The strategy for this project will incorporate Fall and Spring treatments of BLM approved herbicide on approximately 100 acres. Following treatments will not exceed 1000 acres per treatment year. The Sublette County Weed and Pest is also providing support for this project through aerial, roadside, and follow-up backpack applications. They are also supplying herbicides for the initial treatment.
Habitat classification are mixed cool season grasses, Big Sagebrush communities, winter range for Mule Deer, moose, pygmy rabbit, and brood rearing habitat for sage-grouse.
This area is not an active allotment; however, due to treatment timing grazing will not be affected. Livestock management will not be affected but grazing management will be incorporated on later treatments within the Bowsman common allotment. In phase 1 a new water well will be developed to provide water for livestock and wildlife. This well will distribute livestock away from a recreation area associated with Boulder Lake. This disturbance has the potential to spread the invasion of Cheatgrass to other areas.
Buffers will be implemented to protect the water resources as necessary throughout the project area.
Pre and post monitoring is a large componet of this project. It will measure cheatgrass cover and infestation size of each treatment area within the project. USGS and Sublette County Weed and Pest will be supporting the monitoring efforts.
