Park County Weed and Pest Recognized as Dow’s November “Milestone of the Month”!

Traveling north from Cody towards the Northeast entrance to Yellowstone Park, residents and visitors alike will access the Crandall area of Park County.  This area encompasses the vast acreage (most of it wilderness) adjacent to the northern most sections of the Chief Joseph Scenic Hwy.(WY 296) and the Wyoming portion of the Beartooth “All American” Hwy. US 212). This iconic area is home to the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountain ranges and the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River.   The area and abounds with essentially untouched alpine and montane landscapes, lush forests, and many of the iconic wildlife found in the Greater Yellowstone Area.  The Road itself is the highest elevation highway in Wyoming (10,947 feet).

Each Year Park County Weed and Pest Control District (PCWP) spends 2 weeks in the Crandall area of Park County to address invasive species-particularly oxeye daisy, spotted knapweed, and Canada thistle-in an effort to maintain the native diversity of the plant species that those iconic wildlife depend on for survival.  As invasive species managers, PCWP uses all the available resources in dealing with these terrestrial invaders.  Prevention including informational kiosks, mechanical removal (clipping and bagging), as well as chemical (herbicide) treatments are all required to be successful in this effort.  Travel corridors such as the highways themselves, trail systems, waterways-any vector that can move seeds and plant parts to a new location are surveyed and treated (if necessary) on an annual basis.This takes the cooperation of many land owners both private and public to accomplish our goal-to keep these insidious species from taking over valuable native resources.  The use of herbicides (where applicable) is helping us to improve conditions where these invasive species were gaining a foothold.  We research and use the best product for each location and species.  Claire Volk (Dow Agro-Science) recently assisted our crews in the field and received first hand knowledge of what it takes to not only maintain current infestation levels, but to actually reduce the severity and number of infestations in this iconic region of Park County, WY.  Donning hiking boots and a 4 gallon back pack sprayer, Claire gained a new respect for how difficult the job at hand is, and what it feels like to traverse this rugged terrain covering 10-12 miles each day!  Claire was so impressed with the achievements we have made in the area using one of Dow’s products (Milestone), she nominated Park County Weed and Pest Control District for Dow’s  “Milestone of the Month“!  This is a regional program that gives recognition to deserving entities that are making a difference in invasive species control using Milestone herbicide. PCWP will then be entered into a drawing with the hopes of receiving the grand prize, a new spray system!  Click here to view the complete success story submitted by Claire!