WYOMING — Agricultural economists and invasive weed specialists at the
University of Wyoming (UW) have released a new report on the economic impacts of 10 invasive weeds in Wyoming, suggesting cheatgrass poses the most economically damaging current and future threat to Wyoming agriculture.
The pilot study, which assesses both current and potential economic impacts, was developed in response to Governor Gordon’s 2020 Invasive Species Initiative Report, UW says. To estimate each weed’s statewide and county-level economic impacts on agriculture, the study examined current grazing and crop value losses due to infestation and losses if each species were permitted to spread, unmanaged, into all potentially suitable habitat.
The 10 species analyzed in the new report are cheatgrass, hoary cress, leafy spurge, medusahead, Palmer amaranth, perennial pepperweed, Russian knapweed, Russian olive, ventenata and yellow starthistle.
Of the 10 weeds included in the study, the authors estimate that cheatgrass’s future impact could exceed $110 million annually if left unmanaged.
UW says that while it may be tempting to focus on cheatgrass and other species currently of highest concern, the authors advise against this tactic.
“Preventing further spread of species with very limited range in Wyoming is a higher-leverage approach than waiting for them to have broad-reaching impacts before implementing a strategic management approach,” the report states.
To access the full, free report, click here.
