UW Plans Cheatgrass Management Research Field Day

Using bioherbicides and the herbicide Esplanade for cheatgrass control are among topics at the Cheatgrass Management and Research Field Day Wednesday, July 11, through the University of Wyoming College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The program is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Tom Thorne/Beth Williams Habitat Management Area, says Dan Tekiela, UW Extension invasive plant ecology specialist.

“We will be looking at some of the newest technologies in cheatgrass management,” says Tekiela, an assistant professor in the Department of Plant Sciences. “These tools may be something ranchers could be interested in utilizing in their own practices.”

Tekiela has been working with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to find alternative ways to manage an area heavily infested with cheatgrass.

Previous attempts have failed, Tekiela says.

“We have multiple trials looking at multiple herbicide options,” he says.

Other topics include using drones in vegetation monitoring with a demonstration and cheatgrass effects on soil moisture. Lunch is provided.

The management area access is off Highway 34 in Sybille Canyon about 24 miles from U.S. 30 or 26 miles from Interstate 25.

Registration at bit.ly/2018cheatgrass is requested by July 1. Email Tekiela at drtekiela@gmail.com for more information.