BLM, Weed & Pest to aerially spray cheatgrass in Hyattville, Shell areas

The Bureau of Land Management is partnering with Big Horn County Weed & Pest to aerially spray cheatgrass from August through mid-September in the Meyers Spring area and junctions of Red Gulch and Alkali roads north of Hyattville and in the Bear Creek area northeast of Shell.

These projects along with similar ones in Fremont, Hot springs, Park and Washakie counties, target areas of cheatgrass infestation on state, BLM-managed lands and partnering private landowners. Cheatgrass reduction will reduce wildfire risk, enhance wildlife habitat, and improve recreational experiences for visitors.

Treatments will involve spraying the herbicides imazapic or indaziflam from a helicopter. Actual spray dates will depend on weather conditions. Areas will remain open but please use caution to avoid spraying operations. Areas are safe to re-enter once sprays have dried.

During operations, application aircraft will be visible within and adjacent to defined project area boundaries at relatively low altitudes. Permitees, oil and gas field personnel, recreationists, and other public land users are urged to be aware of treatment operations.

For more information, please contact Bighorn County Weed and Pest District Supervisor Cliff Winters.