National Forest seeks public comment on invasive plant project

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking public comment on the Bighorn National Forest’s project intended to expand treatment of invasive grass species, including the aggressive Medusahead and Ventenata species. 

Bighorn National Forest officials are hosting a virtual open house meeting June 17, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Participants may join the virtual open house at the following link: . National Forest officials will be available to provide information and answer questions regarding the project.

The comment period will continue for 45 days through July 20, 2020.

The public may submit comments using the instructions listed in the Federal Register notice or by email at comments-bighorn@usda.gov with “Invasive and Other Select Plant Management Project” in the subject line. 

Comments may also be submitted by mail and sent to Forest Supervisor, 2013 Eastside 2nd St., Sheridan, WY 82801, or faxed to (307) 674-2668.

Invasive grass species like the Medusahead and Ventenata species threaten wildlife habitat and native plant species, undermine the health of watersheds and increase wildfire risk. 

The project proposes using a full spectrum of available tools to treat invasive species and manage their spread, such as mechanical pulling, aerial application of herbicides, biological agents and managing native species using herbicides. The proposed project area boundary encompasses the Bighorn National Forest.       

More information on the Invasive and Other Select Plant Management Project is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57457 or by contacting Chris Jones at (307) 674-2627 or christopher.d.jones@usda.gov.

To view the Notice of Intent and make comments visit the Federal Register website: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/06/03/2020-11928/bighorn-national-forest-wyoming-invasive-and-other-select-plant-management.