BLM to treat invasive cheatgrass near I-70

Utah
Canyon Country DO
Moab FO
Media Contact
Anna Rehkopf

MOAB, Utah. — The BLM’s Moab Field Office will conduct a hazardous fuels mitigation project during the month of November.   

The BLM will spray approximately 13,000 acres of cheatgrass near the Utah/Colorado border in the desert adjacent to Interstate 70. The goal of the project is to use the preemergent herbicide, Imazapic, to combat the invasive annual grass commonly known as cheatgrass.   

Cheatgrass is highly flammable and can rapidly carry fire across a landscape. The application of Imazapic will prevent cheatgrass from germinating, mitigating competition for less flammable, native perennials and forbs on the landscape for up to five growing seasons. After the herbicide treatment, the BLM will wait two growing seasons before applying native seed to the treated landscape. 

"Fuels mitigation work is critical in reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire. These types of projects protect critical habitat and provide for firefighter and public safety,” said Fire and Fuels Mitigation Specialist Charles Fischer. “Cheatgrass is an invasive species that outcompetes native vegetation. The objective is to seed native forbs and grasses at the ideal time after herbicide treatments to restore native landscapes.” 

A small airplane sprays herbicide onto grasses. Canyons are in the background.
A plane is used to spray herbicides on grasses. Photo by Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Treated areas will be safe for visitation once the herbicide has dried. The herbicide will be sprayed from an aircraft over the selected area during November. Specific dates are unavailable, as the treatments are weather dependent. 

To learn how aerial herbicide treatment can help control wildfire spread, read our latest blog on the Prairie Fire, where previous treatments proved effective.

 

-BLM- 

 

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The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.