JACKSON, Wyo. — On Wednesday, May 1, Teton County Weed and Pest District (TCWP) announced that it is offering reimbursements to Teton County landowners for managing invasive plants on their property.
TCWP says that the Invasive Plant Cost-Share Reimbursement Program aims to reduce the financial burden of invasive plant management. Program enrollment opened on May 1, and enrollment will close on July 31, or when the budget has been fully allocated, whichever comes first.
According to TCWP, since the program launched in 2022, TCWP has issued $279,207 in reimbursements to landowners with a median reimbursement of $235.75 in 2023. The TCWP Board of Directors has allocated a $200,000 budget for the 2024 program. Landowners are eligible to receive up to $2,000 in reimbursement, calculated based on parcels and acreage.
In 2023, there was a significant rise in participation in the program. In 2022, 232 landowners enrolled, and 350 landowners enrolled in 2023. Those landowners represent more than 10,000 acres under active management for invasive plants, according to TCWP.
TCWP describes invasive plants as plants not native to a region which out-compete native plants for available resources, reproduce prolifically and potentially dominate ecosystems.
“Because new areas are free from the predators of their native regions, invasive plants can spread unchecked. Invasive plants will transform ecosystems by choking out native species, which reduces forage and habitat for wildlife and livestock, alters fire regimes and obstructs infrastructure and access to recreation,” TCWP said in the announcement.
The Invasive Plant Cost-Share Reimbursement Program is operated on a first come, first served basis, and landowners are encouraged to enroll as soon as possible to secure their reimbursement. Reimbursements will be issued by October 31. Additional information about the program can be found here.
