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Davidson Mesa Proposed Text: <br />As decided during the January OSAB meeting, the theme for the interpretive sign on Davidson Mesa <br />will be noxious weeds and will cover prairie restoration, weed control, grazing, and wildlife. The picture <br />on the sign will be the artists' rendition of an overview of Davidson Mesa showing a monoculture of <br />common mullein and diffuse knapweed (undesirable vegetation) on one side, and a native prairie <br />(desirable vegetation) on the other side. The native side would show a variety of native grasses and <br />shrubs and the wildlife which benefit from the prairie habitat. <br />Proposed Text: <br />What are noxious weeds and why are they a problem? Noxious weeds are non-native and invasive <br />plants which have been introduced by accident or spread from gardens. Historic remnants of short <br />grass prairie are found here on Davidson Mesa. Noxious weeds pose a real threat to these native plants <br />and can significantly decrease wildlife and plant diversity and habitat. <br />Noxious weed management is an important component of prairie restoration. Without management, <br />noxious weeds can often become a "monoculture", preventing the establishment of native species <br />and deplete wildlife habitat by reducing available food and nesting habitat. Management is required <br />by the Colorado Noxious Species Act. <br />Seeds from noxious weeds can easily spread by hitchhiking on animals, people, vehicles, and by wind <br />and water. Please stay on maintained trails and leash pets while enjoying Open Space to help prevent <br />the spread of weed seeds. <br />Blurbs: <br />Noxious weeds are not native to this area, they have an advantage over native species as local <br />parasites and diseases do not keep weed populations in check. <br />The City of Louisville uses an Integrated Weed Management approach to control noxious weeds on <br />Open Space which includes biological (insects, grazing), mechanical (hand -pulling, mowing), cultural <br />(reseeding, prescribed fire), and chemical (herbicide application) control methods. <br />13 <br />