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b. Can become time consuming <br />3. Methods <br />a. Transects and plots <br />b. Photopoints <br />c. Ocular observations <br />d. Mapping by hand or with GPS units <br />D. Mechanical Control <br />Mechanical controls are those methods that physically remove all or part of a <br />weed, often using hand tools or machinery. <br />1. Beneficial Uses <br />a. Controls many annual and biennial weed species <br />b. Controls smaller infestations or infestations where the use of <br />chemicals may be undesirable. <br />c. May prevent seed production and seed spread, if timed <br />correctly <br />e d.Provides excellent opportunities for volunteer events and work <br />for the Boulder County Youth Corps <br />2. Limitations <br />a. Can cause soil disturbances and leave bare areas <br />b. Often ineffective at controlling rhizomatous perennials <br />(Colorado Natural Areas Program, 2000) <br />c. Are labor intensive <br />d. Are not cost or time effective for larger infestations of weeds <br />e. May cause plants to re -sprout seed heads in greater number <br />f. Can injure desirable plants <br />3. Methods <br />a. Hand pulling <br />b. Clipping seed heads <br />c. Using shovels and similar bladed hand tools to sever tap roots <br />below ground <br />d. Mowing <br />e. Using weed whips <br />f. Using chainsaws <br />g. Using a propane torch <br />E. Cultural Control <br />Specific to Open Space, cultural controls involve the re-establishment and <br />promotion of desirable, competitive vegetation through revegetation and <br />mimicking natural disturbances by conducting prescribed burns and grazing. <br />Revegetation of degraded Open Space through reseeding and planting a <br />diverse mix of native grasses, forbs, shrubs, and trees is a long term goal. <br />Many Open Space properties were acquired in a degraded state that is <br />susceptible to noxious weed infestations. Healthy, native flora communities <br />Integrated Weed Management Plan 8 <br />12 <br />