News – Sheridan Media
Sheridan County Commissioners Christi Haswell and Nick Siddle said during a recent appearance on Public Pulse that efforts are ongoing to monitor the burn scars from the Remington, House Draw, and Elk fires for signs of invasive grasses.
In an earlier report, Sheridan County Weed and Pest Control Supervisor Walker Billings warned that invasive grasses present a serious risk of outcompeting native species in areas affected by wildfires that swept through Northern Wyoming last year.
According to Billings, invasive grasses such as Ventenata and Medusahead, along with the more common Cheatgrass, are contributing to the decline of local grazing lands.
Wildfires across northern Wyoming have elevated concern at the state level, as these fast-spreading annuals can quickly dominate fire-scarred landscapes before native species have a chance to recover.
Haswell said she has been in regular contact with the Weed and Pest board, and for now, monitoring the burn areas remains the most viable course of action.
C. Haswell
In February, the Wyoming Weed and Pest Council and the University of Wyoming released a joint report estimating that unchecked invasive weeds could cost the state more than $300 million annually.
The spread of invasive grasses threatens not only local ecosystems but also the livelihoods of agricultural families in Sheridan and surrounding counties. Siddle emphasized the commission’s commitment to addressing the issue.
N. Siddle
To learn more about Sheridan County Weed and Pest and their efforts combating invasive grasses, click here.
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Last modified: June 20, 2025