Continue critical biocontrol activities in colorado. The selection, rearing and release of biocontrol agents are critical to rangeland ecology, noxious weed management and pest suppression

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded a $119,115 Cooperative Agreement to the Colorado Department of Agriculture on May 1, 2026, to continue biocontrol activities for rangeland ecology, noxious weed management, and pest suppression in Colorado and the West.

The award funds identification of new biocontrol agents, rearing of agents when available, and environmental release to establish pest and weed management across Colorado and other western states. Deliverables include quarterly meetings with state leadership, semi-annual and annual progress reports with survey results, data entry, and annual planning and reporting meetings. The intended beneficiaries are Colorado's agricultural production industry, forestry interests, rangeland management, residents, and partnering agencies throughout Colorado and the United States as needed.

Funding breaks down as salaries of $68,390, fringe of $14,102, equipment (grow lights and shelving) of $2,590, supplies (soil, pot sleeves, and cages) of $2,388, travel of $2,670, other costs (vehicle and mileage) of $6,520, and indirect costs of $22,455. Performance extends from May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027, in Colorado. Sub-recipients release agents into the environment once ready for release.

Purpose

The purpose of this agreement is to continue critical biocontrol activities in colorado. The selection, rearing and release of biocontrol agents are critical to rangeland ecology, noxious weed management and pest suppression.

Activities

Continue the identification of new agents, rearing agents when they become available and release into the environment to establish and provide a level of pest and weed management throughout colorado and the west. Deliverables and expected outcomes: quarterly meeting with state leadership, semi-annual and annual progress reports along with survey results; data entry, and annual meetings for planning/reporting purposes. Intended beneficiary(IES): colorado's agricultural production industry, forestry interests, rangeland management, residents, and other partnering agencies in colorado and through TOT the US as needed. Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: release agents into the environment, once ready for release. Financials: salaries = $68,390; fringe = $14,102; equipment (grow lights/shelving) = $2,590; supplies (soil, pot sleeve, cages) = $2 ,388; travel = $2,670; other (vehicle, mileage) = $6,520; indirect = $22,455