Noxious Species
Noxious species (defined by W.S. 11-5-101) are plants and animals that are considered detrimental to the health or welfare of Wyoming. These plants and animals aggressively invade native plant communities and/or agricultural crops, are harmful or poisonous to livestock, may carry disease or parasites and negatively impact management of agricultural systems and/or natural ecosystems.
The Cost of Cutting Invasive Species Funding: Know What’s at Risk for Wyoming
Wyoming’s Weed & Pest Districts are the frontline defense against invasive annual grasses. When funding is reduced, control efforts fall behind—and invasive species spread fast. The result: increased wildfire risk, damaged rangeland, threats to agriculture and wildlife, and long-term costs that far exceed short-term savings. Sustained funding isn’t optional. It’s what keeps Wyoming protected. Learn more about what’s at stake and what must be done
Designated vs. Declared
Plants and animals that are determined to be “noxious” throughout the state of Wyoming are identified on the list of State Designated Weeds and Pests.
Additional plants and animals may be considered noxious in a particular county in Wyoming, but not throughout the entire state. In this case, the Weed and Pest District Office in that county can “declare” these species as noxious, and the Wyoming Weed and Pest Council and Wyoming Board of Agriculture may officially recognize them on the Declared Weeds and Pests List for that county.
How Species are Added to the List
Each Weed and Pest District Office in Wyoming is required to implement and pursue an effective management program (W.S. 11-5-101) for species on the State Designated and County Declared weed and pest lists.
New species are periodically added to each of these lists as new invaders enter the state. These species are quickly targeted by the Early Detection, Rapid Response programs in an effort to manage the spread.
Report Noxious Species
Report what you see. Timing is important. The sooner weeds are reported, the greater our opportunity to eradicate or control them.
- Report a weed online (login or create an account)
- Contact your local District Office
- Message us via our Facebook page