Gov. Gordon welcomes BLM announcement that adds new tools to fight invasive plants

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon launched an initiative to fight terrestrial invasive species including cheatgrass in 2019. A key tool identified in that initiative is the herbicide Indaziflam. According to the Governor’s Office, here in the Cowboy State, it is used to control cheatgrass, which imperils wildlife, cripples migration corridors, and increases the risk of forest and range fires. 

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced that it is adding ingredients registered by the Environmental Protection Agency, including Indaziflam, to its list of approved herbicide active ingredients. Following a Notice of Availability, the BLM expects to publish a Record of Decision (ROD) regarding this proposal early in 2024.

The Governor applauded this decision by stating the long-awaited announcement is welcome year-end news. 

Gordon said that he and Colorado Governor Jared Polis have been vigorous in encouraging BLM to complete this review process for more than a year.

“Invasive grasses and weeds are a well-documented threat to the well being of native grasslands and animals like mule deer. Indaziflam is an herbicide that has been tested on private, state and US Forest Service  lands and is a proven, necessary,  and effective means of control for invasive species such as cheatgrass,” Gordon said in a release. “I applaud the BLM for completing this process albeit somewhat ploddingly. Assuming the ROD goes as expected, BLM land managers will have an effective tool for 2024 as they work with state agencies to identify treatment areas. Wyoming’s wildlife and range will benefit.” 

Gordon is proposing the Legislature set aside $20 million in the upcoming budget to fight the scourge of invasives like cheatgrass.