invasive species

Wyoming relies on millions of federal dollars to spray for invasive weeds, and federal cuts are putting some of those dollars into question for the upcoming season. That could mean more costs to private landowners or fewer new treatment projects.

Quagga or zebra mussels have been detected in every state in the region except for Wyoming and New Mexico.

One estimate says a quagga mussel infestation would cost the Pacific Northwest $500 million a year to deal with.

Jenny Loveridge is a scientist who’s lived in Laramie since 2004. She’s snorkeled just about every body of water within 200 miles. This summer, when she was snorkeling in Alsop Lake, she saw something new on the plants: New Zealand mudsnails – an invasive aquatic species. They’re the size of a grain of rice, with a swirly tan or dark colored shell. Loveridge saw millions.

The invasive rusty crayfish was discovered in Lake Granby, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife is concerned because of its proximity to the Colorado River.

The U.S. Forest Service is spending nearly $19 million to fight invasive species threatening the nation’s forests, including several in the Mountain West.

The Bridger-Teton National Forest Service (BTNF) is trying to stop cheatgrass from expanding in western Wyoming by spraying the invasive grass, which is a concern for native wildlife and their habitat.

Across the region, goatheads - or puncturevine - are a scourge to cyclists, walkers and our four-legged friends: they pop tires and embed themselves in shoes and sensitive paws. There are many efforts to halt their spread, and new research could help to better target that work.

The objections were primarily concerned with what the impacts would be on native plant species in an effort to treat invasive ones. Others expressed concern about applying herbicide aerially. In response, the forest has amended their plans to remove two native plant species initially slated for treatment from the project's final decision. Once approved, the new plan will be in effect by the summer of 2023 when treatments will get underway throughout the forest.

Last September, a woman found what is likely the first DNA-confirmed death cap mushroom in our region. The extremely toxic fungus is a concern for parents and pet owners, alike.