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BLM's Indaziflam Approval Welcome News for WY's Fight Against Cheatgrass

Government and Politics

July 12, 2024

From: Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon

Governor Gordon has issued the following statement on the Bureau of Land Management’s approval of seven herbicides to control noxious weeds and invasive species, including Indaziflam. 

Indaziflam has been proven to help grazing permittees eliminate cheatgrass, a terrestrial invasive species. The herbicide is currently used by the U.S. Forest Service and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and is being applied throughout Wyoming successfully to limit the spread of cheatgrass and other invasive species:

“Overall, the BLM’s approval is welcome news; albeit it would have been even more welcome months ago as states and counties were planning a coordinated spraying program for the season. Having additional tools to ensure a consistent, thorough, and effective invasive plant eradication effort benefits Wyoming's wildlife, fire prevention, and habitat improvement programs. It is important to Wyoming’s fight against cheatgrass that federal land management agencies use consistent, proven methods that focus on the goal of landscape health foremost,” said Governor Gordon.

With this approval, Indaziflam will be eligible for application on 18 million acres of BLM land in Wyoming. Wyoming invests millions of dollars annually to prevent the proliferation of terrestrial invasive species, including cheatgrass, ventana, and medusahead. The Governor consistently spearheads the fight against invasive species and led a task force to make recommendations on how to best target eradication. At the Governor’s request, the Wyoming Legislature approved $9 million for battling terrestrial invasives this year.