GNA invasive and noxious weed control and fuel reduction to maintain natural resources for the public on BLM administered lands

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wyoming Region awarded a $1.12 million Cooperative Agreement to Big Horn County Weed & Pest District under the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) program (CFDA 15.015) effective October 1, 2025, through October 1, 2030. The District will deliver invasive and noxious weed control and fuel reduction services on BLM-administered lands in Wyoming to maintain natural resources for public use. Core deliverables include surveying and treating invasive species such as Russian olive, saltcedar trees, and cheatgrass using herbicide application, mechanical removal, and other integrated pest management techniques; collecting and managing Geographic Information System (GIS) data on invasive species location, density, and distribution; reducing wildfire risks through strategic fuel reduction activities on both public and private lands; and promoting restoration of native ecosystems through revegetation efforts.

The Good Neighbor Authority program funds cooperative partnerships between the BLM and states, counties, and federally recognized Indian tribes to expand federal capacity for forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration. This award leverages Big Horn County Weed & Pest District's established expertise in ecosystem restoration and invasive species management while supporting seasonal employment opportunities for local residents. The District's track record includes multiple federal awards totaling approximately $1.81 million across BLM, USDA Forest Service, and state agency partnerships, demonstrating institutional capacity to execute large-scale environmental restoration initiatives across Wyoming.