Programs
Wyoming Weed & Pest Council supports a variety of programs to help prevent the spread of invasive species in Wyoming. Whether you are a recreationist or a landowner, you can participate and make a difference.
We urge outdoor enthusiasts to responsibly enjoy nature, educate themselves on best practices, and actively prevent the spread of harmful species to new areas. Explore how you can actively prevent the spread of invasive species while you are caving, backpacking, mountain biking, paddling, fishing and more.
Certified Weed Free Products
Using certified weed free forage, mulch, compost, and gravel helps prevent the spread of noxious weeds into new areas. Many federal, state, and local lands in Wyoming mandate the use of certified products. Standards have been established by NAISMA to ensure that noxious weeds are not transported through these materials into new areas.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
The Wyoming Weed and Pest Council utilizes Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as its approach to noxious weed control. IPM uses multiple methods to control weeds including using herbicides, biological control using plant pests, and cultural practices such as tillage and mowing. Employing a mix of control strategies with established noxious weeds typically yields favorable outcomes.
Biological Control
Biological control, or biocontrol, uses living organisms to control weeds or pests. Most often insects are the agents used for invasive plant control. The goal of weed biocontrol is to increase herbivory on exotic invasive plants releasing native plants from the invasive plant’s completive edge. This is done by releasing biocontrol agents, usually insects, into weed populations.
Biocontrol insects are used for weed management in cases of widespread weed populations where other methods are unsuitable. The goal of biocontrol is not eradication but to even the playing field.
WYLD WATCH
WYLD WATCH is at the heart of protecting Wyoming’s wild and beautiful landscapes. This initiative empowers community members to identify and report any new or unfamiliar species, especially after events like wildfires.
Supported by tools like EDDMapS, a national database and mapping system, WYLD WATCH connects local efforts to a national network and real-time data system, improving accuracy and impact.