Why Cheatgrass Is a Priority in Platte County

Platte County encompasses approximately 1,350,976 acres of rangeland, pasture, and mixed-use landscapes. Current estimates indicate that more than 70% of these acres are affected by cheatgrass to some degree, making it one of the most widespread and impactful invasive species in the county.

Because of its rapid spread, contribution to increased wildfire risk, and displacement of native and perennial grasses, Platte County classifies cheatgrass as a Noxious Weed of significant concern. As a result, targeted funding has been made available through Platte County Weed and Pest to support large-scale treatment, cost-share programs, and long-term management efforts.

Available Funding Through Platte County Weed and Pest

Each January, the District works with landowners to identify and map proposed treatment areas. These mapped areas are used to apply for grant funding intended to help offset treatment costs. The District’s goal is to achieve an applied rate of $20 per acre; however, this rate is not guaranteed and is dependent on available funding. Landowners interested in participating must complete mapping of their treatment areas at the District office by January 31.

Partnerships

In 2025, the Platte County Weed and Pest District partnered with the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the Bureau of Land Management, and private landowners to conduct cheatgrass treatment and fire mitigation efforts within and adjacent to the 2024 wildfire burn scars in Platte and Goshen Counties. More than 44,000 acres of private, state, and federal lands were treated through aerial herbicide application. Monitoring and follow-up restoration efforts are planned through 2026.

Successes

Landowner submissions; success after treatment.

In many cases, the boundary between treated and untreated areas is clearly visible as soon as the following spring.

“Downy brome
Bromus tectorum L.

Downy brome is an annual or winter annual, 4 to 30 inches tall, reproducing by seed. Leaf sheaths and flat blades are densely covered with soft hair. Ligules are short. Inflorescence is dense, slender, usually drooping, 1-sided, 2 to 6 inches long. Spikelets are nodding, slender 3/8 to 3/4 inch long.
Awns are 3/8 to 5/8 inch long, usually purplish at maturity.

Downy brome was introduced from the Mediterranean region in packing material and first found near Denver, Colorado. It is now widely distributed throughout North America and is common along roadsides, waste areas, misused pastures and rangelands, and cultivated crop areas. Although downy brome is considered an invader, on certain intermountain ranges it has become the primary green forage utilized by livestock. The plant competes with more desirable perennial grasses for moisture because of its winter and early spring growth habit. After maturity it becomes a nuisance and fire hazard.
It is also a common crop seed contaminant very difficult to separate from grass seed.

Non-standard names: cheat, cheatgrass.”

— Weeds of the West, 11th Edition, 2012

In Platte County, cheatgrass management is overseen by Weed and Pest Supervisor Pat Bookout. The Platte County Weed and Pest District partners with Ag Flyers to conduct block treatments in designated risk management areas using aerial application. Additional treatments are applied to smaller areas using truck-mounted broadcast equipment, as well as to difficult-to-access areas by helicopter.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact our office at 307.322.3210 or use the contact form below.

Cheatgrass Agreement