Bureau of Land Management

Description

Project Background Information: Leafy spurge has inhabited portions of Sheridan County for an estimated 50 years and is listed on the Noxious Weed list for the State of Wyoming. Infested lands include the public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The highest infestations on the public lands are located in the NE portion of Sheridan County in the Powder River Breaks and along the Powder River itself. Control methods to reduce leafy spurge populations have included application of herbicides, release of biological control agents, and livestock grazing. This plant has an extensive root system so is very competitive with the native flora for available nutrients and is able to store large nutrient reserves making it difficult to control. It is common for this plant to create its own monoculture.Project Objective: It is the goal of the BLM to reduce leafy spurge populations to an acceptable level. Total eradication is not feasible due to the survival characteristics of the plant, expense, topography, and the diversity of habitats that this plant occupies. Numerous large draws and their side drainages that flow into the Powder River contain leafy spurge. The objective is to reduce populations of leafy spurge so native perennial plants are able to outcompete this invasive species in the local plant communities. Leafy spurge is unpalatable to domestic livestock and to most wildlife species. Sheep and goats can be trained to eat spurge but otherwise will avoid this plant. Therefore this plant is highly competitive with the native plants and is unpalatable to livestock and local wildlife species. Benefits: The reduction or removal of this plant allows native plants to flourish allowing the indigenous plant communities to reestablish. Native plants provide the needed food and habitat requirements for wildlife including big game animals, small mammals, raptors, and songbirds. The return of landscapes to their natural production levels provides food for livestock and wildlife and meets the habitat requirements for local fauna. Statement of Joint Objectives/Project Management Plan: Herbicides will be applied to reduce the populations of leafy spurge. Locations will be discussed and agreed upon with the BLM range/weed specialist prior to any treatment. Due to the topography aerial application will be the preferred method of application on the majority of the sites. Use of all terrain vehicles (ATVs) and trucks mounted with booms may also be used in those areas motorized vehicles can access. Backpack sprayers may also be used. Treatments will likely require more than one year of treatment. Only BLM approved herbicides will be applied and application will be in accordance with herbicide label directions and all label safety precautions will be adhered to. Application will be by State of Wyoming certified applicators or under their direct supervision. Any unused herbicides, dyes or oils, and any flagging materials will be returned to their respective locations upon completion of the treatment.

Who can apply

• County governments

Contact

Ilze Karklins-Powers <br/>Grants & Agreements Specialist <br/>Phone 307-775-6293
Ilze_Karklins-Powers@blm.gov