Embedded Files
EAGLE RANCH MESSENGER
Eagle Ranch Property Owners Association
5000 Nolan Road., Box A-11
Pueblo, CO 81004
January 2008 —Issue 9
The Official Newsletter of the Eagle Ranch Property Owners Association
A Covenant Controlled Community
Happy 2008!
Some Highlights in 2007 – by Ken Simpson
Four new homes completed, bringing total residences on Eagle Ranch to 29, or 26% of the 110 ranch properties.
Paving of a three mile section of Burnt Mill Road from I-25 improves access to our properties.
For the third consecutive year the ranch had above average precipitation (17.5 inches). Snowfall for the 2006/2007 winter period was 53 inches. Snowfall to date for the 2007/2008 winter season is 22 inches.
Observed the on the Wildlife Side:
At 12/31/2007 some robins and bluebirds are still around; migrations of Pinion Jays (a first), European Starlings and Geese (Canadian and Snow); several sightings of turkeys and road runners; some mule deer; many pronghorns and an isolated sighting of elk. We also had a feral pig make an appearance, as well as prairie dogs, discussed elsewhere in this newsletter.
NOTE: Be advised that the annual meeting for 2008 is set for Saturday, June 14. This meeting will include election of five Board members for a two-year period. Further details will be included in the next newsletter.
ERPOA Board Meetings:
Property owners can attend ERPOA Board Meetings; however, only board members participate in decision making. Should you wish to introduce a topic at an upcoming board meeting, you must contact a board member prior to the meeting to be included on the agenda.
Meetings have historically been held at the home of a board member. If a large number of property owners wish to attend board meetings, we may have to make other arrangements so that all can participate. Upcoming Board of Director’s meetings are scheduled for March 10th and April 21st at 6:30 p.m. Your constructive input is solicited regarding any concerns that you have about Eagle Ranch.
Eagle Ranch P.O.A.
2007 Financial Report
1-1-07 - 12-31-07
Cathi Scriven, Treasurer
Income
Dues and fees: $22,109.58
2005 Dues collected (none still outstanding) $36.58
2006 Dues collected (none still outstanding) $450.00
2007 Dues collected (2 lots still outstanding) $20,850.00
2008 Dues collected $200.00
Late fees collected (2005, 2006, and 2007) $490.00
Lien fees collected (2005, 2006 and 2007) $83.00
Bank Interest $555.45
Savings $107.73
CD $447.72
Newsletter Ads $230.00 $230.00
Total income $22,895.03
Expenses
Roads $20,396.30
Grading and repair $13,751.30
Snow removal $1,430.00
Weed control $1,355.00
Reba Ct. repair $3,860.00
Association $1,675.03
Expenses Bank fee - returned check $4.00
Newsletters-printing and postage $280.57
Treasurer - postage, envelopes $107.03
Annual meeting $282.50
Website domain name registration $15.68
Website upgrade $300.00
Liability insurance (includes $13.75 refund) $611.25
IRS taxes on 2006 savings interest $17.00
Lien and R.O.L.filing fees $57.00
Total expenses $22,071.33
Net gain for 2007 $823.70
Bank Balances
1/1/2007
Checking $1,758.79
Savings $22,975.21
Total $24,734.00
12/31/2007 Checking $2,462.13
Savings $10,647.85
CD $12,447.72
Total $25,557.70
Net gain for 2007 $823.70
Eagle Ranch Property Owners Annual Meeting
Held - June 23, 2007
The meeting was called to order by ERPOA President, Ken Simpson, at 11:10 a.m.
Cathi Scriven, Treasurer Reported:
• Website back-up and update being completed.
• Financial Report has been added and Secretaries Report will be added when received.
• The next newsletter will include an update from today’s meeting.
• Annual Assessment: 2 lots due for 2006; 7 outstanding for 2007.
$21,110.52 Savings
12,000.00 CD – due in Sept; earning 5%
5,446.43 Checking
$38,556.95 Available
Old Business:
Volunteer Fire Department – Debby Graham and Connie Robinson agreed to work on a feasibility study.
• The Rye Fire Chief estimates it would take them one-half hour to get to Eagle Ranch.
• Jefferson County - Deer Trail Lieutenant, Donna Simpson, indicated that they cover 5,000 homes.
o Most calls are for Emergency Medical assistance.
o They respond to 2 to 3 house fires per year, mainly chimney fires.
o Response time for a house fire would have to be less than 15 to 20 minutes to save the structure. Therefore, someone would have to home to know about the fire and call for assistance.
o Equipment includes a ladder truck and water truck. An average of 20,000 gallons of water is utilized in a normal house fire.
o Has made a personal investment of over $2,600 for safety equipment.
o Even when acting as a “Good Samaritan” you can be sued for something that happens when you are responding on a fire truck.
• Best Prevention to recommend is a sprinkler system and fire extinguishers readily available.
• Sikes Ranch, south of here and adjacent to Hatchet Ranch, has an agreement with the Rye Fire District and they pay an additional tax levy to pay for the service.
• HASMAT / AUTO / Wildfire control is very expensive for little return.
• Pueblo County will only respond to grass fires. The responding fire department is located at 36th lane, east of town.
• It was suggested that we contact South Point and El Camino to see if they could be involved.
• It was noted that several feel, in reality, that Eagle Ranch does not have adequate candidates to serve a Volunteers.
• Road maintenance is the primary responsibility of the ERPOA.
• Neighbors should watch out for each other.
Trail Access: A letter was sent to St. Charles River Estates POA President, Rocky Mangini, with a copy to Joe O’Brien at Red Creek Ranch (RCR). Per Ken Simpson’s telephone conversation with Mr. O’Brien, the Eagle Ranch Conservation Easement allows RCR to allow any guest on the approximate 3 miles of trails; it does not allow access to the entire open space area. Eagle Ranch property owners are considered guests of RCR.
Road Report – by Tom Ossner:
• Since July 2006 we have had approximately 26 inches of rain. The rain has caused problems with weeds this year; weed seed can live for many years.
• Spraying for weeds was completed on two separate days. Madison, off of Shadow Lane, the weeds were sprayed and dying; may need to mow. Reba Court will be sprayed next week.
• Shadow Lane and Abby need more road base to help prohibit weed growth.
• Proper gravel depth is 4 inches. Per mile to add 2 inches would be 700 to 800 tons or 35 – 20 ton truck loads. The material is only $4.75 per ton, but delivery makes it $300 per truck. The current source for road base is in Canyon City, which adds more delivery expense. (Note: Ed Scriven indicated he obtained material for driveway recently at $2.50 per ton from Co. Backhoe in Stem Beach.)
• Ken Simpson read the RCR – Improvements. Allison suggested we have an attorney write a letter.
• Definition of proper road base - Pueblo County specifies 6 inches, per Jeff Simonson, for a driveway off of the county road.
• Ken Simpson estimates it would cost $15,000 per mile to add 2 inches of road base. They will investigate the Stem Beach source.
Questions:
• A Directory of Residents was requested.
• Your street address should be posted at the road for emergency response.
• A larger pad at the mailbox at Nolan Road was requested.
• Several questions about the Grazing Lease held by Jack Snell came up.
o How many cattle can be placed on the property?
o Can ERPOA obtain the grazing rights directly?
o If the grazing rights have been recorded, they cannot be sold with the property.
o Was there a term limit on the grazing rights of 3 to 5 years?
o Check with the County Assessor regarding tax ramifications if you chose to fence the cattle out of your property. Tax Rates differ.
• Nolan Road bridge concerns were raised. An Engineers report considering recommendation on options would be required.
• Status of Paving Burnt Mill Road – Survey flags are in place; culverts are being replaced; the curve at Little Burnt Mill is being modified.
Theresa Ager thanked Ken Simpson for all of his work for the association.
The formal meeting was adjourned at Noon.
Guest Speaker: Mrs. Linda McMulkin, CSU Extension Service provided handouts and a very informative discussion regarding weed control, xeriscaping, and landscaping for our area. An abundance of information, including Pueblo County restrictions on noxious weed control, is available on the website www.ext.coloradostate.edu.
• Choosing the right grass; generally plant grass in May and June.
• Advocate of “native” plants, grasses and trees.
• Weed Control:
o Thistle – spade into the root
o Mow and keep blooms off
o Cheat Grass – cut in May
o Herbicides – use when plant is young for best absorption
o Biologicals – Insects to control weeds (never kills; just weakens to manageable level. CSU can assist with how to apply.
o Assistance with absentee owners – contact Elizabeth Campbell – County Planning Department.
• Books available through CSU Extension Service:
o Weeds of Colorado - $10 to $12
o Weeds of the West, includes color pictures - $35
• Concern about Alkaline in the soil was brought up by Theresa Ager, who has experienced problems with her horses recently. It was recommended she contact Marvin Reynolds, who is in charge of Ag. and Small acreage Management.
• Seedling Tree program though CSU – order in early spring for April delivery; can split-up order after it is received.
Hamburgers were grilled by Tom Ossner and Ed Scriven. The pitch-in dishes were enjoyed by all.
House Numbers
Post your house number so that it is visible from the road. A badly displayed number hinders the police, ambulance, and fire department in the event of an emergency.
Prairie Dogs – by Ken Simpson
In a recent newsletter we advised that prairie dog colonies have been observed on Eagle Ranch. As a follow-up, a recent drive-by survey was conducted which indicated that at least six ranch parcels have prairie dog residents. While this is not of epidemic proportion, we think it timely that general information concerning prairie dogs and their management be provided to ranch property owners. Accordingly, included in this newsletter is a discussion of prairie dogs and their management, by the Colorado State University Extension Service. If you have further interest you can call the CSU Extension Service in Pueblo at 719-583-6566.
One aspect of prairie dogs you may wish to consider is the affect of a population on the value of your investment.
Roads:
2007 Summary:
• General road grading was completed three times.
• Additional road base was applied to sections of Nolan Road, Siegel Way and Reba Court.
• All roads were sprayed for weeds in late spring.
2008 Projection:
• Three general road gradings with additional application of road base as deemed necessary.
• Consideration for two applications of weed spray to all roads.
• Correction of erosion problem under the Reba Court bridge.
• Major addition of road base to the Shadow Lane Road complex.
Note: Please notify a Board Member if you plan to start construction on the Shadow Lane complex so that this can be addressed in advance of truck traffic.
Snow Removal: As a general objective, snow removal from the traveled portion of ranch roads will be scheduled when snowfall reaches 4 to 8 inches of depth, dependent upon its moisture content. Please feel free to call any Board Member to report snow depth and moisture conditions at your property, as conditions vary across the ranch.
Our contract for snow removal is with T-Lynx Construction, LLC (Mike and Theresa Ager). Give them a call for a quote on plowing your driveway.
Please ask your contractors to respect the 25 mph speed limit.
If you have an inquiry concerning activity at Eagle Ranch, please contact any member of the Board of Directors, or through The Eagle Ranch Property Owners Association Website at: http://erhoa.org.
Board of Directors
Correspondence to board members, annual dues payments and change of address notices should be addressed to:
Eagle Ranch POA Ken Simpson, President
5000 Nolan Road, Box A-11 719-676-2964 or pres@erhoa.org
Pueblo, CO 81004
Tom Ossner, Vice President Theresa Ager, Secretary
719-568-3107 or vp@erhoa.org 719-676-4044 or secretary@erhoa.org
Cathi Scriven, Treasurer Nicole Swartwood, Member-at-Large
719-676-3199 or cathi@erhoa.org 719-676-2583 or mal@erhoa.org
Newsletter Editor: Debby Graham
719-676-2964 or news@erhoa.org
ATV’s – are not allowed on the trail at St. Charles River Estates. Never ride on another’s property without prior permission.
PAID ADVERTISEMENTS
Paid advertisements accepted to offset the cost of newsletter production and should not be construed as endorsements. The mention of a product or service herein is solely for information to our readers.
ADVERTISMENTS: The Board of Director’s approved the use of Business card size advertisements, in order to supplement the cost of publication of this newsletter. A business card size ad will be $15 per issue or $40 per year (3 issues). Please have any interested business contact the Newsletter Editor, Debby Graham at (719) 676-2964 or news@erhoa.org.
Cleary Building Corp. 653 Enterprise, Pueblo West, CO 81007
Joe Malone www.clearybuilding.com
Building Sales Specialist Built with pride before the shamrock is applied.
(719) 547-7189 Office: (719) 547-7187
T-LYNX Construction, LLC Finish Grading * Excavating * Demolition
Mike & Theresa Ager Underground Utilities * Septic Installation
719-252-0710 * 719-252-0711 Contractors License #LYN4075 * Health Department #CON 142
Sedona Fine Homebuilders Sedonahomespueblo.com
Tim Hill
(719) 542-3591
Artistry Skin Care and Make-up Skin Care Systems:
Betsy Kelly Hydrating – Balancing – Anti-Blemish
Call for 1 hour facial – Free w/Purchase of 1system Acne Treatment Men’s Skin Care
(719) 251-0079 Complete Line of Make-up
NAO – Never Accept Ordinary – Teens on up!
Website – A Source of Information
The Eagle Ranch Property Owners Association
Website is: http://erhoa.org
Items provided on the website include:
• Protective Covenants (Provided at time of property purchase)
• Association Bylaws (Provided at time of property purchase)
• Members of the Board of Directors
• Eagle Ranch Messenger newsletter text document.
We thank Cathi Scriven for her efforts toward having the website developed and keeping it updated. Suggestions for the website can be emailed to the Webmaster: cathi@erhoa.org.
A. no. 6.506
Managing prairie dogs
by W.F. Andelt, S.N. Hopper1
1. Quick Facts...
• Three species of prairie dogs are found in Colorado.
• Prairie dogs and their burrows serve as important hosts for numerous other animals.
• Prairie dogs can damage rangeland and occasionally carry plague.
• Control problem prairie dogs by relocation, visual barriers, shooting, poison grain bait, and fumigation.
Three species of prairie dogs in Colorado occupy an estimated 2 million acres of rangeland. The black-tailed prairie dog lives on the eastern plains, the Gunnison prairie dog in the southwest third of the state, and the white-tailed prairie dog in the northwest third.
Prairie dogs are relatively large burrowing ground squirrels that weigh 1 1/2 to 3 pounds and are 14 to 17 inches long. Prairie dogs have reddish fur, large eyes, short ears and broad round heads.
2. Biology and Social Organization
Prairie dogs form colonies commonly referred to as prairie dog towns. Small groups, generally composed of one adult male, three adult females and six offspring, defend their territory within the larger town.
Prairie dogs live in burrows about 10 yards apart, 3 to 14 feet deep and 10 to more than 100 feet long. A mound 3 to 10 feet across and 1/2 to 1 foot high at the entrance of the burrow prevents water from rushing in and serves as a lookout station. A density of 35 black-tailed prairie dog mounds per acre is common, although up to 95 mounds have been reported. Burrow systems have one to three entrances.
Black-tailed prairie dog numbers vary from about five per acre in late winter to 20 per acre after the birth of pups in spring. Spring densities can be as high as 35 per acre.
Prairie dogs are active only during the day. White-tailed and Gunnison's prairie dogs hibernate from about October to March, depending on elevation. Black-tailed prairie dogs do not hibernate, but will stay below ground for several days during cold cloudy weather.
Prairie dogs have one litter of three to eight young per year in March or April. The gestation period is 28 to 34 days. The pups venture above ground when they are five to six weeks old. Dispersal of year-old juveniles and a few adults takes place in late spring. Most prairie dogs travel less than 2 miles, but a few migrate up to 6 miles.
3. Effects on Rangeland
The role of prairie dogs in reducing available range forage for livestock is unknown. Several factors can influence forage reduction, including geographic location, rainfall, dominant grass species and duration of prairie dog habitation. Recent research suggests a wide range of effects, ranging from 20 to 30 percent less forage to an increase in the percent of grass species preferred by livestock.
4. Economic Importance
Prairie dog burrows serve as homes for burrowing owls, cottontail rabbits, rattlesnakes and other animals. In Oklahoma, 89 vertebrate species were associated with prairie dog towns. Prairie dogs are a major food source for predators, including the endangered black-footed ferret, badgers, coyotes, foxes, prairie falcons, ferruginous hawks, eagles and owls.
The burrowing activity of prairie dogs decreases soil compaction, increases water intake, aerates the soil and promotes soil formation. Prairie dogs also provide recreation for photographers, hunters and naturalists.
5. Health Risks
Prairie dogs are hosts for fleas, making them susceptible to bubonic plague. Plague is transmitted to humans via flea bites. Early symptoms of plague include swollen and tender lymph nodes, chills and fever. Early diagnosis and treatment is imperative. When walking through suspected plague areas, apply an insect repellent to socks and pant cuffs before tucking pants inside boots.
6. Black-Footed Ferrets
It is illegal to kill a black-footed ferret, an endangered species that feeds almost exclusively on prairie dogs. It is estimated that one female ferret and her young require about 200 prairie dogs for food per year.
The black-footed ferret weighs 1 1/2 to 3 pounds and is 21 to 23 inches long. It has a black mask, black feet and legs, and a black-tipped tail. Sides are a pale yellow buff that is lighter toward the underside of the body. The forehead, muzzle and throat are almost white, whereas the top of the head and middle of the back are brown.
Do not confuse the black-footed ferret with the European ferret, which has longer and darker fur on the back with an entirely black tail; the mink, which usually is uniformly dark brown; or the long-tailed weasel, which is smaller and has a chocolate brown body with pale yellow underside.
Black-footed ferrets seldom are observed because they occur in low densities and primarily are active at night. However, their presence can be determined by the occurrence of ramps or ferret tracks (See Figure 1 at www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/natres/06506.html).
Notify the Colorado Division of Wildlife or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service when black-footed ferrets are present.
7. Black-Footed Ferret Surveys
A black-footed ferret survey, following U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service guidelines, is required in most areas before aluminum phosphide tablets and gas cartridges can be used for prairie dog control. Two percent zinc phosphide also may be relabeled with the ferret survey requirement in the future.
Conduct the survey between July 1 through October 31 and less than 30 days before using a fumigant. Work at night using spotlights. Surveys can be conducted by biologists trained in black-footed ferret survey techniques. For a list of certified biologists, contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Grand Junction at (970) 243-2778 or Denver at (303) 275-2370.
A landowner may be exempt from the survey if any of the following conditions exist: a survey was conducted and no ferrets were found; there are less than 80 acres occupied by black-tailed prairie dogs or 200 acres occupied by white-tailed prairie dogs within a 4.3 mile radius of the control site; or the control is conducted in an urban area.
As of February 1998, all of Denver, Jefferson, Phillips and Sedgwick counties and parts of Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Larimer, Logan and Weld counties are exempted from a survey. Contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine if an area can be exempted from a survey.
8. Effects of Extermination
Extermination of prairie dogs does not guarantee the recovery of productive rangeland. Additional steps must be taken to rehabilitate the evacuated prairie dog towns.
To speed recovery, level mounds with a land plane, blade or offset disc set just above the ground surface. To allow the grass and root system to recover, exclude livestock from the area for at least one growing season. Reseed the area with grass.
Because prairie dogs do not thrive in tall grass, careful management of grass through proper stocking rates can discourage re-invasion by prairie dogs. Prairie dogs often establish colonies in areas where livestock congregate. To distribute grazing pressure evenly, move watering sites and place salt and minerals in areas that are underused by livestock.
9. Control Methods
Several alternatives for prairie dog control are available. Landowners may conduct the control method themselves, hire a commercial firm, or get assistance from the Division of Animal Industry, Colorado Department of Agriculture, 700 Kipling, Lakewood, CO 80215; telephone (303) 239-4157. Control materials may be purchased through commercial vendors or from the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
a) Trapping and Barriers
Prairie dogs can be captured with double-door cage traps baited with a horse sweet mix, flushed from burrows with soap and water, or removed from burrows with a large vacuum truck. All three methods are expensive and their effectiveness is largely unknown. Survival of prairie dogs being flushed from burrows and those relocated to active towns also is unknown. However, releasing prairie dogs into an established colony likely will increase stress on resident and relocated prairie dogs.
The biggest obstacle in relocation is finding release sites. A permit is required before prairie dogs can be relocated. Contact your nearest Colorado Division of Wildlife office to start the process.
Visual barriers constructed from burlap or windrows of small pine trees have slowed colony expansion. Barriers usually are constructed from a woven plastic material. The use of visual barriers is limited due to high construction and maintenance costs. Raptor perches, artificial cover for predators, and predator odors generally have been ineffective in reducing prairie dog numbers.
b) Shooting
Intensive shooting of small prairie dog colonies during February and March will sometimes control their numbers. It disrupts reproductive activities and removes individual animals. However, shooting may induce bait shyness.
c) Poison Grain Bait
Poison grain baits legal for prairie dog control in Colorado contain 2 percent zinc phosphide. Be careful with poison grain baits because bait placed outside burrows can kill non-target birds and mammals. For prairie dog control, zinc phosphide is registered for use only on rangelands. Product labels vary among manufacturers and with time. Carefully follow current label directions.
Zinc phosphide is a slow-acting toxicant that can be absorbed in small amounts through human skin. Poison grain baits are classified as restricted use pesticides. Landowners must obtain private certification from the Environmental Protection Agency before they can purchase or use these products. Certification information is available from Colorado State University Extension county offices.
Poison grain baits are effective only when the prairie dog's most desirable food, green grass, has become dry and dormant. Fall baiting generally is most successful because prairie dogs eat grass seeds to build fat reserves for the winter. Spring baiting generally is unsuccessful because pregnant females often are not found above ground, unsettled weather is common, and bait acceptance is poor when grass starts to turn green.
Poison grain baits for prairie dog control are most effective during clear settled weather when temperatures are moderate. Rain will wash the toxicant from most baits.
Zinc phosphide application is restricted to July 1 through December 31. It is most successful when applied between September and November.
To increase the acceptance of treated bait and give better control, prebait with untreated oats, preferably steam-rolled, two to three days prior to baiting. Apply prebait and bait by hand on the edge of each mound where bare soil meets grass. Do not place bait on top of the mound or down the burrow.
Thinly scatter the treated bait in a 6-inch bait spot, preferably during early morning. Avoid placing treated bait in piles that may endanger livestock. Apply treated bait only after all or most of the prebait has been eaten and only to burrows where the untreated bait was consumed. If most of the prebait is not consumed after one day, postpone application.
The amount of poison grain should not exceed one heaping teaspoon (4 grams) of zinc phosphide bait per mound. A typical prairie dog town requires about 1/3 pound of zinc phosphide bait per acre. Application of excess bait will not improve control but will increase the risk to non-target animals. Apply poison grain bait only once per season because survivors of the first treatment tend to become bait-shy.
Because zinc phosphide is poisonous to all animals, store it away from humans and pets.
Wear rubber gloves to avoid contact with the chemical. Take extra care to avoid breathing zinc phosphide dust.
When poison grain baits are applied according to directions, they usually result in an 80 to 90 percent reduction in prairie dog numbers. Unsuccessful control generally is due to the presence of green grass or failure to prebait.
d) Fumigants
Use fumigants when additional control is required. Aluminum phosphide and gas cartridges are legal for use in Colorado. Trade names for aluminum phosphide include Phostoxin, Gastoxin and Fumitoxin. Aluminum phosphide is classified as a restricted use pesticide and gas cartridges are classified for general use. Aluminum phosphide emits a poisonous gas (hydrogen phosphide), whereas gas cartridges produce a suffocating gas primarily composed of carbon monoxide. Fumigants are most effective when used in moist soils in early spring.
Product labels vary among manufacturers and with time. Carefully follow current label directions.
Aluminum phosphide is classified as a flammable solid. Transportation of aluminum phosphide is governed by the U.S. Department of Transportation rules and regulations. These regulations are subject to change. If you have any questions call Hazmat (Colorado State Patrol Hazardous Materials Section) at (303) 239-4546.
When using a fumigant as a follow-up to a baiting program, treat only active mounds. This greatly reduces the amount of fumigant used. To identify active mounds, shovel or blade the soil or place a dry cow chip over all holes. It is important to begin treatment the day after plugging holes because one prairie dog will uncover several holes in three or four days. Fumigants are most effective when soil moisture is high.
To use the gas cartridge, punch at least five or six holes in one end with a nail or ice pick. Insert the sharp point part way and rotate it to loosen the contents so the cartridge will burn more rapidly. Insert and light the fuse. Once the fuse is burning well, gently roll the cartridge as far back into the burrow opening as possible. Immediately plug the opening with moist soil or a plug of sod placed grass-side down to form an air-tight seal. Do not cover or smother the cartridge. As a general rule, gas cartridges will not give satisfactory control if the soil is dry.
To use aluminum phosphide, insert two tablets as far back into the burrow as possible. Then insert a wadded newspaper and cover as noted before. The newspaper prevents the fumigant from being covered and may deter prairie dogs from digging out before they die.
Aluminum phosphide appears to provide the best control when soil temperatures are above 60 degrees F. When applied properly, aluminum phosphide routinely provides greater than 90 percent control.
The hydrogen phosphide gas produced by aluminum phosphide tablets is toxic to all forms of animal life. Exposure through inhalation produces symptoms such as a pressing sensation in the chest, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and a rapid onset of stupor. Expose affected people to fresh air and provide immediate medical attention.
Fumigation kills all wildlife in the burrows. Avoid using fumigants in burrows occupied by black-footed ferrets, burrowing owls, rabbits and other non-target wildlife. Burrows occupied by burrowing owls are identified by the white droppings, pellets and feathers found around the burrow opening.
10. Regulations
Place placards on all four sides of vehicle.
Carry shipping papers containing the following information: proper shipping name (aluminum phosphide), hazard class/division number (4.3), material identification number (UN1397), packing group designation (PG 1), subsidiary hazards (poison 6.1 inhalation hazard), and amount of product in quantity and total gross weight.
Keep the aluminum phosphide in the original canister and box.
Keep a log book if transporting aluminum phosphide over 100 air miles. The log book is a record of duty for the day, recorded in 15 minute intervals. If transporting under 100 air miles, only a time record must be kept. This includes name of person transporting, date, time started on duty, and time going off duty.
Carry a fire extinguisher with a rating of 10B:C.
Prior to transporting aluminum phosphide, the driver must be satisfied that the vehicle is in safe operating order. At the end of the day that the material was transported, the driver must prepare a written inspection report. The following parts and accessories should be inspected and reported on: service brakes including trailer brake connections, parking (hand) brake, steering mechanism, lighting devices and reflectors, tires, horn, windshield wipers, rear vision mirrors, coupling devices, wheels and rims, and emergency equipment.
The report should identify the vehicle and list any defects or deficiencies found. If none are found the report should so indicate. Correct any defects or deficiencies before operating the vehicle again and note the corrections in the report. The report should be signed by the driver. Make two copies of the report. Keep one copy in the vehicle until the next time an inspection report is required, and keep one copy at the driver's place of business for at least three months from the date the report was prepared.
In addition to these pre- and post-trip inspections, a more in-depth annual inspection is required. Information pertaining to this inspection may be obtained by calling Hazmat at (303) 239-4546.
Have $1,000,000 insurance if transporting aluminum phosphide in a vehicle with a greater than 10,000 pound gross vehicle weight rating or if transporting over a state line.
The driver must be over 21 years old.
1W.F. Andelt, Colorado State University Extension wildlife specialist and associate professor, fishery and wildlife biology; S.N. Hopper, 305 Ruth St., Fort Collins, CO 80525. Reviewed 2/03.
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