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Home My WebLink AboutRESPONSE - RFP - P992 SOAPSTONE GRAZING LEASEFolsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal FOLSOM GRAZING ASSOCIATION PROPOSAL FOR SOAPSTONE GRAZING LEASE (P992) We, the Board Members of Folsom Grazing Association, have developed this proposal in response to the City of Fort Collins' request for proposals for the Soapstone Grazing Lem (P992). We hope that the comprehensiveness of our proposal reflects the effort and sincerity of our Association in addressing each of the City's concerns. We understand that under the City's ownership, management of the Soapstone property will be shifting from a ranching focus to a more integrated natural resources focus. We believe. Folsom Grazing Association can fit in well with the City's overall management goals. Folsom Grazing Association looks forward to the opportunity to work collaboratively with the City of Fort Collins as fellow stewards of the Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. Willie Altenburg Board President Folsom Grazing Association Pant Nussbaum Board Member Folsom Grazing Association Board Member Folsom Grazing Association Folsom Grazing Association Folsom Grazing Association 570 E County Rd 64 Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 568-7792 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal be. Folsom has also instituted among its own membership a sign-in/sign-out sheet at ranch headquarters which Frank checks every evening to ensure all visitors are accounted for. 4) The lessee or employee of the lessee will participate in 6 public tours each year. The lessee's participation will include describing ranching operations on Soapstone Prairie Natural Area as well as the history of ranching in the area. Please provide the name(s) of the person participating in the public tours and their knowledge of ranching operations in the area. Folsom welcomes the opportunity to share our knowledge of ranching operations and the history of the Soapstone area with the public. However, Folsom would request the presence of at least one employee of the City of Fort Collins Natural Resources Department for the duration of each public tour. Frank Luark, Willie Altenburg, or Jackie Worthington would participate in the public tours. Frank Luark has been working cattle in the area since 1965 and has served as a ranch manager for 17 years (see #1 above.) Willie Altenburg has been in the ranching industry for over 35 years and has been grazing cattle on the Soapstone property for over 20 years. He has extensive experience with Colorado's cattle industry and has served on several of the industry's boards and committees. Jackie Worthington is a 0 generation Colorado rancher whose family homesteaded in Routt County and whose husband's family homesteaded in Latimer County. She has been running cattle on the Soapstone property for over 12 years and was the recipient of an award from the Larimer County Commissioners in 2004 for her volunteer contributions and involvement with various Larimer County committees, Agricultural Extension services, Division of Wildlife, and Colorado State University projects. All three of these participants would be great role models and personalities to participate in ranch tours with the public. 5) Lessee is responsible for maintenance of all boundary and interior fences, gates, and all aspects of livestock watering facilities including but not limited to windmills, buried water pipe, pumps, and stock tanks. This includes filling tanks prior to grazing as well as draining the tanks and water delivery systems in the fall. Describe your experience in performing these tasks in general and specific to Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. Also propose a budget for anticipated expenses that includes a description of the financial responsibility of each party. Maintenance of fences and livestock watering facilities are assigned to the ranch manager. Frank has experience with these sorts of duties from his 17 years of experience as a ranch manager (see #1 above.) Folsom is very pleased with his performance of these tasks on Soapstone. His responsibilities include checking and maintaining all fences and watering facilities prior to the start of the grazing season (typically during March and April) and throughout the grazing season. He also fills water tanks prior to grazing and drains all watering facilities at the end of each grazing season to prevent them from freezing during winter. Due to inevitable damage from snow, most fence maintenance is performed in the spring. Maintenance needs vary from year to year, depending on the severity of damage to fences and livestock watering facilities due to winter conditions. Folsom anticipates materials needed for fence repair and routine maintenance to livestock facilities to be approximately $1,500 per grazing season. At the end of each grazing season, Folsom could provide the City with any anticipated capital expenses needed for the following grazing season. The City would be responsible for providing the materials and Folsom would provide the labor for any maintenance, a cost -share arrangement typical of grazing leases on Forest Service lands15. Occasionally, livestock watering facilities requires unanticipated expenses. For example, this past year, a generator was needed for pumping water at several of the stock tanks. The generator was 15 Roy Roath, Extension Range Specialist, Colorado State University. Personal communication, 7/5/05. Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal purchased by the City and is rotated between stock tanks as needed. Folsom proposes to continue this typical cost -share arrangements - any new or replacement equipment would be provided by the City and labor would be at the expense of Folsom. 6) Lessee is responsible for the construction and maintenance of any temporaryfence necessary to exclude cattle from an area or to facilitate rotational grazing. This does not include the construction of grazing exclosures used for monitoring purposes. Folsom will be responsible for the construction and maintenance of any temporary fence necessary to exclude cattle from an area or to facilitate rotational grazing. Folsom would provide the labor for construction of any temporary fencing providing the City supplies all materials. Folsom does not believe it should be responsible for the maintenance or construction of grazing exclosures used for monitoring purposes. As described in Section II Grazing Management, Folsom has utilized the existing fencing on Soapstone for several years and believes it is adequate for the grazing rotations and management of the pastures. Folsom does not wish to construct additional temporary fencing, or combine or divide pastures, until there is time to jointly monitor and analyze the proposed grazing rotations and management plan. 7) Lessee is responsible for maintaining a daily log of all weather events to include precipitation amounts, and daily high and low temperature. Folsom will assign this responsibility to its ranch manager. Folsom requests that the City provide all equipment and materials necessary for this daily log, including forms for the ranch manager to record daily observations. 8) Lessee is responsible for recording number of animal units per day in each pasture. This includes the date entered and removed from the pasture. Folsom will also assign this responsibility to its ranch manager. Folsom requests that the City provide all materials necessary for keeping these pasture records, including forms for the ranch manager to record this information. 9) Lessee is to identify any necessary ranch improvements along with a proposal to accomplish the improvement. This will include an estimate for material and labor as well as who will be responsible for project management. Also propose a budget describing the financial responsibility of each party. Folsom has discussed possible ranch improvements with its ranch manager and has determined that development of water sources in the East and West Canyon pastures should be a priority. A combination of strategic watering locations, salt licks, and range riding helps distribute utilization of forage and minimize impact. Prioritizing water development in the Canyon pastures will help grazing impacts be more evenly distributed in these pastures. Each of the Canyon pastures contains a watering facility that is poorly developed. Folsom believes the water source in the east end of East Canyon pasture is spring fed and is tied into a storage tank just south of the radio tower. In West Canyon, the water system is probably spring -fed and the water delivery system may just be clogged or leaking. No windmill or pump should be needed there. As the water source for these two watering points are unknown, a technical evaluation is needed. However, Folsom has some concern about digging without knowledge of the soils, geology, or hydrology beneath the surface. According to John Fusaro, Rangeland Management Specialist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), blind digging could cut off the water flow if the 10 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal sources are springs 16. Breaking the phreatic layer could cause the water to drop further below the surface and worsen the situation by making water retrieval more difficult. Exploration must be done carefully so as to not interrupt the source or break the less permeable geologic strata that are enabling the lateral water flows. NRCS suggests first consulting topographic maps and national wetlands inventory maps to identify possible sources for these watering points. Second, private companies that dig wells have equipment that can be fed into water delivery pipes to determine if they are clogged or leaking. The type of piping may also be a factor. Galvanized pipe could be corroding and may just need to be replaced. Only after these options have been pursued should exploration be considered (in conjunction with consultation from the NRCS.) If exploration is unsuccessful at the East Canyon site, digging a well and installing a windmill could be a possibility. In West Canyon, pumping water from Cedar Canyon in the adjacent L&R pasture would be a good alternative. A second improvement is the replacement of the south fence bordering the Roman and Krafczik pastures. Annual maintenance will keep this fence up and running for a while but in the long run it may be more economical to replace this fence altogether. Approximately four miles of fence would need to be replaced. Other possible future improvements include management of prairie dog colonies to avoid colonization near watering points. This would be necessary to protect livestock watering facilities and to protect livestock from disease and injury. Project management for these improvements would be the responsibility of the City. The City would also be responsible for all materials required for ranch improvements. Folsom would be willing to share half of the cost of labor with the City and provide the equivalent of up to $1,000 per grazing season for labor. This would include opportunities for its members to be involved with management of the ranch by participating in volunteer work days, or assisting the City with purchasing outside labor if needed. The ranch manager would also be available to assist with ranch improvements during the grazing off-season. Folsom would like to state that if these ranch improvements were to take place during a longer term lease (such as might be available in 2008) it would consider investing more resources towards ranch improvements. 10) All cattle moved into Colorado from any other state or country must strictly adhere to all Colorado Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations for animal movement into and within Colorado. Respondent must identify how they will follow all pertinent regulations. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates and assists with international movement of livestock only. Folsom does not move its livestock across U.S. borders. States have jurisdiction over movement of livestock into and within their state, and the USDA subscribes to the State of Colorado's regulations for both health and other requirements17. Copies of these health requirements are included in Appendix B of this proposal. Aside from health requirements, Colorado's only other regulations pertain to brand inspection18. A copy of these regulations is also included in Appendix B. Folsom would continue to adhere to these regulations and any new regulations that are imposed by the State of Colorado. 16 John Fusaro, Range Management Specialist, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Personal communication, 7/l /2005. 17 Dr. Ian Stewart, State Veterinarian for Colorado and Area Epidemiologist, USDA. Personal communications: 6/17/05 and 6/29/05. 18 Danny Seymour and Jim Easthouse, Fort Collins District Brand Office, State Board of Stock Inspection Commissioners. Personal communications: 6/29/05 and 6/30/05. 11 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal Additionally, Folsom's By -Laws already require several of these regulations. Each member of the Association must provide the following documentation to the ranch manager before cattle are released to pasture: brand certificate, health certificate with proper permit numbers that meet State regulation, results of all bulls fertility tested, and results of all non -virgin bulls tested for Trichomoniasis. Additionally, By -Laws require all cattle to be marked (branded or ear -tagged) with the shareholder's brand. 11) Lessee is responsible for short term monitoring program as outlined in Herrick etal. 2005. Monitoring manual forgrassland, shrubland, and savanna ecosystems. Vol L USDA-ARSJornada Experimental Range. Please provide the name of the person responsible for this activity. Folsom Grazing Association will assign this responsibility to its ranch manager. Folsom requests the City to provide all materials to complete the short-term monitoring program and a training session at the beginning of each grazing season. If the monitoring program proves too difficult for the ranch manager or it interferes with his primary responsibilities of livestock management, Folsom Grazing Association will provide a new person to fulfill this responsibility. This could include collaboration with Colorado State University. The City has also suggested any recommended changes to the proposed leased be included in the applicant's proposal. Folsom has reviewed the proposed lease, both in comparison to its current lease with the City and with regard to the added terms of the new lease. Appendix C includes Folsom's requested changes to the new lease. V. RENT SC#6.• Proposed compensation ($/AUM) to the City offort Collins. To ensure it would propose a fair rent in light of the terms requested in the City's RFP, Folsom sought to compare rents and lease terms for private grazing on lands belonging to City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, Larimer County Open Space, and Boulder County. Folsom also considered grazing prices on BLM lands and the private grazing rate recommendations of the Colorado State Board of Land Commissioners. Folsom corresponded with Andy Pelster, Natural Resource Specialist for the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks Department, and learned that the City of Boulder charges an average rate of $9.00 per AUM for private grazing on their Open Space lands19. A review of grazing leases on Boulder County lands indicates it is currently charging from $9.33 to $10.23 per AUM for private grazing. Folsom also spoke with Charlie Gindler, Larimer County Parks Manager for the Larimer Foothills Area. Grazing occurs on only two Larimer County Open Space properties and current grazing leases charge $7.91 and $9.18 per AUM. Mr. Gindler indicated that Larimer County typically bases its grazing rents on the recommendations of the Colorado State Board of Land Commissioners. Their approved 2005 AUM rates for Colorado are included in Appendix D of this proposal. Larimer County is listed in Northeast District 6 with a rate of $9.18 per AUM. A review of grazing leases on both City of Boulder and Boulder County properties suggest the terms requested by the City of Fort Collins to be above and beyond the standard. Given the resources (in -kind labor, materials, responsibilities, etc.) Folsom would be providing to the City of Fort Collins in addition to a dollar rent, Folsom feels $9.18 per AUM is a fair price for grazing on the Soapstone property. To 19 Andy Pelster, Natural Resource Specialist, City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks. Personal communication, 6/20/05. 12 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal remain solvent as a grazing association, Folsom would have great difficult meeting the terms outlined by the City with a higher rent. Folsom urges the City to consider not only the financial benefit of leasing the property for grazing, but the stewardship, partnership, and other non -monetary benefits of leasing the property to Folsom Grazing Association. VI. CONCLUSION Folsom Grazing Association represents professional cattlemen and women that are reputable as good managers and operators, hard-working, and honest. Members are in good standing in character, in their communities, and within their grazing association. They have been good cooperators with the State and County in the past and prefer cooperation and communication to litigation. There is a sincere love of the land at Soapstone by Folsom's members. The City of Fort Collins has every reason to believe that Folsom Grazing Association is committed to sound management of the Soapstone property. Folsom also feels that this type of co -management relationship/partnership between an association of livestock producers and a local government natural areas program will be a good example for many other communities and is sure to be of interest to the general public. Folsom hopes its comprehensive response to the City's terms for this grazing lease conveys our sincerity in addressing the City's management needs. Our proactive effort to retain someone to help us write this proposal that can crosswalk our needs with those of the City, is another example of our initiative to work cooperatively in management of the Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. It is in our interest, as well as the City's, that the Soapstone property is managed with the health of the land first and foremost in mind. A plan that is good for Soapstone is a plan that is good for us both. If granted this Lease, Folsom is confident that the next three years will prove Folsom Grazing Association as good partners for the long term. 13 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P991) Proposal APPENDIX A: INNOVATIVE IDEAS Folsom has developed a list of ideas to explore additional possibilities for contributing to management of Soapstone. Pursuing some of these ideas may be more appropriate for a longer term lease agreement (such as might be available in 2008), or once Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is open to the public. Pasture Management - Reconfiguring or dividing current pastures to increase grazing rotation options, provide better dispersion of forage consumption, or allow pasture boundaries to better align with certain natural resources or natural resource management concerns. These divisions could be determined collaboratively with the City and Folsom. Ranch Management - Continuing discussions with Meadow Springs Ranch and the Natural Fort Grazing Association regarding co-operative ranch management efforts. Adjacent Land Use - Investigating incorporation of the Roman/Zimmerman properties and grazing units into the pasture rotations on Soapstone, if it were the wishes of the Zimmermans and the City. Wildlife - As fences are rebuilt and restored, Folsom would like to utilize wildlife -friendly fences with smooth top and bottom wires. Additionally, watering sources could be developed in a way that they might be compatible to both livestock and wildlife. Tag -along Days - Joining the Ranch Manager when he fixes fences and watering facilities, conducts short-term monitoring, or assists with weed management or ranch improvements. Trail rides — Joining the Ranch Manager or members of the Grazing Association when the cattle are rotated from one pasture to the next. Oral history — Developing an oral history of the Soapstone area and helping the City develop an interpretive display of the human and natural history of the area. One of our members is on the Pawnee Historical Board and volunteers at the museum in Grover. Several others have lived in this area a very long time and have many tales to tell. 14 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal APPENDIX B: REQUIREMENTS FOR MOVING ANIMALS INTO & WITHIN COLORADO The following three documents reflect all Colorado Department of Agriculture regulations for animal movement into and within Colorado: 1. Livestock Import Rules....................................................................................page 15 2. Trichomoniasis Rules.......................................................................................page 28 3. Brand Inspection Requirements...........................................................................page 37 1. LIVESTOCK IMPORT RULES The following livestock health requirements are provided by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Colorado State Veterinarian's Office, Division of Animal Husbandry and were obtained from their website (http://www.aQ.state.co.us/animals/HealthReguire4a.htm#A11?lo20Species or http://www.a�r.state.co.us/animalsIRules.html). The regulations listed below reflect those pertinent to cattle operations of Folsom Grazing Association (i.e. beef cattle only.) HEALTH REQUIREMENTS FOR MOVING ANIMALS INTO & WITHIN COLORADO All livestock imports are to meet Colorado and Federal interstate requirements. All livestock entering the State of Colorado upon a public highway shall clear through a port of entry. A certificate of veterinary inspection (health certificate) shall accompany the shipment. A permit may be required as stipulated. No animal affected with or having symptoms of any infectious or contagious disease, or which originated from a quarantine herd or area, shall be shipped or in any manner transported into the State of Colorado, except for immediate slaughter at a federally inspected slaughtering establishment or with a permit from the Colorado State Veterinarian's Office. MOVEMENT WITHIN STATE (Intrastate Movement) All Species of Animals Except Deer and Elk There are no health requirements for movement of Animals within the State of Colorado Shows and Fairs Shows and Fairs can establish their own requirements which must be followed in order to exhibit at them Livestock that are to be moved over 75 land miles within the State must be Brand Inspected MOVEMENT INTO THE STATE (Interstate Movement) Health Requirements for Cattle Originating from Brucellosis Class Free & TB Accredited Free States (including Colorado) A Health Certificate is required on all cattle (cattle must be individually identified or have a currently registered brand) Entry Permit ■ Required for all non -virgin bulls entering Colorado 15 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal ■ Required for all Non OCV females consigned to a Colorado feedlot without a negative Brucellosis test ■ Entry permits can be obtained by calling (303) 239-4159 ■ Brucellosis Requirements ■ All Beef Females must be officially calfhood vaccinated (OCV) with a legible tattoo for Brucellosis prior to entering Colorado unless they are: ■ Consigned directly to a Federally Inspected Slaughtering Establishment for immediate slaughter, or ■ Consigned to a feedlot for feeding to slaughter and have a permit, or ■ They are Non OCV females over 12 months of age and Tested negative for Brucellosis within 30 days of entry into Colorado, or ■ Consigned to an approved market where they are tested or they are sold for slaughter or for feeding to slaughter purposes and have a permit ■ Heifers between the ages of 4 and 12 months can be consigned to an approved market where they will be vaccinated before sale. They must have a permit. Beef Brucellosis Test Requirements ■ All non OCV females entering Colorado must have an entry permit and tested negative for Brucellosis within 30 days prior to entry ■ All non OCV females over 12 months of age and imported into Colorado for breeding or grazing on pasture, forage crops or crop residues must be tested negative for Brucellosis within 30 days prior to entry unless: ■ Consigned directly to a Federally Inspected Slaughtering Establishment for immediate slaughter or • Consigned to a feedlot for feeding and then slaughter ■ Cattle originating directly from a Brucellosis Certified Free Herd. The following information must be included on the Health Certificate: ■ Each animal must be individually identified and listed on Health Certificate ■ Herd Certification number and date of last herd test and recorded on the Health Certificate ■ Trichomoniasis • Bulls ■ All non -virgin bulls shall have an entry permit and a negative Trichomonas fetus (T. fetus) test from an approved laboratory (state and university labs) within 30 days prior to entry into Colorado. Permit number must be listed on the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. (CVI) ■ If the pre -entry test is conducted at other than a laboratory approved by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) or the Colorado State Veterinarian, an in state post entry Official T. fetus bull test shall be required within 10 days of entry into Colorado. ■ All bulls entering Colorado must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) and a permit in the case of non -virgin bulls ■ No bull which has ever previously tested positive for T. fetus shall enter Colorado unless the bull is consigned directly to slaughter and is individually identified for movement on a USDA form 1-27. ■ No bull from a known positive T. fetus herd shall enter Colorado unless the bull has been isolated and has three consecutive negative T. fetus tests at least a week apart within 30 days prior to entry. A post entry test shall also be required within 10 days of entry into Colorado. These bulls must be isolated from all females until the in -state test results are known 16 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal ■ Health Certificates for bulls covered under this rule shall bear the one of the following statements: ■ "Trichomonas fetus has not been diagnosed in the herd of origin" or ■ "The bull(s) represented on this CVI have three consecutive negative Trichomonas fetus tests which were at least a week apart within 30 days prior to entry and there has been no female contact since the first qualifying test." ■ The veterinarian issuing the Health Certificate (CVI) shall forward a copy of all official negative T. fetus tests for the bull(s) represented on the Health Certificate to the State Veterinarian's Office, 700 Kipling Street, Suite 4000, Lakewood, CO 80215-8000 Exceptions to T. fetus importation rules ■ Transient rodeo or exhibition (show), which shall have no sexual contact with a female bovine and are held in a secure facility to prevent such contact (does not include pasture) while in Colorado ■ Bulls consigned directly to slaughter and have a permit ■ Bulls consigned to a feedlot for feeding purposes where they will be isolated from all females. Bulls moved from a feedlot must have three consecutive official negative T. fetus tests at least a week apart unless consigned directly to slaughter. Any known positive T. fetus bull quarantined in a feedlot shall go directly to slaughter from such feedlot. ■ Females ■ All cows originating from a premise where T. fetus has been diagnosed within the last year must obtain an entry permit, which will be recorded on the CVI. ■ No female bovine originating from a known positive T. fetus herd will be allowed to enter Colorado except: ■ On the premises of origin there were three consecutive negative T. fetus tests of the remaining entire bull population (all positive bulls removed from herd), and the only allowed females are those which ■ Have a calf at their side (and no exposure to other than known negative bulls since parturition) or ■ Are at least 120 days pregnant diagnosed by an accredited veterinarian or ■ Are known virgin heifers or ■ Are documented to have had at least 120 days of sexual isolation or ■ Are heifers exposed only to known negative bulls and not yet 120 days pregnant ■ No other non -virgin female will be allowed entry into Colorado for breeding purposes from such herds unless ■ They are consigned directly to slaughter or to a quarantined feedlot and have a permit Bovine breeding females must have one of the following statements placed on the Health Certificate (CVI) and signed by the owner/manager of the herd of origin: "The cows listed on this CVI did not originate from a known positive Trichomonas fetus herd" or "The cows listed on this CVI are at least 120 days pregnant" or "The cows listed on this CVI originated from a positive Trichomonas fetus herd and are consigned for slaughter" or 17 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal "The heifers listed on this CVI were exposed for their first breeding only to a known negative T. fetus bull or artificially inseminated and are not yet 120 days pregnant" or "The females listed on this CVI have had at least 120 days of sexual isolation immediately preceding the date of their movement into Colorado" Tuberculosis testing ■ No testing requirements for Beef Cattle Health Requirements for Cattle from Brucellosis Class A & TB Accredited Free States (Wyoming) A Health Certificate is required on all cattle (cattle must be individually identified or have a currently registered brand) An Entry Permit is required if cattle are: ■ Beef Heifers under 12 months of age and are non OCV consigned to feedlot for feeding & slaughter ■ Beef Heifers and cows over 12 months of age and are non OCV's brought into Colorado for grazing or breeding purposes ■ non -virgin bulls ■ Entry permits can be obtained by calling (303) 239-4159 All Beef Females between 4 and 12 months of age must be Officially Vaccinated for Brucellosis (OCV) with a legible tattoo unless: • They are consigned to an approved market where they will be calfhood vaccinated, spayed, or sold for feeding and slaughter Beef Brucellosis testing requirements: ■ All Bulls over 12 months of age entering Colorado for Breeding, Grazing or Feeding purposes must be tested negative within 30 days prior to entry unless: • They are consigned directly to a Federally Inspected Slaughter Facility for immediate slaughter ■ They are designated on a permit for entry to go to a feedlot (not including grazing on grass, crop residues or forage crops) and then direct to slaughter. ■ All sexually intact OCV females 12 months of age or older must be tested negative within 30 days prior to entry unless: ■ They are designated on a permit for entry to go to a feedlot (not including grazing on grass, crop residues or forage crops) and then direct to slaughter. ■ They are consigned directly to a Federally Inspected Slaughter Facility for immediate slaughter ■ They are consigned to an approved market where they will be spayed, or sold for slaughter, feeding, or quarantined and re -tested in 45 to 120 days ■ No Brucellosis test is required on cattle originating directly from a Brucellosis Certified Free Herd. The following information must be included on the Health Certificate: ■ Each animal must be individually identified and listed on Health Certificate ■ Herd Certification number and date of last herd test and recorded on the Health Certificate All Beef Females over 12 months of age must be Officially Vaccinated for Brucellosis with a legible tattoo unless: 18 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal INTRODUCTION Folsom Grazing Association (Folsom) acknowledges the mission of the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program "to protect and enhance lands with existing or potential natural areas values, lands that serve as community separators, agricultural lands, and lands with scenic values." Folsom understands that the City must incorporate multiple use values into management of the Soapstone Prairie Natural Area (Soapstone). Management will inevitably be different than in the past and will endorse a working landscape but with additional emphasis on wildlife, recreation, cultural resource protection, and ecosystem health. Folsom is prepared to work within these constraints. The members comprising our grazing association, both collectively and individually, possess a demonstrated commitment to both good land stewardship and good partnership. Each member of Folsom Grazing Association participated in development of this proposal. Involvement included three Board meetings, the Association's annual meeting, several ranch visits, a membership survey, and individual phone interviews with each member. This proposal is a product of the discussions and ideas that were developed during each of these exchanges. Folsom Grazing Association looks forward to an opportunity to work collaboratively with the City in management of Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. I. FOLSOM GRAZING ASSOCIATION Selection Criteria (SC) #1: The number of ranching or farming acres within Colorado owned by the respondent, listed by county, or if a grazing association, the number of acres of each association member listed by county. The robustness of agricultural operations is almost always measured by both the fee simple and leased acres utilized by the operator. Folsom Grazing Association owns or leases over 15,000 acres of ranching or farming land in northern Colorado. Fee -simple acres total 10,725 and include 3,375 acres in Larimer County, 7,190 in Weld County, and 160 acres in Adams County. Members lease an additional 4,660 acres in Colorado, including 3,350 acres in Larimer County, 960 in Weld County, and 350 acres in Yuma County. Development pressure has markedly reduced available rangeland on Colorado's Front Range. Ranches that are unable to lease sufficient rangeland to supplement lands owned in fee may not remain financially viable and succumb to development pressure themselves. These pressures are all too real for many of Folsom's members. If the City of Fort Collins were to grant this grazing lease to Folsom, it would in effect be preserving an additional 15,385 acres of open space by helping to keep the land owned and leased by Folsom members in agriculture. Supporting local ranching operations not only helps base properties stay in agriculture but helps preserve the ranching tradition which is a significant part of our sense of place here in Colorado. Folsom's members represent over 600 years of collective ranching experience. All but two members are 3`a 4`n or 5th generation Colorado natives and all have a history of family farming and ranching on the Front Range. Five separate families are direct descendants of homesteaders in northern Colorado. The roots of Folsom's membership run deep in northern Colorado and our Association is proud to support Coloradoans committed to continuing the agricultural tradition, heritage, and way of life. Folsom's members take pride in both the lands they steward and the livestock they raise. As an example of this, most members have implemented conservation initiatives on their own properties. These include rotational grazing, wetlands conservation, soil conservation, and participation in the Conservation Reserve Program. Several members have also worked with the Natural Resources Conservation Service Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal ■ They are designated on a permit for entry to go to a feedlot (not including grazing on grass, crop residues or forage crops) and then direct to slaughter. ■ They are consigned directly to a Federally Inspected Slaughter Facility for immediate slaughter ■ They are non OCV females, accompanied by a Colorado Entry Permit, tested negative to Brucellosis within 30 days prior to entry. They must be quarantined at destination for a Brucellosis retest (at owners expense) between 45 to 120 days after the pre -entry test date ■ They are consigned to an approved market where they will be spayed, or sold for slaughter, feeding, or quarantined and re -tested in 45 to 120 days as described above ■ They are OCV heifers and cows that have had a calf or are within 2 weeks of calving shall be quarantined at the premises of the destination and tested 45 days post calving. ■ No Brucellosis test is required on cattle originating directly from a Brucellosis Certified Free Herd. The following information must be included on the Health Certificate: ■ Each animal must be individually identified and listed on Health Certificate ■ Herd Certification number and date of last herd test and recorded on the Health Certificate • Trichomoniasis ■ Bulls ■ All non -virgin bulls shall have an entry permit and a negative Trichomonas fetus (T. fetus) test from an approved laboratory (state and university labs) within 30 days prior to entry into Colorado. Permit number must be listed on the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI). ■ All cows originating from a premise where T. fetus has been diagnosed within the last year must obtain an entry permit, which will be recorded on the CVI. ■ If the pre -entry test is conducted at other than a laboratory approved by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) or the Colorado State Veterinarian, an in state post entry Official T. fetus bull test shall be required within 10 days of entry into Colorado. ■ All bulls entering Colorado must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) and a permit in the case of non -virgin bulls. ■ No bull which has ever previously tested positive for T. fetus shall enter Colorado unless the bull is consigned directly to slaughter and is individually identified for movement on a USDA form 1-27. ■ No bull from a known positive T. fetus herd shall enter Colorado unless the bull has three consecutive negative T. fetus tests at least a week apart within 30 days prior to entry. A post entry test shall also be required within 10 days of entry into Colorado. These bulls must be isolated from all females until the in -state test results are known • Health Certificates for all bulls covered under this rule shall bear the one of the following statements: ■ "Trichomonas fetus has not been diagnosed in the herd of origin" or • "The bull(s) represented on this CVI have three consecutive negative Trichomonas fetus tests which were at least a week apart within 30 days prior to entry and there has been no female contact since the first qualifying test." 19 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal • The veterinarian issuing the Health Certificate (CVI) shall forward a copy of all official negative T. fetus tests for the bull(s) represented on the Health Certificate to the State Veterinarian's Office, 700 Kipling Street, Suite 4000, Lakewood, CO 80215-8000 Exceptions to T. fetus importation rules Transient rodeo or exhibition (show), which shall have no sexual contact with a female bovine and are held in a secure facility to prevent such contact (does not include pasture) while in Colorado Bulls consigned directly to slaughter and have a permit Bulls consigned to a feedlot for feeding purposes where they will be isolated from all females. Bulls moved from a feedlot must have three consecutive official negative T. fetus tests at least a week apart unless consigned directly to slaughter. Any known positive T. fetus bull quarantined in a feedlot shall go directly to slaughter from such feedlot. Females ■ No female bovine originating from a known positive T. fetus herd will be allowed to enter Colorado except: ■ On the premises of origin there were three consecutive negative T. fetus tests of the remaining entire bull population (all positive bulls removed from herd), and the only allowed females are those which ■ Have a calf at their side (and no exposure to other than known negative bulls since parturition) or ■ Are at least 120 days pregnant diagnosed by an accredited veterinarian or ■ Are known virgin heifers or ■ Are documented to have had at least 120 days of sexual isolation or ■ Are heifers exposed only to known negative bulls and not yet 120 days pregnant ■ No other non -virgin female will be allowed entry into Colorado for breeding purposes from such herds unless ■ They are consigned directly to slaughter or to a quarantined feedlot Bovine breeding females must have one of the following statements placed on the Health Certificate (CVI) and signed by the owner/manager of the herd of origin: ■ "The cows listed on this CVI did not originate from a known positive 1 richomonas fetus herd" or • "The cows listed on this CVI are at least 120 days pregnant" or ■ "The cows listed on this CVI originated from a positive Trichomonas fetus herd and are consigned for slaughter" or ■ "The heifers listed on this CVI were exposed for their first breeding only to a known negative T. fetus bull or artificially inseminated and are not yet 120 days pregnant" or ■ "The females listed on this CVI have had at least 120 days of sexual isolation immediately preceding the date of their movement into Colorado" Tuberculosis testing ■ No testing requirements for Beef Cattle 20 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal COMMUTER PERMITS Commuter permits allow movement of livestock between neighboring states with pre -arranged disease testing requirements. Colorado has agreements with the following states: Kansas, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. Arrangements for commuter permits must be made between the herd owner and the State Veterinarian's Offices of both the state of origin and destination. Please call the Colorado State Veterinarian's Office at 303-239-4161 between 8-5 Monday through Friday to apply for a commuter permit. Commuter cattle can only be from the breeding herd, they cannot be trader or transfer of ownership cattle. The animals being moved must be accompanied by an official Health Certificate, and a Brand Inspection Certificate prior to movement to either state. Testing for Brucellosis, Tuberculosis, Trichomoniasis or other tests may be required prior to movement or upon return to state of origin. Prior to obtaining a permit, herd owners will be informed of testing requirements. Tests results need to be sent in upon receipt unless an agreement was made prior to November 1 st of the year permit was received. Commuter permits will be reviewed and renewed yearly. When the permit is issued, the cattle can be transported and the Commuter permit number will serve as the entry permit. There is no need to call for a permit. TRICHOMONIASIS FETUS (T. FETUS) REGULATIONS Commuter Permitted Cattle Bulls must be tested annually for T. fetus after a separation of at least one week from all female bovine animals. All bulls must be negative to an official T. fetus test to be eligible to have a commuter permit issued for the following year. All purchased bulls added to herd shall comply with the test provisions listed above. In any herd, should a bull be a positive T. fetus bull, he shall be identified and sold to slaughter only. All remaining bulls must be negative to 3 consecutive tests at one week apart. • Only females which have a calf at side and no exposure to other than known negative T. fetus bulls since parturition, are at least 120 days pregnant as determined by an accredited veterinarian, are known virgin heifers, or are heifers exposed only to known negative bulls and not yet 120 days pregnant shall be allowed to accompany the commuting herd. Other open cows shall be sold to slaughter, moved under quarantine to be fed for slaughter or artificial insemination, or held in sexual isolation for a 120 day period. Public Livestock Sales (Auctions) ■ All non -virgin out-of-state bulls must be accompanied by an entry permit. Entry permits can be obtained by calling (303) 239-4159. ■ All non -virgin bulls (in state or import) shall be accompanied by an official laboratory negative T. fetus test, conducted within thirty days prior to sale. These bulls shall be isolated from all females from time of test until time of sale. Any bull without test may be placed under quarantine and tested at the livestock sale premise or at the Colorado purchaser's premise within 10 days of sale. ■ Bulls shall be isolated from all females until the in -state test results are known. Identification procedures are listed below. 21 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal All bulls not qualifying as above will be announced in the sale ring as "slaughter only" and so designated on the buyer's documents. Such bulls shall be identified with a back tag designating them as having no Trich test prior to being offered for sale. Any other arrangement must be approved by the Colorado State Veterinarian's Office. Bovine breeding females shall be accompanied by one of the following statements signed by the owner or manager of the herd of origin, on the CVI or other suitable document. In the absence of one of these statements, any female bovine over the age of 12 months shall be consigned and sold to slaughter (or quarantined feed for slaughter) only. ■ "The cows listed on the CVI did not originate from a known positive Trichomonas fetus herd" or ■ "The heifers on this document have been exposed to only known negative bulls, and are not yet 120 days pregnant" or ■ "The cows listed on this CVI are at least 120 days pregnant" or ■ "The cows listed on the CVI originate from a positive Trichomonas fetus herd and are consigned for slaughter." Intrastate Breeding Bulls All non -virgin bulls must have a negative T. fetus test within 30 days of change of ownership or change of possession under lease. Bulls shall not be exposed to females at the new premise until the results of the test are known. Any bull with a positive test shall be immediately quarantined. The quarantine shall be in effect until the bull is sent to slaughter. The positive T. fetus bull's herd of origin will be placed under quarantine. The quarantine will be released when all remaining bulls test negative to 3 consecutive tests at one week apart. Voluntary Colorado T. fetus Free Herd Certification Requirements May be an individual herd, ranch, grazing association, or federal land permitee. Breeding bulls • All non -virgin breeding bulls shall be tested annually for T. fetus for the three years following the adoption of this rule. ■ During the three year inception period, all non -virgin breeding bulls with changes of ownership, leased, rented or otherwise shall be tested for T. fetus within 30 days prior to such change unless consigned direct to slaughter. The test will be completed and test results known prior to the time the bull(s) is physically transferred to the receiving premises or herd. • Negative T. fetus bulls will be identified with the official Colorado negative T. fetus tag described in the identification section of this part. • All slaughter bulls removed from the herd will be tested for T. fetus. The test may be performed at a slaughter facility if prior arrangement with a veterinarian and an appropriate agreement with the slaughter facility management is made. • Bovine females added to a certified herd shall not originate from a known T. fetus infected herd. Female herd additions must originate from a Colorado Certified T. fetus Free herd or qualify in one of the following categories: ■ calf at side and no exposure to other than known negative T. fetus bulls ■ checked by an accredited veterinarian at least 120 days pregnant, and so recorded virgin, or heifers exposed as virgins only to known negative T. fetus bulls and not yet 120 days pregnant. 22 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal ■ Records must be maintained for all tests including all non -virgin bulls entering the herd and made available for inspection by a designated accredited veterinarian or state animal health official. ■ Following successful completion on the three year testing requirement, the participating entity shall receive a T. fetus FREE certification from the Colorado State Veterinarian's Office. Annual re -certification will require documented evidence that all male herds additions were virgin, or that non -virgin breeding bulls added to the herd had three official negative T. fetus tests within 30 days prior to commingling with female bovine, and that all slaughter bulls removed from the herd have been negative for T. fetus prior to or at slaughter. ■ A herd in which a bull has a confirmed T. fetus infection will be classified as a positive T. fetus herd, and shall be removed from the "Free" status (see the Regulatory section below). The herd will be quarantined until positive T. fetus bulls are sent to slaughter, and all other bulls in the herd test negative to three consecutive official T. fetus tests at least a week apart. The initial negative T. fetus test is included in the three negative tests. A non -tested non -virgin bull that commingles with a herd which holds or is actively working toward the Colorado Certified Trich Free status, by fence breach or any commingled situation shall obligate the owner of the non -tested bull to test the bull from one to three times at the option of the State Veterinarian in consultation with the owner and veterinarian of the negative herd. A bull from a herd which holds a current or has pending a Free certificate, and which commingles with a non -tested herd, shall undergo one to three official T. fetus test(s) prior to return to his herd of origin. Shall such test be positive, all bulls from both herds may be subject to test. The State Veterinarian in consultation with the herd owner and herd veterinarian will determine the appropriate number of tests and number of bulls to be tested. Regulatory Action Public Grazing and Grazing Association ■ All bulls commingling in grazing associations and/or public lands regardless if private or multiple user permits shall have the Official T. fetus bull test conducted annually. Virgin bulls added to a herd are exempt from testing requirements during their first breeding season. Negative bulls which have passed the Official Negative T. fetus test shall be identified with an official Colorado negative T. fetus tag. If any bull is found positive, the entire bull population, regardless of owners, will be required to have three consecutive negative tests prior to turn out time. Any stray non -virgin bull from an untested group that enters the grazing area of tested animals may be held under quarantine until the bull has one or more Official T. fetus test(s) conducted. The test(s) shall be the responsibility of the bull's owner. The conditions of the quarantine and number of tests will be determined by the State Veterinarian. Positive T. fetus bull and herd Any confirmed T. fetus bovine and its herd (as defined by state animal health officials) shall immediately be placed under quarantine, and will continue under quarantine until the following rules are completed: • Positive T. fetus bulls shall be identified with an official Positive T. fetus test tag by an approved veterinarian within 5 days of diagnosis. • Positive T. fetus bulls shall be quarantined, and sent directly to slaughter or to public livestock market for slaughter only. A quarantined feed period may be allowed under special conditions. Positive bulls shall move on an official USDA 1-27 permit. 23 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal • All other bulls in a positive T. fetus herd shall test negative to three consecutive official T. fetus tests at least one week apart. The initial negative T. fetus test is included in the three negative tests. Reproductive Bovine Females from a Positive T. fetus herd ■ Females over 12 months of age (not known to be virgin heifers) from a positive T. fetus herd may be sold direct to slaughter, or quarantined on the premises of origin. Individual females will be released from quarantine when there are three consecutive negative T. fetus tests of the entire bull population and the cow(s) has a calf at side (with no exposure to other than known negative T. fetus bulls since parturition) has documented 120 days of sexual isolation, or is determined by an accredited veterinarian to be at least 120 days pregnant. Heifers known to be virgin at the time of turnout, or heifers exposed only to known negative T. fetus bulls and not yet 120 days pregnant are allowed. ■ Open females shall be sold to slaughter, or held in isolation from all bulls for 120 days. Any female sold to slaughter through a livestock market shall be identified with an official Colorado positive T. fetus tag during the quarantine period. ■ Breeding by artificial insemination is allowed during the quarantine period, and cows confirmed by an accredited veterinarian to be at least 120 days pregnant, as well as cows documented to have 120 days sexual isolation will be released from quarantine. Bulls used for Artificial Insemination must meet the standards found on the following website: http://www.naab-css.org/about css/disease control-2002.html Identification Bulls which have passed the Official Negative T. fetus test shall be identified with an official Colorado negative T. fetus tag. Virgin bulls should also be tagged with the official negative T. fetus tag. The official tag shall be embossed with "Colorado Negative T. fetus" and a number. Tags will be supplied by the Colorado Department of Agriculture and be assigned to approved veterinarians, who shall apply such tags at the time samples are collected. The approved veterinarian shall record any second form of positive identification available, or apply a standard USDA metal tag as a secondary identification. Bulls so identified pending test results shall be isolated from all females until the test result is reported. The official Negative T. fetus tag color shall be changed annually. To obtain tags call the Rocky Mountain Regional Health Laboratory at (303)477-0049. Positive t. fetus bulls will be identified with an official positive red T. fetus tag supplied by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The approved veterinarian shall apply or record the existing standard USDA metal ear tag as a second form of positive identification when the positive T. fetus tag is applied. Any quarantined cows moved from the original premise of quarantine shall be identified with an official red positive T. fetus ear tag. Specimen Collection Facilities ■ The bull owner must provide adequate corrals and restraint to protect the animal and veterinarian from undue injury risk. The approved veterinarian shall determine the adequacy of such facilities, and may require the bulls be delivered to a mutually agreed facility if the owner's facility is deemed inadequate. 24 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal Approved Laboratory Responsibilities An approved laboratory is required to immediately report any positive specimen to the State Veterinarian's Office. Such report will include the animal identification, brand, owner name, address, telephone number and the submitting veterinarian's name, address, and telephone number. Transport media shall be Ringers Lactate U.S.P. or commercial Trichomonas pouch (InPouchTM TF) if the samples are hand carried to the laboratory within 24 hours of sampling. If any shipment by mail or other carrier is involved in the transport, Ringers Lactate is not allowed, and the InPouchTm TF must be used. The specimen(s) shall be received at the laboratory in good condition within 48 hours of sampling. The laboratory shall report unacceptable samples to the State Veterinarian. If any sample is deemed unacceptable the submitting veterinarian shall submit a retest specimen. The State Veterinarian may require the offending veterinarian to attend an approved Trichomoniasis training, and submit acceptable specimens to continue as an approved Trichomoniasis veterinarian. Rule Exception The Colorado State Veterinarian may grant an exception to this rule only on an individual basis. Compliance Any person who violates the provisions of these rules may be subject to the criminal and civil penalties set out in sections 35-50-145, 35-50-145.1 or 35-50-103, Colorado Revised Statutes. DEFINITIONS AND TERMS ACCEPTABLE SPECIMEN means a specimen determined satisfactory for diagnostic testing by the testing laboratory, including complete documentation. ACCREDITED VETERINARIAN means an individual who is currently licensed to practice veterinary medicine and is accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, in the state where that veterinarian is licensed to practice. APPROVED LABORATORY means any laboratory designated and approved by the State Veterinarian for examining samples. APPROVED MARKET shall mean a stockyard approved by Veterinary Services (VS/APHIS) to handle certain classes of livestock being moved interstate and where a Memorandum of Understanding setting forth certain standards for such stockyards has been executed. BOVINE means any sexually intact male and female animal of the genus Bos. CERTIFICATE OF VETERINARY INSPECTION (CVI) means the form issued by the state of origin that records the consignor, consignee, identity, origin, destination, and health status of animals, issued by an accredited veterinarian of that state. It is commonly known as a Health Certificate. 25 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal CERVIDAE WHOLE HERD TEST- A herd test that includes all cervidae over 12 months of age and any animals under 12 months of age that are not natural additions to the herd. COLORADO COMMUTER PERMIT means a permit issued by the Colorado State Veterinarian's Office to Colorado livestock producers who utilize pasture lands and other livestock operations in one or multiple states that are contiguous with Colorado. COMMINGLE means to mix livestock in the same enclosure or pasture. DIRECT TO SLAUGHTER means transporting an animal to a slaughter plant without unloading prior to arrival at the slaughter plant. IMPORT PERMIT means a document issued by the State Veterinarian's office authorizing specific livestock movements into Colorado. Permits expire 30 days after issuance and are not transferable. OFFICIAL CALFHOOD VACCINATES (OCV) refers to Beef, Dairy, and Bison heifers between the ages of 4 and 12 months that have been vaccinated with Brucella abortus RB 51 vaccine (Strain 19 on approval on the State Veterinarian in Bison only) and identified with an official ear tattoo and orange Brucellosis eartag. OFFICIAL EARTAG shall mean an identification eartag approved by VS/APHIS, USDA conforming to the nine (9) character alpha -numeric National Uniform Eartagging System and of an appropriate color (e.g. orange for brucellosis vaccination). It provides unique identification for each individual animal. QUARANTINE means movement restriction issued by a regulatory veterinarian. QUARANTINE RELEASE means that a herd has completed all regulatory requirements to be released from quarantine. REGULATORY VETERINARIAN means the State Veterinarian or his/her designee. This may be a state or USDA employed veterinarian, or any accredited veterinarian holding a current state license. SPRINGER shall mean a heifer visibly prepared to give birth or within two weeks of birth. STATE VETERINARIAN means the veterinarian designated by the Colorado Agriculture Commission as the director of the Division of Animal Industry, Colorado Department of Agriculture. UNACCEPTABLE SAMPLE means a sample that is deemed not diagnostic by the official testing laboratory. USDA FORM I-27 means an official restriction of livestock movement. The form is issued by a regulatory veterinarian and specifies the owner, owner's address, owner's telephone, premises affected, number, breed, age, sex, positive unique individual identification, and destination of animals included. VIRGIN BULL means a sexuallv intact male bovine less than 12 months of age or a sexually intact male bovine between 12 and 24 months that is accompanied by a signed affidavit from the owner/manager as having no potential breeding contact with females. 26 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal TRICHOMONIASIS FETUS DEFINITIONS COMMINGLE (T fetus) means animals of same or opposite sex and belonging to different owners in the same enclosure or pasture with a reasonable opportunity for sexual contact. COMPLETE BULL HERD TEST means a official T. fetus test from each non -virgin bull in the herd. HERD (T. FETUS) means the group of animals consisting of all bovines over 12 months of age (male and female) which have commingled during the last 12 months. NEGATIVE T. FETUS BULL means a bull which qualifies by one of the following: a) originates from a herd not known to be infected and has had a negative official T. fetus bull test within the last year, b) originates from a positive herd but has a series of three negative official T. fetus bulls tests at intervals of at least one week or c) has a negative import and a negative in -state official T. fetus bull test. OFFICIAL T. FETUS LABORATORY TESTING means the laboratory procedures that shall be approved by the State Veterinarian for culture and identification of T. fetus. OFFICIAL T. FETUS BULL TEST means the sampling of the preputial content of a bull by an accredited and approved veterinarian or employee of the USDA or Colorado Department of Agriculture. Such test must be conducted after a one week separation from all female bovine. The bull and sample must be positively and individually identified and documented for laboratory submission. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is used for the identification of Trichomoniasis species. QUARANTINE means movement restriction issued by a regulatory veterinarian that shall be placed on all cattle in a positive T. fetus herd. Such restriction shall specify the identity of the animals and the premises where the animals shall be confined. QUARANTINE FEEDLOT means a dry lot feeding facility approved by the State Veterinarian where bulls and or bovine females from a herd may be fed prior to quarantine release or slaughter, and there is no sexual contact with the opposite sex bovine. POSITIVE T. FETUS BULL means a bull that has had a positive T. fetus test. POSITIVE T. FETUS HERD means the group of all bovines which have commingled in the previous breeding season, and which any animal (male or female) has had a positive diagnosis for T. fetus. SUSPECT T. FETUS BULL means a bull from a positive T. fetus herd that has not yet had three consecutive negative official T. fetus bull tests. TRICHOMONIASIS APPROVED VETERINARIAN means an accredited veterinarian who has attended trichomoniasis training that is approved by the Colorado State Veterinarian. Such training must include preputial sampling, sample handling and shipping, appropriate record keeping, and official bull Trichomoniasis identification. TRICHOMONAS FETUS (OR T. FETUS) means a contagious venereal protozoan parasite disease of the Trichomonas fetus species that causes infertility, pyometra, abortions, and reproductive inefficiency in female bovine. UNACCEPTABLE SAMPLE means a sample that is deemed not diagnostic by the official testing laboratory. 27 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal 2. TRICHOMONIAS/S RULES The following requirements regarding Trichomoniasis are provided by the Colorado Department of Agriculture and were obtained from their website (htty.'//www.ag.state.co.us/animals/trichYa20rule.pdf or http•//www.aiz.state.co.us/animalsIRules.htm. COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal Industry Division 8 CCR 1201-1 HEALTH REQUIREMENTS GOVERNING LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY The following Sections 2.5 and 20 regarding Bovine Trichomoniasis have been extracted from the above titled rules. To obtain a copy of the rules in their entirety please contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Animal Industry Division at 700 Kipling Street, Suite 4000 Lakewood, Colorado or by phone at 303-239-4161 during regular business hours. 2.5.00 RULES CONCERNING THE CONTROL OF BOVINE TRICHOMONIASIS 2.5.01 PURPOSE AND STATUTORY AUTHORITY To prevent introduction and to control the bovine venereal disease Trichomoniasis, specifically Trichomonas fetus (T. fetus) infection. These rules concerning the control of Bovine Trichomoniasis are adopted pursuant to 35-50-101 and 35-1-106(g), C.R.S. 2.5.02 DEFINITIONS (1) ACCEPTABLE SPECIMEN means a specimen determined satisfactory for diagnostic testing by the testing laboratory, including complete documentation. (2) ACCREDITED VETERINARIAN means an individual who is currently licensed to practice veterinary medicine and is accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, in the state where that veterinarian practices. (3) APPROVED LABORATORY means any laboratory designated and approved by the State Veterinarian for examining T. fetus samples. (4) APPROVED VETERINARIAN means an accredited veterinarian who has attended trichomoniasis training that is approved by the Colorado State Veterinarian. Such training must include preputial sampling, sample handling and shipping, appropriate record keeping, and official bull trichomoniasis identification. (5) BOVINE means any sexually intact male and female animal of the genus Bos. (6) CERTIFICATE OF VETERINARY INSPECTION(CVI) means the form issued by the state of origin that records the consignor, consignee, identity, origin, destination, and health status of animals, issued by an accredited veterinarian of that state. It is commonly known as a Health Certificate. 28 Folsom Grazing Association t Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal on a variety of projects including shelter belts, improving livestock watering facilities, soil conservation, range studies, irrigation efficiency, and other projects. 11. GRAZING MANAGEMENT Requested Proposal: Using the conditions outlined above, propose a detailed grazing rotation and timingp/an in response to the RFP. This plan shall include initial stocking rates, anticipated grazing dates (start and end), pasture rotations, rest phase option and location, and placement of any temporaryfencing. Also, as stated above, if pastures are combined or divided, a detailed explanation for this action is required. This must include an analysis of water availability in terms of distribution of water sources as well as adequate quantities of water. -SC#3: Ability to adhere to an adaptive grazing management program. Can you be flexible in grazing dates, and stocking rates with some advanced notice? Are there other pastures that you can take cattle to if necessary? -SC#4: Is this response innovative in developing grazing rotations, Dalmatian toadflax control, ranch improvements, etc. Grazing Rotation and Timing Plan Folsom has two concerns regarding the grazing guidelines outlined by the City. First, it is our experience from many years of grazing cattle on the Soapstone property that going to pasture in mid -May is too early. Vegetation needs time to mature each spring before grazing begins. As the saying goes, Folsom likes to "let the grass get ahead of the cattle instead of the cattle ahead of the grass." More important, soils are wetter earlier in spring which has the potential to do more damage than necessary and exacerbate erosion problems. Moist soils are more susceptible to compaction and trail widening. For this reason, Folsom would like to shift the entire grazing schedule back fifteen days, from June 1 — November 1. Second, the rotation guidelines would force grazing in one of the Canyon pastures during the second year of the June 1 — September 1 rotation. Due to presence of larkspur in the Canyon pastures, it is not possible to enter these pastures until after August 20. Folsom hopes the City is receptive to modifying the rotations to accommodate this concern. The simplest option seems to be modifying the restrictions to allow one pasture of the second group (HQ, East Canyon, West Canyon, Meadow, and State Line pastures) to be selected for a June 15 start in any two consecutive years. Folsom believes this would accommodate the City's overall management needs and address the larkspur problem, but animal units would need to be adjusted for this approach. Folsom is open to discussing other possible solutions to the larkspur problem. Below is an example three-year rotation schedule Folsom might use at Soapstone. This rotation schedule reflects anticipated grazing dates, pasture rotations, and initial stocking rates; and incorporates our proposed fifteen day grazing schedule shift and rest phase option (see Rest Phase section following.) A total of 3,580 AUs per grazing season are reflected in this rotation schedule, which incorporates the reduction in AUMs per the Rest Phase requirement (see Rest Phase section below.) Folsom is willing reduce the number of animal units from its current 829 to 716 in order to make this rotation work. Folsom's preferred choice would be to stay an additional 15 days in the fall (June 1 — November 15), realizing that it would need to run fewer AUs to accomplish this. Folsom would be open to discussing this option with the City. Additionally, Folsom has utilized the existing fencing on Soapstone for several years and believe it is adequate for the grazing rotations and pasture management. Folsom suggests that additional temporary fencing, or the combining or dividing of pastures, not be undertaken until there is time to jointly monitor and analyze the proposed grazing rotations and management. Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal (7) COLORADO COMMUTER PERMIT means a permit issued by the Colorado State Veterinarian's Office to Colorado livestock producers who utilize pasture lands and other livestock operations in one or multiple states that are contiguous with Colorado. (8) COMMINGLE means animals of opposite sex and belonging to different owners in the same enclosure or pasture with a reasonable opportunity for sexual contact. (9) COMPLETE HERD TEST — means an official T. fetus test from each non -virgin bull in the herd. (10) DIRECT TO SLAUGHTER means transporting an animal to a slaughter plant without unloading prior to arrival at the slaughter plant. (11) HERD means the group of animals consisting of all bovines over 12 months of age (male and female) which have commingled during the last 12 months. (12) IMPORT PERMIT means a document issued by the State Veterinarian's office authorizing specific livestock movements into Colorado. Permits expire 30 days after issuance and are not transferable. (13) OFFICIAL T. FETUS LABORATORY TESTING means the laboratory procedures that shall be approved by the State Veterinarian for culture and identification of T. fetus. (14) OFFICIAL T. FETUS BULL TEST means the sampling of the preputial content of a bull by an accredited and approved veterinarian or employee of the USDA or Colorado Department of Agriculture. Such test must be conducted after a one week separation from all female bovine. The bull and sample must be positively and individually identified and documented for laboratory submission. (15) QUARANTINE means movement restriction issued by a regulatory veterinarian that shall be placed on all cattle in a positive T. fetus herd. Such restriction shall specify the identity of the animals and the premises where the animals shall be confined. (16) QUARANTINE FEEDLOT means a dry lot feeding facility approved by the State Veterinarian where positive T. fetus bulls and or bovine females from a T. fetus positive herd may be fed prior to quarantine release or slaughter, and there is no sexual contact with the opposite sex bovine. (17) QUARANTINE RELEASE means that a herd has completed all regulatory requirements to eliminate T. fetus infection in that herd and is no longer classified a positive herd. (18) POSITIVE T. FETUS BULL means a bull that has had a positive T. fetus test. (19) POSITIVE T. FETUS HERD means the group of all bovines which have commingled in the previous breeding season. and in which any animal (male or female) has had a positive diagnosis for T. fetus. (20) NEGATIVE T. FETUS BULL means a bull which qualifies by one of the following: a) originate from a herd not known to be infected and has had a negative official T. fetus bull test within the last year. b) originate from a positive herd but has a series of three negative official T. fetus bull tests at intervals of at least one week or c) has a negative import and a negative in -state official T. fetus bull test. (21) REGULATORY VETERINARIAN means the State Veterinarian or his/her designee. This may be a state or USDA employed veterinarian, or any accredited veterinarian holding a current state license. 29 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal (22) STATE VETERINARIAN means the veterinarian designated by the Colorado Agriculture Commission as the director of the Division of Animal Industry, Colorado Department of Agriculture. (23) SUSPECT T. FETUS BULL means a bull from a positive T. fetus herd that has not yet had three consecutive negative official T. fetus bull tests. (24) TRICHOMONAS FETUS (OR T. FETUS) means a contagious venereal protozoan parasite disease of the Tritrichomonas fetus species that causes infertility, pyometra, abortions, and reproductive inefficiency in female bovine. (25) UNACCEPTABLE SAMPLE means a sample that is deemed not diagnostic by the official testing laboratory. (26) USDA FORM 1-27 means an official restriction of livestock movement. The form is issued by a regulatory veterinarian and specifies the owner, owner's address, owner's telephone, premises affected, number, breed, age, sex, positive unique individual identification, and destination of animals included. (27) VIRGIN BULL means a sexually intact male bovine less than 12 months of age or a sexually intact male bovine between 12 and 24 months of age if accompanied by signed affidavit from the owner/manager as having had no potential breeding contact with females. 2.5.03 IMPORT RULES (1) Breeding Bull (a) All bulls entering Colorado must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI). All non -virgin bulls, except as noted in (G) below, shall have an import permit and a negative T. fetus test within thirty days prior to entry. (b) If the pre -entry test is conducted at other than a laboratory approved by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) or the Colorado state veterinarian, an in state post entry official T. fetus bull test shall be required within 10 days of entry into Colorado. (c) No bull which has ever previously tested positive for T. fetus shall enter Colorado unless the bull is consigned directly to slaughter and is individually identified for movement on a USDA Form 1-27. (d) No bull from a known positive T. fetus herd shall enter Colorado unless the bull has three consecutive negative tests at least a week apart within 30 days prior to entry. The post entry test is also required (see b. above). Bulls must be isolated from all females until the in -state test results are known. Identification procedures are listed below. (e) Each CVI issued for bulls covered under this rule shall bear one of the following statements: (i) 'Trichomonas fetus has not been diagnosed in the herd of origin." Or (ii) 'The bull(s) represented on this CVI have three consecutive negative Trichomonas fetus tests which were at least a week apart within 30 days prior to entry and there has been no female contact since the first qualifying test." (f) The veterinarian issuing the CVI shall forward a copy of all official negative T. fetus tests for the bull(s) represented on the CVI to the Colorado State Veterinarian's office. 30 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal (g) Exceptions to the importation rule are: 1) transient rodeo or exhibition (show) bulls, which shall have no sexual contact with a female bovine and are held in a secure facility to prevent such contact (does not include pasture) while in Colorado 2) bulls consigned direct to slaughter or 3) bulls consigned to a feedlot for feeding purposes where they will be isolated from all females. Bulls moved from a feedlot must have three consecutive official negative T. fetus tests at least one week apart unless consigned directly to slaughter. Any known positive T. fetus bull quarantined in a feedlot shall go directly to slaughter from such feedlot. (2) Reproductive Bovine Female (a) No female bovine originating from a known positive T. fetus herd will be allowed to enter Colorado. Exceptions include the following: (i) on the premises of origin there were three consecutive negative T. fetus tests of the entire bull population, and the only allowed females are those which a) have a calf at side and no exposure to other than known negative bulls since parturition b) are at least 120 days pregnant, c) are known virgin heifers, d) are documented to have had at least 120 days of sexual isolation, or e) are heifers exposed only to known negative bulls and not yet 120 days pregnant. No other female will be allowed entry into Colorado for breeding purposes from such herds. (ii) consigned directly to slaughter or to a quarantined feedlot. (b) Bovine breeding females must have the following statement placed on the CVI and signed by the owner/manager of the herd of origin. (i) 'The cows listed on this CVI did not originate from a known positive Trichomonas fetus herd." (ii) 'The cows listed on this CVI are at least 120 days pregnant." (iii) 'The cows listed on this CVI originated from a positive Trichomonas fetus herd and are consigned for slaughter." (iv) 'The heifers listed on this CVI were exposed for their first breeding only to a known negative T. fetus bull or artificially inseminated and are not yet 120 days pregnant." (v) 'The females listed on this CVI have had at least 120 days of sexual isolation immediately preceding the date of their movement into Colorado" (3) Commuter Permitted Cattle (a) Bulls must be tested annually after a separation of at least one week from all female bovine. All bulls must be negative to an official T. fetus test to be eligible to have a commuter permit issued for the following year. All purchased bulls added to herd shall comply with test provisions. (b) In any herd, should a bull be a positive T. fetus bull, he shall be identified and sold to slaughter only. (i) All remaining bulls must test negative on three consecutive tests at least one week apart. 31 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal (ii) Only females which have a calf at side, and no exposure to other than known negative T. fetus bulls since parturition, are at least 120 days pregnant, are known virgin heifers, or are heifers exposed only to known negative bulls and not yet 120 days pregnant shall be allowed to accompany the commuting herd. Other open cows shall be sold to slaughter, moved under quarantine to be fed for slaughter or artificial insemination, or held in sexual isolation for a 120 day period. (4) Import Permit (a) All non -virgin bulls must obtain an import permit, which will be recorded on the CVI. (b) All cows originating from a premise where T. fetus has been diagnosed within the last year must obtain an import permit, which will be recorded on the CVI. (5) Public Livestock Sales (Auctions) (a) All non -virgin out-of-state bulls must be accompanied by an import permit. (b) All non -virgin bulls (in state or import) shall be accompanied by an official laboratory negative T. fetus test, conducted within thirty days prior to sale. Any bull without test may be placed under quarantine and tested at the livestock sale premise or at the Colorado purchaser's premise within 10 days of sale. Bulls shall be isolated from all females until the in -state test results are known. Identification procedures are listed below. (c) All bulls not qualifying as above will be announced in the sale ring as "slaughter only', and so designated on the buyer's documents. Such bulls shall be identified with a back tag designating them as having no trich test prior to being offered for sale. (d) Bovine breeding females shall be accompanied by one of the following statements signed by the owner or manager of the herd of origin, on the CVI or other suitable document. In the absence of one of these statements, any female bovine over the age of 12 months shall be consigned and sold to slaughter (or quarantined feed for slaughter) only. (i) 'The cows listed on this document did not originate from a known positive Trichomonas fetus herd." or (ii) 'The heifers on this document have been exposed to only known negative bulls, and are not yet 120 days pregnant" or (iii) 'The cows listed on this document are at least 120 days pregnant." or (iv) 'The cows listed on this document originate from a positive Trichomonas fetus herd and are consigned for slaughter" 2.5.04 Intrastate Breeding bulls (1) All non -virgin bulls must have a negative T. fetus test within 30 days of change of ownership or change of possession under lease. Bulls shall not be exposed to females at the new premise until the results of the test are known. Any bull with a positive test shall be immediately quarantined. The quarantine shall be in effect until the bull is sent to slaughter. The positive T. fetus bull's herd of origin will be placed under quarantine. The quarantine will be released in accordance with the regulatory section of this rule. 32 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal 2.5.05 Voluntary Colorado T. fetus Free Herd Certification Requirements: May be an individual herd, ranch, grazing association, or federal land permittee. (1) Breeding Bulls: (a) All non -virgin breeding bulls shall be tested annually for T. fetus for the three years following the adoption of this rule. (b) During the three year inception period, all non -virgin breeding bulls with changes of ownership, leased, rented or otherwise shall be tested for T. fetus within 30 days prior to such change unless consigned direct to slaughter. The test will be completed and test results known prior to the time the bull(s) is physically transferred to the receiving premises or herd. (c) Negative T. fetus bulls will be identified with the official Colorado negative T. fetus tag described in the identification section of this part. (d) All slaughter bulls removed from the herd will be tested for T. fetus. The test may be performed at a slaughter facility if prior arrangement with a veterinarian and an appropriate agreement with the slaughter facility management is made. (e) Bovine Females added to a certified herd shall not originate from a known T. fetus infected herd. Female herd additions must originate from a Colorado Certified T. fetus Free herd or qualify in one of the following categories: 1) calf at side and no exposure to other than known negative T. fetus bulls, 2) checked by an accredited veterinarian at least 120 days pregnant, and so recorded 3) virgin, or 4) heifers exposed as virgins only to known negative T. fetus bulls and not yet 120 days pregnant. (f) Records must be maintained for all tests including all non -virgin bulls entering the herd and made available for inspection by a designated accredited veterinarian or state animal health official. (g) Following successful completion of the three-year testing requirement, the participating entity shall receive a T. fetus FREE certification from the Colorado State Veterinarian's Office. Annual re -certification will require documented evidence that all male herd additions were virgin, or that non -virgin breeding bulls added to the herd had three official negative T. fetus tests within 30 days prior to commingling with female bovine, and that all slaughter bulls removed from the herd have been negative for T. fetus prior to or at slaughter. (h) A herd in which a bull has a confirmed T. fetus infection will be classified as a positive T. fetus herd, and shall be removed from the "Free" status (see the Regulatory section below). The herd will be quarantined until positive T. fetus bulls are sent to slaughter, and all other bulls in the herd test negative to three consecutive official T. fetus tests at least a week apart. The initial negative T. fetus test is included in the three negative tests. (2) A non -tested non -virgin bull that commingles with a herd which holds or is actively working toward the Colorado Certified Trich Free status, by fence breach or any commingled situation shall obligate the owner of the non -tested bull to test the bull from one to three times at the option of the State Veterinarian in consultation with the owner and veterinarian of the negative herd. (3) A bull from a herd which holds a current or has pending a Free certificate, and which commingles with a non -tested herd, shall undergo one to three official T. fetus test(s) prior to return to his herd of origin. Shall such test be positive, all bulls from both herds may be subject 33 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal to test. The State Veterinarian in consultation with the herd owner and herd veterinarian will determine the appropriate number of tests and number of bulls to be tested. 2.5.06 Regulatory Action (1) Public Grazing & Grazing Associations (a) All bulls commingling in grazing associations and/or public lands regardless if private or multiple user permits shall have the official T. fetus bull test conducted annually. Virgin bulls added to a herd are exempt from testing requirements during their first breeding season. Negative bulls shall be identified as in 6 (a) below. (i) If any bull is found positive, the entire bull population, regardless of owners, will be required to have three consecutive negative tests prior to turn out time. Any stray non -virgin bull from an untested group that enters the grazing area of tested animals may be held under quarantine until the bull has one or more official T. fetus test(s) conducted. The test(s) shall be the responsibility of the bull's owner. The conditions of the quarantine and number of tests will be determined by the state veterinarian. (2) Positive T. Fetus Bull & Herd (a) Any confirmed T. fetus bovine and its herd (as defined by state animal health officials) shall immediately be placed under quarantine, and will continue under quarantine until the following rules are completed. (i) Positive T. fetus bulls shall be identified with an official Positive T. fetus test tag by an approved veterinarian within 5 days of diagnosis. (ii) Positive T. fetus bulls shall be quarantined, and sent directly to slaughter or to public livestock market for slaughter only. A quarantined feed period may be allowed under special conditions. Positive bulls shall move on an official USDA 1-27 permit. (iii) All other bulls in a positive T. fetus herd shall test negative to three consecutive official T. fetus tests at least one week apart. The initial negative T. fetus test is included in the three negative tests. (3) Reproductive Bovine Females from a Positive T. fetus herd (a) Females over 12 months of age (not known to be virgin heifers) from a positive T. fetus herd may be sold direct to slaughter, or quarantined on the premises of origin. Individual females will be released from quarantine when there are three consecutive negative T. fetus tests of the entire bull population and the cow(s) has a calf at side (with no exposure to other than known negative T. fetus bulls since parturition), has documented 120 days of sexual isolation, or is determined by an accredited veterinarian to be at least 120 days pregnant. Heifers known to be virgin at the time of turnout, or heifers exposed only to known negative T. fetus bulls and not yet 120 days pregnant are allowed. (b) Open females shall be sold to slaughter, or held in isolation from all bulls for 120 days. Any female sold to slaughter through a livestock market shall be identified with an official Colorado positive T. fetus tag during the quarantine period. (c) Breeding by artificial insemination is allowed during the quarantine period, and cows confirmed by an accredited veterinarian to be at least 120 days pregnant as well as cows documented to have 120 days sexual isolation will be released from quarantine. 34 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal 2.5.07 Identification a) Bulls which have passed the official negative T. fetus test shall be identified with an official Colorado negative T. fetus tag. Virgin bulls should also be tagged with the official negative T. fetus tag. The official tag shall be embossed with "Colorado Negative T. fetus" and a number. Tags will be supplied by the Colorado Department of Agriculture and be assigned to approved veterinarians, who shall apply such tags at the time samples are collected. The approved veterinarian shall record any second form of positive identification available, or apply a standard USDA metal tag as a secondary identification. Bulls so identified pending test results shall be isolated from all females until the test result is reported. The official negative T. fetus tag color shall be changed annually. b) Positive T. fetus bulls shall be identified with an official red positive T. fetus tag supplied by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The approved veterinarian shall apply or record the existing standard USDA metal ear tag as a second form of positive identification when the positive T. fetus tag is applied. c) Any quarantined cows moved from the original premise of quarantine shall be identified with an official red positive T. fetus ear tag. 2.5.08 SPECIMEN COLLECTION FACILITIES (1) The bull owner must provide adequate corrals and restraint to protect the animal and veterinarian from undue injury risk. The approved veterinarian shall determine the adequacy of such facilities, and may require the bulls be delivered to a mutually agreed facility if the owner's facility is deemed inadequate. 2.5.09 APPROVED LABORATORY RESPONSIBILITIES (1) An approved laboratory is required to immediately report any positive specimen to the State Veterinarian's Office. Such report will include the animal identification, brand, owner name, address, telephone number and the submitting veterinarian's name, address, and telephone number. (2) Transport media shall be Ringers Lactate U.S.P. or a commercial Trichomonas pouch (Inpouch TF). If the samples are hand carried to the laboratory within 24 hours of sampling. If any shipment by mail or other carrier is involved in the transport, ringers lactate is not allowed, and the Inpouch TM TF must be used. The specimen(s) shall be received at the laboratory in good condition within 48 hours of sampling. (3) The laboratory shall report unacceptable samples to the State Veterinarian. If any sample is deemed unacceptable the submitting veterinarian shall submit a retest specimen. The State Veterinarian may require the offending veterinarian to attend an approved Trichomoniasis training, and submit acceptable specimens to continue as an approved Trichomoniasis veterinarian. 2.5.10 RULE EXCEPTION The Colorado State Veterinarian may grant an exception to this rule only on an individual basis. 2.5.11 COMPLIANCE Any person who violates the provisions of these rules may be subject to the criminal and civil penalties set out in sections 35-50-145, 35-50-145.1 or 35-50-103, Colorado Revised Statutes. 35 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal 20.0.0 Statements of Basis, Specific Statutory Authority & Purpose 20.1.0 Adopted March 3, 2004 — Effective May 2, 2004 Amendments to the rules pertaining to the Health of Livestock and Poultry at 8 C.C.R. 1201-1 part 2.5, and repeal of the rules pertaining to Breeding Bulls at 8 C.C.R. 1201-10 STATUTORY AUTHORITY: These rules are adopted pursuant to the specific statutory authority contained in § 35-50-101 C.R.S. and § 35-1-106(g) C.R.S. PURPOSE: The purpose of this rulemaking is: (1) to clarify and refine existing regulations regarding livestock testing, certification, importation, and identification concerning the bovine venereal disease Trichomoniasis; and (2) to repeal an old rule regarding the movement of breeding bulls. The overall purpose of the regulations being amended is to prevent the spread of Trichomoniasis, an infectious venereal disease spread from infected bulls to breeding cows. Specifically, the amendments to the rules at 8 C.C.R. 1201-1(1) revise and clarify certain definitions; (2) add testing requirements for imported bulls moved from feedlots; (3) clarify and narrow an exception for imported reproductive females; (4) add an additional statement regarding the status of females to be included on a certificate of veterinary inspection; (5) add language prohibiting exposure to potentially positive bulls for commuter permitted female cattle; (6) require placement of a back tag on bulls sold at public auction that are not yet tested; (7) clarify the voluntary certification requirements for Trichomoniasis-free herds; (8) revise testing procedures for bulls commingling in grazing associations or on public lands; (9) clarify the regulations concerning reproducing bovine females from herds testing positive for Trichomoniasis; (10) clarify the tagging or identification requirements for virgin bulls and bulls which test negative; and (11) add new handling and transportation requirements for testing samples. The substantive amendments to Rule 2.5 accomplish the same objectives of 8 C.C.R. 1201-10, thus making 8 C.C.R. 1201-10 redundant. The existing rules at 8 C.C.R. 1201-10 regarding the movement of breeding bulls are therefore being repealed. BASIS: The basis for the amendments is an attempt to clarify and tighten the regulations regarding the spread of Trichomoniasis. In recent years, the cattle industry has seen changes in cattle ownership, market demands and increased cattle mobility. This has resulted in greater flexibility in mixing cattle, which has hampered the ability to control Trichomoniasis. The cattle industry has sought the help of state regulatory agencies in enforcing rules regarding the disease's spread. Amendments to the existing rules were adopted in 2002, but those rules required additional clarification based on experience gained over the intervening months. Two of the more important amendments concern the tagging of virgin bulls as "negative" and new handling requirements for testing samples. The new handling requirements attempt to reduce the number of false negatives from the existing testing procedures. 36 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal 3. Brand Inspection Requirements The following brochure is published by the State of Colorado, Department of Agriculture, State Board of Stock Inspection Commissioners and was obtained from the Fort Collins District Brand Office. J IQZ H. 3° WW w LLQN a y� W 0G. Q�� EM._.. v nOC 55 e CC s� VIJ! $o m° a m.Nep}� 1q0Wa W C1O.¢ W rQ 7 a emsZ b�I J2� Q �. �_ E Q O- ■. 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"M $53 37 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal • ceSat ;qqg a E w oa 8 i+.a a �C2JS �'$� i qY .,.E • s & • �' 0 300 to�gY 'qq v &c 21 �a q E 4 aCpi = 0 q p w. V 4 5 q4 C�0 O�q, Q �' M y �� q' O O a� •� C O • Aj ti C :.qn. :L.St ug°s$.2� s w .ci i$B= asp q.> v $to�.g� S w t &Z a a�� E e aeS ,441 i ,, U e 44 °i •§ S Ea a g�Ail 2.1 - _ E 5ls`$� fit 211. a Ie_ a 3aa �. a Ida #.-dI'l If a as �� '° 1 rc _ ;HOC still-.' a 9; ram °S all ae c aa3_ .YYi� .u5 F6° °pa -• er,,°•, e • r `_ y o u ` r T`_ al i �. � a g • ° C � 4 C r y C � C> N A J_ IO r m D4a • ; ��• •� C ioW•� r413 e�e�ae E >°E 0 6E wa `E CO, `o=■��w' .�� m 010 01 �$=i M� r =n ■y ��`'S C • w O a o. 6 - O r O 6 .. •- Y ° • qF O fp p O Nam • r C o C C O 6 N • • w ° r Y toEE�. E tu. o> • d o• • a.� ••� Cr ! ■ o ■ • Zt i'8�fw' •i.v `iE °.: i``=-tee fi`e�• 6'g`a•i 9 a a.a3 q■• Eo° �•m a w o .=Ae «Ee°� •i3e +iGo eaE 3� •So�m U-1 Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal Pasture Grazing Dates Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Brannigan Jun 1 — Aug15 Jack Springs 256)** L&R (326)** Branni an 286 ** Jack Springs Jun 15 — Sep 15 Branni an (300) Jack Springs (275) L&R 333 L&R Jul 30 — Nov 1 L&R 333 Branni an 300) Jack Springs (275 HQ East Canyon Jun 15 — Sep 15 State Line (70) Meadow (58) HQ (20) East Canyon (90) State Line (70) Meadow (58 West Canyon Meadow State Line Aug 30 — Nov 1 HQ (30) East Canyon (135) West Can on (163) Meadow (88) State Line (105) West Canyon (162) HQ (30) East Canyon (135) on 163) *Initial stocking rates are included in parentheses. **Rest Phase has been incorporated into these rotations. Folsom considers this a suggested three-year rotation and assumes grazing rotations and timing will be reviewed and revised prior to each grazing season. Dates and rotations may change depending on annual rangeland conditions. Folsom would like to work collaboratively with the City and a range specialist each March to determine the grazing plan for that year. The number of rest phase units (5% of the total AUs available for that year), or location of the contiguous 800-acre rest block, would also be calculated at this meeting. Folsom agrees that an adaptive management program is the best approach to management of any natural resource. Flexibility is a given for adaptive management and, as indicated in Section I Folsom Grazing Association, Folsom's members have some alternate pastures to take cattle if necessary and with advanced notice. Folsom would welcome the opportunity to meet monthly with the Natural Areas Land staff and/or whomever else appropriate to give an informal progress report and discuss the City's management needs and concerns on Soapstone. These meetings would help ensure open lines of communication, foster a good working partnership between the City and Folsom, and allow management concerns to be addressed as they arise. Folsom is also receptive to working with the City on any special needs, such as prescriptive grazing, that may or may not require adjustments to the grazing plan. Folsom hopes the grazing plan will be flexible enough to accommodate unforeseen circumstances that may require animal unit months to be adjusted in a certain pasture. Consideration should be given to the added expense to Folsom of certain requests, such as trucking cattle to/from Soapstone when adjustments to the grazing schedule are necessary (as in the case of drought.) Folsom may be more able to respond to the City's adaptive management needs if any additional expenses or responsibilities associated with them were accompanied by proportionate financial compensation (or credit), or reduction of other responsibilities. Along those lines, Folsom would like the City to add back into the lease (it exists in our current lease), the clause for reimbursement of rent when the allotted number of AUs are not able to be utilized on the property (e.g. during a drought). Folsom feels this is a fair request as the money would be needed to offset the cost of trucking cattle, purchasing supplemental feed, or leasing other pastures if necessary. Folsom would like the following language, or something similar, to be added to the end of Article 3.4 of the proposed Lease (see Appendix D): "In such event, Lessor agrees that Lessee's rental payment due in November 2005 shall be reduced byXDollars per animal unit month from the original total of three thousand seven hundred and sixty-five (3,765) animal unit months." Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal APPENDIX C: REQUESTED CHANGES TO THE NEW LEASE Folsom has reviewed the proposed lease, both in comparison to its current lease with the City and with regard to the added terms of the new lease. Below are Folsom's requested changes to the new lease. 2.4 If Landlord elects to renew the Lease beyond the terms of this Lease, Landlord shall notify Tenant of the renewal terms, in writinz on or before May 1 of the year of expiration of this Lease. Tenant shall have (30) days from the receipt of said notice to accept or reiect, in writing, a renewal of the Lease. 3.1 Except as otherwise provided in this Lease, the Lessee shall pay to the Lessor, during the entire 30 month term of this Lease, a total rental in the total amount of Dollars ($�. The amount of such rent shall be calculated based upon the formula of Dollars ($---) per month during which grazing is allowed (May 15 — October 1 S) for each animal (animal unit month or AUM) unit grazed upon the Leased Premises for a minimum total of (#,###) animal unit months per year. 3.4 Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Article III, the Lessee agrees that if the Lessor determines that the grazing conditions of the Leased Premises warrant it, whether such conditions are drought, pestilence, insect infestation or any other similar calamity, the Lessor may reduce the required maximum number of animal unit months from per year to that which is appropriate under the then existing grazing conditions. In such event. Lessor agrees that Lessee's rental payment due in May or November shall be reduced by Dollars per animal unit month (A UM) from the original total of (#.###) animal unit months per year. 5.1 The Lessee covenants and agrees at all times during the term of this Lease, to maintain and keep in orderly condition and in a good state of repair, all of the Leased Premises and the improvements located thereon, including, but not by way of limitation, fencing and the buildings constituting the ranch headquarters. The Lessee, however, shall only be responsible for such maintenance and repairs that are ordinary and routine in nature (See Additional Provisions in Article VI. Alterations and Improvements.) The Lessor shall be responsible for the cost of all materials necessary for such routine maintenance and repairs. 5.6. In addition to the Lessee's maintenance obligations as otherwise set forth herein, the Lessee shall be responsible for maintenance of boundary and interior fences and gates, and maintenance of all livestock watering facilities, including but not limited to windmills, buried water pipes, pumps and stock tanks, which stock tanks shall be filled prior to grazing activities and drained along with other water system infrastructure upon completion of the grazing season. Lessor is responsible for supplying all materials required for these maintenance activities. 6.3 The Lessee shall be responsible for construction (and maintenance) or any temporary fencing necessary to exclude cattle from an area or to facilitate rotational grazing. Such temporary fencing shall be the property of the Lessee, except as otherwise agreed by the parties in writing. This does not include the construction or maintenance ofgraziniz exclosures used for monitorinipurposes. The Lessor will provide all materials necessary for construction and maintenance of such temporary fencing 39 Folsom Grazing Association APPENDIX D: GRAZING RATES The following grazing rates were downloaded from the Colorado State Land Board website: http•//www.trustlands.state.co.us/A,ariculturallindex.asp or http•//www trustlands.state.co.us/Documents/AQricultural/Information/AUM.ndf Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal COLORADO STATE BOARD OF LAND COMMISSIONERS 2005 AUM RATES District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 Southwest Northwest Northeast East Northeast East Southwest Southeast East Southeast Southwest East Northeast Central Central Central Central 99 - $6.65 99 - $6.65 99 - $8.66 99 - $8.17 99 - $8.66 99 - $8.17 99 - $6.65 99 - $7.53 99 - $8.17 99 - $7.53 99 - $6.65 99 - $8.17 99 - $8.66 0046.86 $6.86 00 - $7.31 00 - $9.18 00 - $8.58 00 - $9.18 00 - $8.58 00 - $6.86 00 - $8.29 00 - $8.58 00 - $8.29 00 - $6.86 00 - $8.58 00 - $9.18 01 - $6.86 01 - $7.31 01 - $9.18 01 - $8.58 01 - $9.18 01 - $8.58 01 - $6.86 01 - $8.29 01 - $8.58 01 - $8.29 01 - $6.86 01 - $8.58 01 - $9.18 02 - $6.65 02 - $7.09 02 - $8.91 02 - $8.32 02 - $8.91 02 - $8.32 02 - $6.65 02 - $8.04 02 - $8.32 02 - $8.04 02 - $6.65 02 - $8.32 02 - $8.91 03- * 03- * 03- * 03- * 03- * 03- * 03- * 03- * 03- * 03- * 03- * 03- * 03- * 04- $6.65 04-$7.09 04- $8.91 04- $8.32 04- $8.91 04- $8.32 04- $6.65 04- $8.04 04- $8.32 04- $8.04 04- $6.65 04- $8.32 04- $8.91 05- $6.86 05- $7.31 05- $9.18 05- $8.58 05- $9.18 05- $8.58 05- $6.86 05- $8.29 05- $8.58 05- $8.29 05- $6.86 05- $8.58 05- $9.18 Chaffee Eagle Adams Elbert Logan Kit Carson Alamosa Huerfano Cheyenne Baca Clear Douglas Boulder Delta Garfield Arapahoe Lincoln Phillips Archuleta Las Kiowa Bent Creek El Paso Broomfield Gunnison Grand Morgan Sedgwick Conejos Animas Crowley Gilpin Denver Lake Jackson Weld Washington Costilla Otero Park Jefferson Mesa Moffat Yuma Custer Prowers Teller Larimer Ouray Montrose Dolores Pueblo Pitkin Rio Fremont Blanco Hinsdale Routt La Plata Summit Mineral Montezuma Rio Grande Saguache San Juan San Miguel * 03 rates were adjusted due to drought on a county -by -county basis from 9/l/02 through 8/31/03. 04 rates are effective from 9/1/03 through 12/31/04. 40 Benefits to the City of Fort Coffins for awarding the lease to Folsom Grazing Association: Financial $ 20 Grass Lease $9.18 x 720 units x 5.5 months = $36,353 Ranch Manager and caretaker = $43,880 Weed Control = $22500 Weather & Pasture monitoring = ?? Total = $829733 Additional Benefits • Integrity of Folsom, as has been demonstrated over the past 2 years • Folsom and the members are willing partners and cooperators • Folsom acknowledges and appreciates Soapstone as a natural ecosystem, not only as rangeland • Folsom members possess an intimate knowledge of the land at Soapstone 0 5 members ranching there for over 20 yrs, two of these for over 40 yrs o all have developed a sincere respect and love for the land at Soapstone o FGA intent on keeping the land healthy as demonstrated by the recent management during the drought years • Folsom has demonstrated past stewardship of the property, a known entity that has produced visible and positive results in the past. • A proven, cooperative ranch manager who is experienced, loyal and a capable ranch hand with integrity, and has a good working relationship with both the City and Folsom members • By the City working with Folsom, a grazing association comprised of 12 local ranching families, it has the opportunity to help keep 12 local, small-scale agricultural enterprises in business o This would also help keep the northern Colorado agricultural land they own or lease in agriculture and out of development (6,725 acres in Larimer County and 8,150 in Weld) o In effect, this means 15,385 northem Colorado acres in addition to the Soapstone property would be retained as open space • Folsom is committed to establishing a working and mutually beneficial partnership with the City. This is evidenced by: o Folsom proactively approaching CSU to help it understand the City's needs, and to help Folsom cross -walk its needs with the City's o Folsom eager to share innovative ideas (Appendix A) Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal Rest Phase Approximately five percent (5%) of the total area available for grazing shall be rested each grazing season. This 5% (approximately 800 acres) shall be in one contiguous block and shall be selected annually in consultation with the Lessor. Adjustments to animal units will be based on the range type(s) within the rested area. The parties may be written agreement on an annual basis choose instead to reduce grazing in any one pasture by 5% of the total available animal units or approximately 185 AU. Folsom believes that the objectives of resting a pasture for ecological recovery are best served by removing the pasture entirely from the grazing rotation, not by reducing the stocking rate. However, for the sake of simplicity, Folsom is electing to reduce grazing in any one pasture by 5% of the total available animal units available for that year. Should the City decide to rest a contiguous 800-acre block instead, Folsom would provide the labor for temporary fence construction providing the City supplies all materials (see Section IV Other Conditions, item #6.) The number of rest phase units (5% of the total AUs available for that year), or the location of the contiguous 800-acre rest block, would be determined during the pre - grazing season meeting in conjunction with any adjustments to the grazing plan for that year. Dalmatian Toadflax Provide a plan to control the spread of Dalmatian toadflax. This can include the use of sheep and goats, grazing intensity and timing, and other control efforts. If necessary, please provide a detailed budget (materials and labor) for the control effort. Also include the monitoring technique you will use to document control. -SC#4: Is this response innovative in developing grazing rotations, Dalmatian toadflax control, ranch improvements, etc. Folsom has done extensive research to investigate possible options for controlling the spread of Dalmatian toadflax, and would hope to develop a management plan in conjunction with both the City of Fort Collins and the Larimer County Weed District. In preparation of this, different management options have been investigated, including grazing sheep and goats. Dalmatian toadflax has been identified on the State of Colorado as a List B Noxious Weed Species. However, no prescriptive techniques have currently been adopted by the State Commissioner for this species. Until a statewide management plan has been developed, there are no management specifications for Dalmatian toadflax'. The management approach of the Latimer County Weed District identifies the first step as inventorying the weed species and mapping the infestations 2. Folsom is aware of the presence of Dalmatian toadflax on the Soapstone property but the dispersion and density of the overall infestation as well as the number, size, density, and relative locations of individual infestations are unknown. Soapstone encompasses over 12,500 acres (16,450 acres including lands leased from State of Colorado.) Management options are extremely influenced both by resources and practicability of the different weed control methods. Additionally, prioritizing infestations for management action will be based on severity of impact as well as ability to control it. In order to avoid wasting resources on an ad -hoc approach, Folsom believes that developing a carefully thought-out management plan needs this type of inventory prior to identifying and implementing management actions. Without a full understanding of the scope of the problem, it is difficult to suggest ways to help address it. In the absence of detailed information regarding the extent of the infestation, Folsom has considered the five general methods of weed control identified by Larimer County Weed District: Preventive, Chemical, Biological, Mechanical, and Cultural'. The opportunity for preventive weed control has passed and the 1 Eric Lane, Colorado Department of Agriculture. Personal communication, 6/16/05. 2 Larimer County Weed Control District. Creating a Weed Management Plan. htto://www.co.larimer.co.us/weeds/weedplan.htm 3 Larimer County Weed Control District. Weed Control Methods. htti)://www.co.larimer.co.us/weeds/control.htm Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal use of biological control (insects and pathogens) has, in our estimation, not been well developed yet. Mechanical control involves physically removing the plant and its roots from the soil. The literature seems to indicate that intensive cultivation may effectively control weed infestations in cropland situations but in rangeland it's not always a practical form of control. Mowing and prescribed burning may exacerbate the infestation and have not been looked upon favorably as management options4. The Larimer County Weed District also does not recommend mechanical control as a measure for controlling the weeds. Therefore, only two general methods of control are viable on Soapstone, chemical and cultural. According to K.G. Beck (Colorado State University Cooperative Extension weed science specialist and professor of weed science, bioagricultural sciences, and pest management), chemical control (i.e. herbicides) may be effective in some situations but are impractical or inadvisable over large infestations due to logistical, economic, or environmental constraints 6. They also tend to be the most frequently used and easiest form of control, though not always the least expensive or most effective. Regardless, there are only a few herbicides labeled for use that have been effective in controlling it, with picloram (also know as Tordon 22K) and 2.4-D being the most common. Important to note in this region, herbicides won't be effective during a drought or when weeds are not healthy; if the plant is not growing well, it won't take up the chemical efficiently. In a large area where Dalmatian toadflax is established, it may be better to contain the weed first and then slowly work towards eradicating it. Containing weed infestations that are too large to eradicate is cost- effective because it preserves neighboring uninfested rangeland. Applying herbicides around edges of the patch could keep the infestation under controls. Applying herbicides within two weeks after the first killing frost is most effective since this is when the plant is most vulnerable (due to the frost's ability to break the plant's waxy cuticle.) Frost dates vary depending on annual climate conditions. The Larimer County Weed District estimates that the first hard frost in the Soapstone area occurs in approximately mid-SeptemberR. Folsom's concerns regarding chemical control include the potential for harm to livestock. The nitrate content of several kinds of plants may increase after they have been sprayed with 2,4-D or similar herbicides. Cattle that browse on these treated plants may be poisoned. Additionally, certain unpalatable or poisonous plants treated with certain herbicides may become palatable to livestock. Livestock must be kept out of areas where poisonous plants have been sprayed until the plants have dried up9. This must be taken into consideration if chemical control is utilized as a weed control option. Cultural control implies changing something to make it harder for the weed to grow or become established. Depending on the weed, grazing, crop rotation, reseeding, and fertilization are all cultural practices that can enhance weed control3. Very few published studies are available to determine whether grazing livestock (sheep, goats, or cattle) will help control toadflax. Grazing by goats is a tool that has worked well with some perennial weeds, but research to date has not shown it to be effective against Dalmatian toadflax10. The thought is that grazing would prevent toadflax from going to seed. However, according to Eric Lane of the Colorado Department of Agriculture, results have been somewhat 4 Hansen, R. Dalmatian Toadflax, Yellow Toadjlax. USDA-APHIS-PPQ, Forestry Sciences Lab, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717-0278. 5 Gorek, Jennifer. Senior Weed Specialist, Larimer County Weed District. Personal communication, 6/20/05. 6 Beck, K.G. Biology and Management of the ToadJlaxes. httv://www.ext.colostate.edu/t)ubs/natres/03114.html 7 Morishita, D., University of Idaho weed scientist. In: Bushnell, J. Dalmatian Toadflax: Wicked Weed of the West. BEEF. September 1998. httn://beef-mac.com/mag/beef dalmatian toadflax wicked/ s Gorek, Jennifer. Senior Weed Specialist, Larimer County Weed District. Personal communication, 6/20/05. v Whitson, T.D., Dewey, S.A., and Stougaard, R, Eds. Weed Management Handbook for Montana, Utah, Wyoming. Cooperative Extension Services 1999-2000. 10 Integrating Multiple Biological Control Agents for Dalmatian Toad.Jlax and Diffitse Knapweed. Norton and Hutbauer 2003. Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal discouraging in terms of any noticeable results in mortality to the plant, reduced seed production, or vigor". Folsom spoke with Dr. Norton, a Colorado State University professor conducting research on the effects of goat and sheep grazing on toadflax, and he does not prescribe the type of intensive sheep or goat razing typically utilized on the Front Range as a management option for controlling toadflax at this time' . Folsom also spoke with Dana Bloomenthal, a research scientist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service, Rangeland Resources Unit, who has been conducting research on the effects of controlled cattle grazing (light vs. heavy) to control Dalmatian toadflax 13. Although the study is still underway and data has not yet been fully analyzed, anecdotal observations indicate that toadflax survives all types of grazing (sheep, goat, or cattle). Therefore, he also would not prescribe utilizing cattle grazing as a management option at this time. The Latimer County Weed District was also consulted and they do not currently recommend sheep or goat (or cattle) grazing as a management option 14. For these reasons, Folsom does not believe timing, intensity, or type (sheep, goat, or cattle) of grazing are control options to consider at this time. However, Folsom would be receptive to possible collaborative research with the Larimer County Weed District, City of Fort Collins, or Colorado State University if the City would like to pursue this option. Maximizing competition of cool -season grasses with Dalmatian toadflax is another cultural control to consider. If cool -season, perennial grasses are present they may be able to effectively compete against Dalmatian toadflax. This would preclude the need to seed competitive grasses. Research indicates that no single control method, nor any one-year treatment program, will ever achieve effective control of an area infested with Dalmatian toadflax. The fast growth, extensive root system and high reproductive capacity of this plant requires long-term cooperative integrated management programs and planning to contain and reduce Dalmatian toadflax populations. Folsom proposes to work with the City and Latimer County Weed District in developing and implementing a strategy for managing Dalmatian toadflax on Soapstone. The best management option for Soapstone appears to be chemical control to prevent the plants from going to seed and increase competition of native grasses. This could easily be worked into the grazing schedule. If the average first killing frost is September 15, three of the pastures will have been rotated out of grazing by that time and could be treated with herbicides. The management plan would prioritize areas needing treatment and the City may want to consider re -ordering the pasture rotation to accommodate the priority areas. Budget: Without an idea of the extent of the problem, it is hard to know the amount of labor needed to control the spread of Dalmatian toadflax on Soapstone. The ranch manager would be available to assist in control efforts in the grazing off-season. Folsom would also be willing to share half the cost of labor with the City and provide the equivalent of up to $1,000 per grazing season for labor. This would include opportunities for its members to be involved with management of the ranch by participating in volunteer work days, or assisting the City with purchasing outside labor if needed. The City would be responsible for all materials required for weed control. Monitoring: The following monitoring technique has been developed with guidance from the Latimer County Weed District1(). A few infestations should be chosen for monitoring, with a marker placed at the center of each infestation. Photographs should then be taken in each cardinal direction on the same day "Eric Eric Lane, Colorado Department of Agriculture. Personal communication, June 17, 2005. 12 Dr. Andrew Norton, Assistant Professor of Bioagricultural Science and Pest Management, Colorado State University. Personal communication, 6/21/05. 13 Dana Bloomenthal, Research Scientist, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Rangeland Resources Unit. Personal communication, 6/22/05. 14 Gorek, Jennifer. Senior Weed Specialist, Larimer County Weed District. Personal communication, 6/20/05. Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal every spring and every fall. Notes should record visual estimates of acres impacted, density, infestation drift, or any other noteworthy observations. III. SOAPSTONE PRAIRIE NATURAL AREA Requested Proposal: The proposal shall also include a description of how Soapstone Prairie Natural Area will be incorporated into your overall ranching operation. -SC#S. Respondent's familiarity with Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. Prior to becoming Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, the Soapstone property was managed with great care by the Soapstone Grazing Association. Deliberate decisions were made to leave it in a natural state as much as possible. For example, a conscious decision was made to limit hunting. Additionally, harvesting moss rock is a lucrative business in northern Colorado. A resolution was made to not allow this activity on the Soapstone property as rock formations provide a unique kind of wildlife habitat as well as habitat for a diversity of lichens, grasses, and forbs. Folsom's membership currently represents three quarters of Soapstone Grazing Association's previous membership. Folsom believes the good condition of the Soapstone property today is a direct result of its past management practices. The City only stands to benefit from the knowledge gained by Folsom's own adaptive management and lessons learned. Folsom's members have always put the good of the land first, utilizing rotational grazing and removing cattle in drought years. Cattle were moved when grass became short. If the season was dry, cattle went in to pasture later in spring and came out early in fall. Being able to respond to the needs of the land is a given for proper land management. In the ranching business, having a herd involves long term planning. A true cattleman believes that taking care of their cattle involves taking good care of the land. Most of Folsom's members have been ranching on the Soapstone property for over a decade, with two members running cattle there for over 40 years and three for over 20 years. Folsom Grazing Association not only possesses a wealth of knowledge about the Soapstone property but has also developed a sincere "love for the land" at Soapstone. Folsom's members would be honored to share their knowledge of ranching operations in general and history of the Soapstone area with the public. A few of our members are already involved with volunteer efforts (at museums and other) to preserve regional heritage in their communities. Assisting the City with public tours and range management is a way for Folsom to give back to the land that has treated it well. Folsom has also considered other possible ways of incorporating Soapstone Prairie Natural Area into its overall ranching operation. These are included in Appendix A of this proposal. IV. OTHER CONDITIONS SC#2: Adequate resources to meet the terms of the lease. SC#4: Is this response innovative in developing grazing rotations, Dalmatian toadflax control, ranch improvements, etc. 1) Applicants submitting proposals must have extensive experience in managing seasonal livestock grazing operations of at least 400 animal units. Please provide a description of your experience. Folsom Grazing Association's membership represents over 600 years of collective ranching experience and several of our members have experience owning and managing over 400 animal units. However, as the ranch manager is the single person responsible for overseeing daily livestock operations, it would be most appropriate to describe his experience. Folsom Grazing Association Soapstone Grazing Lease (P992) Proposal Frank Luark, current ranch manager at Soapstone, has been involved in livestock operations most of his life. He worked for the Monfort feedlot in Greeley from 1965 to 1980 where he was a Pen Checker and was responsible for the daily health care of about 10,000 head of cattle. Frank then served as ranch manager at Terry Ranch from 1980 to 1992 where he was responsible for 2,000 to 2,500 yearlings during a given grazing season. Frank returned to work for Monfort feedlots (in Gilcrest, CO) for five years from 1992 to 1997 where he was again a Pen Checker responsible for the daily health care of about 10,000 head of cattle. In 1997, Frank became the ranch manager for Soapstone Grazing Association (and resident of the ranch house on the current Soapstone property) until 2004 when he was retained by Folsom to continue serving as ranch manager on the Soapstone property. 2) The lessee or an employee of the lessee must serve as the ranch manager and occupy the house provided at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. Occupation must be for the entire term of the lease. Utilities will be paid by lessee. Please provide the name of the occupant and their responsibilities related to the grazing lease. Folsom intends to have Frank Luark continue as ranch manager for the term of this lease and occupy the house year-round. He is knowledgeable, experienced, responsible, sincere, hard working, and the best ranch manager Folsom could hope for. His responsibilities related to the grazing lease would include: a. Security (see #3 below) b. Public Tours (see #4 below) c. Maintenance (see #5 below) d. Weather Log (see #7 below) e. Pasture Log (see #8 below) f. Ranch Improvements (see #9 below) g. Short -Term Monitoring (see #11 below) h. Dalmatian toadflax — The ranch manager would be available to assist with Dalmatian toadflax control efforts during the grazing off-season. The ranch manager, with the above assigned responsibilities, would be provided to the City at an expense of $450 per month. This dollar amount includes expenses required for lease of the pick-up truck, ATV, and fuel utilized in fulfillment of the ranch manager's responsibilities. Due to the increasing expense of vehicle leases, fuel, and utilities, this amount reflects an increase from the amount in the existing lease. The ranch manager would be available to help the City with additional projects (such as cleaning up the ranch headquarters grounds, removing trash from drainage ditches on the side of the main entrance road, or razing old structures on the property) so long as it does not interfere with his primary obligations of livestock management. The ranch manager would be able for these additional duties at an expense to the City of $25 per hour, as is the arrangement under the existing lease. In addition to the $450 per month expense described above, charges for these additional duties would be deducted from the going in and going out grazing payments occurring in May and November of each year (as is done currently.) 3) The ranch manager is responsible for site security that includes closing gates, reporting trespass or other violations to the City of Fort Collins, Natural Areas Program — Land Manager, and in certain instances, the Larimer County Sheriff. Frank is the eyes and the ears of the ranch. He is responsible, observant, and has never hesitated to properly approach trespassers or contact the authorities when something didn't seem right. Typically, closing and re -locking gates is the responsibility of whoever opens them. Folsom would expect this standard practice to continue. Additionally, it is expected that all exterior gates on the property would have key locks. Needless to say, Frank would continue to close any gates he finds open that shouldn't