BLM Lander and Fremont County begin Government Draw aerial weed treatments
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LANDER, Wyo. — With a shared commitment to managing for healthy rangelands, the Bureau of Land Management will partner with Fremont County Weed and Pest for a fourth season of aerial weed treatments in the Government Draw area east of Lander. Treatments may occur from August 22 through September 10.
To combat cheatgrass and leafy spurge expansion and improve habitat for wildlife and livestock grazing, the herbicide Panoramic and adjuvant Sun Wet will be sprayed from a helicopter. Panoramic will provide selective post-emergent control of leafy spurge and pre-emergent control of cheatgrass. The spray areas will target dry draws where leafy spurge and cheatgrass have invaded.
“This is the fourth season of aerial weed treatments in Government Draw," said Aaron Foster, district supervisor of Fremont County Weed and Pest. “We have seen positive results in controlling both leafy spurge and cheatgrass in the area, largely due to implementing a consistent program."
The aerial treatments are made possible by grants to Fremont County Weed and Pest from Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, state and private forestry, the local sage-grouse working group, and the BLM.
Actual spraying days will depend on weather conditions. The area will remain open during the project dates, but please use caution to avoid spraying operations. Spraying will not occur in an area whenever the helicopter pilot detects human presence.
For more information, please contact Aaron Foster at 307-332-1052 or BLM Rangeland Management Specialist Grant Burke at 307-332-8400.
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.