Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2024 07 10

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Open Space Advisory Board Minutes June 12, 2024 Page 5of6 test plots in the North Open Space where the staff is trying different methods (mowing, grazing, seeding) to kill and replace smooth brome, as described in the packet. However, research and discussion with partners suggests that glyphosate may be the best option for smooth brome control. Based on staff research, it is the safest effective herbicide for this particular use. (There is one other potential herbicide, but it is likely to be less effective.) Staff would like to do a test plot to see the relative effectiveness of different methods, including glyphosate, and the cost. The current idea is to do two small (75 feet x 75 feet) plots with one fall application only, although there may need to be a second- or third -year application. Staff would like the board's recommendation to council that they be allowed to conduct the test. Discussion about how glyphosate might eventually be used if it is effective. Ember noted that even if glyphosate proves to be effective, it would likely not be applied across broad swaths of brome but could be used in strips to start segments of native grasses. Discussion about potential use of other herbicides. Motion by Susan, Second by Mark: The OSAB supports the use of glyphosate in one test plot in North Open Space in the fall of 2024 to evaluate the scientific effectiveness of glyphosate to remove smooth brome. Decision: Unanimously approved • Proposed prescribed burn: Open Space staff request support in implementing a test of controlled burn on smooth brome as part of a research study at CU Boulder The staff is requesting to do a one -to -two acre burn in Damyanovich open space because some research suggests that fire with grazing might be the best way to get species diversity in smooth brome-infested areas. Staff are working with researchers at CU Boulder to test this theory, as part of a larger research study about improving species diversity in grasslands. Ember noted that the proposed burn space is not near homes and is not particularly visible from residences, but it is near US 36 and highly visible from there. The burn would likely happen in fall 2024, but the final date would be set by Boulder County and the researcher based on weather and safety and would be in areas that have already been grazed and/or mowed. In addition, the area around the burn will also be mowed to reduce risk of spread. The city has done several burns in the past, and generally a half -acre burn that the city has done in the past takes about 30 minutes. The most likely burn managers would be Boulder County, with city, county, and sheriff City of Louisville Parks Division 749 Main Street Louisville CO 80027 303.335.4774 (phone) www.LouisvilleCO.gov 7