he 6 e Seed l t s i

h 4 t k s u

M 2

0 19992000200120022003

Wildlife Refuge musk thistle seedheads per plant

97 Monument Fire Center

Our work at Monument Fire Center has focused on control of leafy spurge, primarily at one site (Tables 7 and 8). Control through Apthona beetles has been very good, with a 90% reduction in the leafy spurge infestation since 2001. Density is also on the decline. The site is becoming fractionated, as illustrated by the accompanying maps, and we will continue to monitor the decline in the coming years. As a source of funding for the overall project, Monument Fire Center has not participated in the last two years. Although we will continue to monitor the existing leafy spurge site, no new activity is expected.

Table 7. Noxious weed biological control sites, target weeds, species released and recoveries at Monument Fire Center, 2003. Location Target Site Species released Species New New weed recovered releases site Monument Fire Center Leafy spurge Apthona czwalinae X Monument Fire Center Leafy spurge Apthona lacertosa X Monument Fire Center Leafy spurge Apthona nigriscutis X

Table 8. Historic noxious weed infestation parameters, Monument Fire Center, Colorado, 2000-2003. Year Area (m2) n Density (1/2m2) Height (cm) Seedheads Head size Year to year % change % Change avg. max. avg. max. per plant mm area (m2) avg. density avg. height to date

Leafy spurge - Monument Fire Center 2001 4,096 83 52.43 382 41.13 99.00 2002 4,310 115 26.63 210 26.20 69.00 5.24 -49.21 -36.30 2003 393 2 16.00 32 -90.87 -39.92 -100.00 -90.39 n - number of samples or observations.

98

Monument Fire Center overall leafy spurge perimeters.

Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Sites 1 and 2 perimeter 2003.

99

Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Sites 1 and 2 density 2003.

Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Sites 1 and 2 height 2003.

100

Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Site 3 perimeter 2003.

Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Site 3 density 2003.

101

Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Site 3 height 2003.

102

Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Sites 4-6 perimeter 2003.

Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Sites 4-6 density 2003.

103

Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Sites 4-6 height 2003.

104

Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Sites 7-9 perimeter 2003.

Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Sites 7-9 density 2003.

105

Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Sites 7-9 height 2003.

106

Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Site 10 perimeter 2003.

Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Site 10 density 2003.

107

Monument Fire Center leafy spurge Site 10 height 2003.

108

50 45 40 35 Monument Fire Center Density ½m2 30 25

spurge / 20 afy

Le 15 10 5 0 2001 2002 2003

60

Monument Fire Center 50 Height )

40 ght (cm Hei 30

spurge 20 Leafy 10

0 2001 2002 2003

Monument Fire Center leafy spurge density and height.

109 Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site

Noxious weed biocontrol at Rocky Flats is progressing very well. Targeted weeds, releases and recoveries are contained in Table 9. Historic noxious weed plant parameters are contained in Table 10. A Dalmatian toadflax site located in the southeast part of the buffer zone has been significantly reduced, and new sites have been mapped (see maps below). Additional releases of Mecinus janthinus, a weevil species we previously released and recovered, were made in 2003 on Dalmatian toadflax at the new sites. Drought may have influenced the results of observed Dalmatian toadflax decline; however the site in the southeast buffer zone was in decline in 2002 also. The bindweed mite is prolific in many areas of the installation. Redistribution, either through harvesting and distributing mite-infested vines, or mowing is a high priority. The bindweed mite establishment at Rocky Flats is the most vigorous of any of our locations along the Front Range. We expect that significant reduction in field bindweed will be observed in the future. Cassida rubiginosa was recovered on Canada thistle at Lindsey Ranch, and Urophora cardui was released on Canada thistle at the same site. There was some Cassida feeding damage noted on plants at Lindsey Ranch, and there was also evidence of rust infection. The Canada thistle at this site looked weak and not very vigorous. It will be important to continue to monitor the site for signs of significant insect activity. Unfortunately, mapping data for Lindsey Ranch was lost in 2003. Trichosirocalus horridus was recovered from musk thistle in the north buffer. This infestation seems to be somewhat under control, with T. horridus and R. conicus both evident and causing considerable damage. The weed infestation should be observed over time, and redistributions could be made to new sites to continue to spread the weevils across the installation. In the northwest buffer zone, Sphenoptera jugoslavica has been released on diffuse knapweed, but not be recovered to date. Larinus minutus has been recovered in the same area and appears to be active. In 2004, we will closely track the Dalmatian toadflax infestation and biocontrol effort. We are closely monitoring density and insect activity at the new sites. Redistribution of bindweed mites is an easily accomplished project and is important to reduce the incidence of the weed. Knapweed and Canada thistle programs will continue as the have in the past, will annual mapping and density estimates and tracking insect infestations.

110

Figure 9. Release of Urophora cardui at Rocky Flats, 200. Above, collecting parasite-free adults from emergence cage. Below, close-up of aspirator holding adult flies.

111 Table 9. Noxious weed biological control sites, target weeds, species released and recoveries at Rocky Flats, 2003. Location Target Site Species released Species New New weed recovered release site Rocky Flats Canada thistle Lindsey Ranch Cassida rubiginosa X Rocky Flats Canada thistle Lindsey Ranch Urophora cardui X Rocky Flats Dalmatian toadflax Southeast Buffer Zone Mecinus janthinus XXX1 Rocky Flats Knapweed, D. Northwest Buffer Zone Larinus minutus X Rocky Flats Knapweed, D. Northwest Buffer Zone Sphenoptera jugoslavica Rocky Flats Field Bindweed Lindsey Ranch Aceria malherbae X Rocky Flats Field Bindweed North Buffer Aceria malherbae X Rocky Flats Field Bindweed Northwest Buffer Zone Aceria malherbae X Rocky Flats Field Bindweed Southeast Buffer Zone Aceria malherbae X Rocky Flats Musk thistle North Buffer Trichosirocalus horridus X 1 Two new sites were mapped in the Southwest Buffer Zone in addition to the original site which had no toadflax. Table 10. Historic noxious weed infestation parameters, Rock Flats, Colorado, 2001-2003. Year Area (m2) n Density (1/2m2) Height (cm) Seedheads Head size Year to year % change % Change 2 avg. max. avg. max. per plant mm area (m ) avg. density avg. height to date Musk Thistle 2003 25422 67 1.67 8 69.29 140 10.03 23.69 Original Dalmatian Toadflax Site 2001 1688 48 22.43 64 52.94 84 2002 7913 93 3.81 23 12.9 55.4 Site I 2003 1625 25 2.4 10 43.2 100 Site II 2003 7508 19 2.63 5 76.58 110 Site III&IV 2003 13479 88 3.24 16 68.92 130

Diffuse knapweed Site I 2003 1624 18 3.06 9 49.44 70 Site II 2003 3841 40 3.03 13 36 65

113

Rocky Flats Dalmatian toadflax perimeters all sites. Initial site lower right hand corner.

Rocky Flats Dalmatian toadflax Site 1 perimeter 2003.

Rocky Flats Dalmatian toadflax Site 1 density 2003.

Rocky Flats Dalmatian toadflax Site 1 height 2003.

115

Rocky Flats Dalmatian toadflax Site 2 perimeter 2003.

Rocky Flats Dalmatian toadflax Site 2 density 2003.

116

Rocky Flats Dalmatian toadflax Site 2 height 2003.

Rocky Flats Dalmatian toadflax Site 3 and 4 perimeters 2003.

117

Rocky Flats Dalmatian toadflax Sites 3 and 4 density 2003.

Rocky Flats Dalmatian toadflax Sites 3 and 4 height 2003.

118

Rocky Flats Dalmatian toadflax perimeters initial site 2001-2002.

16

14 Rocky Flats 12 Density ½m2 /

x 10 fla

ad 8 to n io

t 6 lma a 4 D 2

0 2001 2002 2003

119 70

) 60

(cm Rocky Flats ht 50 Height

Heig 40 ax l f d a

o 30 t on i

at 20 lm

Da 10

0 200120022003

120

Rocky Flats diffuse knapweed perimeter 2003.

Rocky Flats diffuse knapweed density 2003.

121

Rocky Flats diffuse knapweed height 2003.

122 Knapweed Seedhead Dissections, All Sites 2003.

The table below contains spotted knapweed seedhead dissections for 2003. Generally, the data indicate that most sites sampled were infested with L. minutus or U. affinis, but never both. There may be some indication that the two insects are mutually exclusive. However, more data needs to be collected. There were some problems gathering seedheads in 2003-04, and the data should be more extensive. This situation will be remedied in 2004.

Table 11. K napweed s eedhead disseections for Urophora and Larinus damage, 2003. To tal U. affinis Total L. m inut us Location Site Collected Dissected infested live dead emerged infested live d ead emerged

Ft. Carson Fueling Site 11/3/04 Totals 41 6 7 28 32 0 0 32 (Cantonment I) Avg 0.8 1.5 3.5 2.8 0.7 0.0 1.9 Std Error 0.3 0.3 2.5 0.8 0.1 0.0

Ft Carson HazMat Site 3/11/04 3/13/04 Totals 107 28 17 62 18 0 0 18 (Cantonment II) Avg 2.1 0.6 0.3 1.2 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.7 Std Error 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1

Air Force A cademy Monument Creek 11/3/03 Totals 60 38 6 16 0 0 0 0 Avg 1.2 1.5 1.0 1.5 0.0 0.0 Std Error 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.2

Air Force A cademy Water Treatment Plant 3/11/04 3/13/04 Totals 0 0 0 0 31 0 0 31 Avg 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.6 0.0 0.0 1.2 Std Error 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1

Air Force A cademy Parade Loop 1/29/04 Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Rocky Flats Sample 1 3/24/04 3/26/04 Totals 0 0 0 0 26 0 0 26 Avg 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 1.0 Std Error 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1

Rocky Flats Sample 2 3/24/04 3/26/04 Totals 0 0 0 0 25 0 0 25 Avg 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 1.0 Std Error 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 No Urophor a quadr ifasciata found in any s amples