JACKSON, Wyo. — With wildfires ravaging almost half a million acres in Wyoming and Montana, the Wyoming Weed and Pest Council (WWPC) works to assess burned areas to help mitigate the spread of invasive plants.
WWPC often partners with the Wyoming State Forestry Division to identify the potential threat of invasive species hindering the growth of native plants after the flames have been extinguished.
According to WWPC, scorched areas will need time to recover and regrow wildlife. That period of healing is actually one of the most dangerous times for the state’s local plants.
“A lot of times, we can see whole fields of native plants burned away,” Albany County Weed and Pest District Supervisor Lindsay Wheat said via press release. “Those plants need time to regrow naturally, however, there are stronger invasive weeds that move in and establish themselves as the dominant species in that burn area.”
The WWPC says that Canada thistle is a particular problem in Wyoming, often spreading across large swaths of burned soil. The weed has the ability to adapt to its environment more efficiently than native plants. The roots of Canada thistle are extensive and allow the weed to outcompete the local plant life for soil, water and sunlight.
“Plants like Canada thistle are ruderal species, meaning they are the first to move in on disturbed land,” Wheat said. “They are so resilient that they have no problem regrowing in burned fields and forests before any other plant. This is a huge problem for native species, but also for our state’s livestock.”
Most animals will not eat the invasive weed due to its prickly features. This allows the plant to spread even further through seeding and pollination. Canada thistle also impacts crop yields and severely hinders farmers’ productivity, according to the WWPC.
According to Wheat, spraying affected areas with herbicide is the preferred method the WWPC uses to eradicate Canada thistle. The University of Wyoming recommends thoroughly cleaning boots and equipment when leaving an area with thistles to help prevent the spreading of seeds. Use a hoe or shovel to remove isolated weeds before they reproduce in higher numbers.
Practicing fire safety also helps protect the Wyoming’s wilderness. Always be sure to properly dispose of litter rather than burning it, avoid activities that involve fire during dry conditions and properly extinguish any campfire.
“Drought conditions are something we have been regularly dealing with since the early 2000s,” Teton County Weed and Pest District Supervisor Erika Edmiston said in the announcement. “This year hasn’t been much of an improvement, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings and be mindful of potential forest fires. Maintaining a healthy population of native plants is critical for the health of our wildlife, livestock and Wyoming as a whole.”
Prevention remains the best way to stop noxious weeds that impede the growth of native species. If unusual weeds are growing in an area, contact the local weed and pest district for assistance. A list of all the district offices can be found on wyoweed.org.
