In coordination with Carbon County Weed and Pest, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service will aerially treat invasive annual grass on 2,295 acres of mixed ownership lands in southern Carbon County, Wyo. between July 13 and 19. This application of the herbicide, Rejuvra, aims to limit the spread of cheatgrass in the 2018 Ryan Fire burned area.

Visitors to the area should be aware of operations in the coming days. Short term closure may be implemented during the application, and maps and signage will be posted in the treatment area.

Cheatgrass is a highly invasive, non-native annual grass that flourishes in burned areas. Aerial application of the herbicide limits the ability of the plant to regenerate in areas where it has historically outcompeted native species, such as steep slopes and drainages. Declines in cheatgrass improve wildlife habitat and water quality, as well as reducing wildfire risk.

Since 2020, Rejuvra has been successfully used to limit the growth of cheatgrass in the Mullen, Badger, and Squirrel Creek burned areas in Albany and Carbon counties, as well as on the Pole Mountain unit of Medicine Bow National Forest. The Ryan wildfire area was previously treated but will now be re-treated with this more effective herbicide.

Treatment of this aggressive species has become a priority for many agencies in the western United States. Working with Carbon County Weed and Pest, this treatment is funded by grants from Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and U.S. Forest Service State and Private Forestry, administered by Wyoming State Forestry. Additional contributions were made by the U.S. Forest Service and Wyoming Game and Fish.

The ability to spray aerially is a result of the 2015 Record of Decision for Invasive Plant Management on the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland.

Fire recovery is a USDA Forest Service – Rocky Mountain Regional priority, and local Forest objective. Post-fire restoration work, such as cheatgrass spraying, is ongoing.

Specific questions about the project should be directed to Brad Weatherd, Forest Service, 307-330-6752 or Reese Irvine, Carbon County Weed and Pest, 307-324-6584.

Additional resources can be found on our website or social media channels: @FS_MBRTB on Twitter or @FSMBRTB on Facebook.