Weed and Pest District: Public Meeting on Leafy Spurge

Sheridan County Weed and Pest District (SCWP) announced it will host an informational leafy spurge management meeting from 1-4 p.m., Wednesday, May 6 at the Clearmont Fire Hall, 1245 Front St. in Clearmont. 

According to the district, the purpose of the meeting is to share SCWP’s programs and resources with Sheridan County land managers and to inform citizens about the problems leafy spurge presents and effective steps land managers can take to manage their leafy spurge.

Leafy spurge has been a major problem for Wyoming landowners since the 1960’s. It degrades land values and rangelands by taking over pastures and crop fields while offering no forage value to wildlife or livestock. Leafy spurge is extremely difficult to control due to its deep and complex root system. 

According to a news release from Weed and Pest District Assistant Supervisor Jane Sylvestre, there are effective management methods for leafy spurge, but education is key. No one landowner can beat leafy spurge on their own, but SCWP offers coordination, education, and resources.

Topics will include development of management plans, cultural control approaches, goat grazing, biocontrol through the use of Leafy spurge beetles, and proper selection, timing, and application of herbicides.

All Sheridan County residents are invited to attend and learn how they can become more effective land stewards. To learn more about leafy spurge, click here.