Wyoming Takes Steps Toward Adding Cheatgrass to Noxious Weed List

The Wyoming Weed and Pest Council has approved a resolution to designate cheatgrass, also known as downy brome, as a noxious weed in the state, Wyoming News Now reports.

This decision moves the proposal to the Wyoming Board of Agriculture for final approval, potentially making cheatgrass the 32nd species on the state’s Designated Noxious Weed List.

If approved, cheatgrass would join two other invasive annual grasses on the list: ventenata and medusahead rye.

Cheatgrass is an invasive species that thrives in the Sagebrush Steppe and disturbed areas. While it has been present in Wyoming for years, advances in science and management techniques have improved efforts to control its spread. Adding it to the noxious weed list is expected to bolster ongoing landscape-scale management programs that involve local, state, and federal partners.

Hale Redding, Weston County Weed and Pest District Supervisor, emphasized the significance of the designation.

“Designation elevates awareness and recognizes that this species is no longer localized, but widespread,” Redding said.

A recent study by the University of Wyoming found that cheatgrass affects approximately 5.3 million acres in the state, with an additional 10 million acres showing low levels of infestation. Agricultural losses due to cheatgrass are estimated at $29 million annually and could rise to $110 million if the grass spreads to all suitable habitats.

Cheatgrass has also drawn attention for its detrimental effects on wildlife habitat, particularly for sage grouse, and for exacerbating wildfire risks.

In 2024, the Wyoming Legislature allocated $9 million to address invasive annual grasses, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for coordinated action. The fundinMax Licher, swbiodiversity.org/seinetg, administered through the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust (WWNRT), supports local and statewide treatment efforts in collaboration with multiple partners.

The proposal to add cheatgrass to the noxious weed list originated with the Sublette County Weed and Pest District. Its inclusion is expected to provide additional resources and public awareness to combat its spread.

Redding underscored the urgency of action.

“We can estimate some losses to agriculture, but what we cannot account for is the cost of doing nothing… Wyoming’s agriculture and natural resources are far too important to let this invasive grass dominate,” Redding said.

For more information on Wyoming’s noxious weed list and reporting procedures for invasive species, residents can refer to resources provided by the Wyoming Weed and Pest Council.