SCLT Announces Trail Closures for Invasive Grass Treatments

Sheridan Community Land Trust will temporarily close portions of two trail systems in October while contractors conduct aerial treatments of invasive annual grasses at Ridgetop and Gillispie Draw Natural Areas. The first closure will be the Soldier Ridge Trail Saturday and Sunday, October 17-18. Weather permitting, work will take place over the weekend, with Soldier Ridge Trail expected to reopen Monday, October 19.

Hidden Hoot Trail and Hoot Loop up to its connection with The Link will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, October 21–22, while a contractor conducts aerial treatment of invasive annual grasses at Gillispie Draw Natural Area. Unlike the helicopter application at Ridgetop, this treatment will be conducted using a drone. Weather permitting, the affected trails are expected to reopen Friday, October 23. SCLT Marketing and Development Contractor Chris Vrba.

Vrba said the herbicides being used target biological processes in plants, specifically seed germination and root growth. Birds, mammals and insects do not have these same biological systems, so the products are designed to have low direct toxicity to wildlife when applied according to their labels. According to SCLT’s conservation team, the treatments are intended to be safe for people, pets, livestock and wildlife once the spray has completely dried, typically within a few hours.

The affected trails will remain closed during their scheduled treatment dates. No additional restrictions are planned after reopening, provided the work is completed as scheduled. If weather or other circumstances require changes to either closure, SCLT will provide an update. Click here for more information on the trail closures.