(Fremont County, WY) – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lander Field Office in coordination with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service will continue to partner with Fremont County Weed and Pest District, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and Wyoming State Parks to aerially spray cheatgrass.
Treatments are planned through June depending on weather conditions. Conducting cheatgrass treatments is a continuing and shared commitment to manage healthy rangelands and reduce wildfire risk.
Locations for cheatgrass treatments include:
- Sinks Canyon
- Areas around Grand Cedars subdivision
- Red Canyon
These projects target areas of cheatgrass infestation on State, BLM managed lands and partnering private landowners. Cheatgrass reduction will reduce wildfire risk, enhance wildlife habitat, and improve recreational experiences for visitors.
Treatments will involve spraying the herbicide indaziflam (Rejuvra) from a helicopter and drone. Actual spray dates will depend on weather conditions, but could begin as early as April 30. Short duration closures in Sinks Canyon will occur during application.
The public is advised to use caution and avoid spraying operations if encountered. Areas are safe to re-enter once sprays have dried, after approximately four hours.
For more information, please contact Fremont County Weed and Pest District Supervisor Aaron Foster, or Fuels Specialists Shawn Phillips at 307-840-1793 and Sam Coffin at 385-256-3710.
Wyoming State Parks also separately issued the following release in relation to the cheatgrass spraying:
Fremont County Weed and Pest District, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and the Bureau of Land Management plan to conduct aerial cheatgrass treatment within Sinks Canyon State Park the week of May 4-8, depending on weather conditions. Conducting cheatgrass treatments is a continuing and shared commitment to manage healthy wildlife habitat and reduce wildfire risk.
“Treating cheatgrass in Sinks Canyon State Park is a high priority for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The area includes crucial winter range for mule deer and provides extensive habitat for a myriad of other species. All of these species depend on native plants for forage and cover. Cheatgrass inhibits these native plants as well as increasing chances for wildfire,” stated Amy Anderson, Wyoming Game and Fish Department terrestrial habitat biologist.
Treatments will involve spraying the herbicide indaziflam (Rejuvra) from drones. Actual spray dates will depend on weather conditions, but could begin as early as May 4. Short-duration closures in Sinks Canyon State Park will occur during application.
“Historical wildfires on the south slopes in Sinks Canyon created an opportunity for cheatgrass to dominate, risking repeat fires and continued loss of important wildlife habitat. Rejuvra treatments will improve land health, benefiting wildlife while also reducing fire risk,” said
Aaron Foster, Fremont County Weed and Pest district supervisor.
Spray areas will be flagged and marked with signs. The public is advised to use caution and avoid spraying operations if encountered. Once the spray has dried, areas will be reopened to the public. The Sunnyside Trail will be closed during the duration of the treatment.
For more information, please contact Fremont County Weed and Pest District Supervisor Aaron Foster at (307) 332-1052 or Sinks Canyon State Park Superintendent Jessica Moore at (307) 332-6333.