Wyoming Governor Launches Program to Fight Invasive Plants

Gov. Mark Gordon has launched a program to deal with terrestrial invasive plants in Wyoming, according to a news release on Wednesday.

“Wyoming is faced with threats from multiple invasive species, both on land and in our waters,” Gordon said.

Terrestrial invasive species represent a significant threat to Wyoming’s forests, rangelands and agricultural lands with varying levels of impact, according to the news release.

For example, volunteers dug out Russian Olives that choke out native vegetation along the banks of the North Platte River for the annual Platte River Revival Day on Saturday.

The project has a policy team and a technical team, each comprised of local, state and federal representatives; people representing industry and agriculture groups; and scientists and practitioners.

The teams will develop recommendations for a large-scale strategy to manage invasive species.

“I have specifically asked these groups to address terrestrial plants and provide recommendations on how to take the first step towards tackling some of the toughest questions," Gordon said. "Our best efforts should begin close to home.”

Policy team members are Chairman Steve Meadows, Wyatt Agar, Brian Boner, Jacque Buchanan, Josh Coursey, Jessica Crowder, John Elliot, Jack Engstrom, Colleen Faber, Jamie Flitner, Slade Franklin, Rob Hendry, Mark Hogan, Matt Hoobler, Astrid Martinez and Tom Walters.

The Technical team are Chairman Justin Derner, Bob Budd, Ben Bump, Todd Caltrider, Justin Caudill, Scott Gamo, Lindy Garner, Ken Henke, Brian Jensen, Julie Kraft, Rod Litzel, Brian Mealor, Dwayne Rice, Pete Stahl, Amanda Thimmayya and Mahonri Williams.

The first meeting of the two teams will be held in Casper at the Federal Building, 100 E. B St., at 9:30 a.m. Oct.10.