Forest Service
About
The Forest Service contracts with Sheridan County Weed and Pest to manage invasive species on the Bighorn National Forest. Sheridan County Weed and Pest partners with federal agencies to support management efforts on public lands, so that recreationalists, lease holders, and all public users can enjoy Sheridan County's public lands.
Each summer season, SCWP employees survey large portions of the forest for new infestations of designated and declared noxious weeds, as well as potentially new invaders to Wyoming. Later in the summer, when the weeds at lower elevations have cured out, the crews head up the mountain to begin spraying for weeds on the national forest.
Shown above is the SCWP seasonal crew surveying Walker Prairie for the invasive grass ventenata.
The Elk Fire
In the fall of 2024 the Elk Fire burned across the eastern face of the Big Horn Mountains. This sparked a serious concern about invasive species taking advantage of the newly disturbed ground.
Sheridan County Weed & Pest and partners are focusing heavily on monitoring any plant regrowth within the burn. This will help to understand and prepare for any negative changes in the plant communities that could be a result of the disturbance.
Shown above is a canada thistle plant popping up after the Elk fire.
This is a map showing the western half of Sheridan County highlighting the Elk Fire (shown with a red outline).
For safety reasons, SCWP spray crews leave equipment on the mountain during the last couple summer months. This helps prevent the need to tow large trailers up and down steep roads everyday.
Please help us continue to keep our crews safe by not disturbing the equipment.