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Last Updated on Friday, 11 June 2010 11:30

Written by Heather Hamilton

Cheyenne— The devastating impacts of the bark beetle was a primary discussion topic during the House Ag Committee Hearing in early May.
Representative Cynthia Lummis explained the bark beetle has taken a toll on about 17 million acres of forest in regions one, two and four within the state.
“The magnitude of the problem is really difficult to grasp without seeing it. Forest health is critical to Wyoming’s health and economy, and so is the health of Wyoming’s vast ranges and open spaces; particularly watershed. In our semi-arid state the health of the land is synonymous with the health of state,” commented Lummis.
State Forester Bill Crapser explained that Wyoming has approximately 11.5 million acres of forest. Of those acres about nine million are in federal ownership and about 2.5 million are in private, tribal or state ownership.
“Wyoming forests are facing health issues that are probably unprecedented. We’ve never seen anything like what we’re seeing with the bark beetle across the state,” adds Crapser.
“In the last couple years this beetle has exploded. There are 3.6 million acres of dead forest in the Medicine Bow Forest and National Forest in Colorado. That’s an area the size of Connecticut,” adds Regional Forester for the Rocky Mountain Region of the U.S. Forest Service Rick Cables.
In addition to dying trees, Cable says another emerging issue is falling trees.
“On average we’re going to see 100,000 trees fall per day for 10 years over this 3.6 million acres unless we have a wind event that causes them to fall early,” says Cable.
Falling trees threaten infrastructure and require an increased labor force to keep trails open and remove trees from recreational sites.
“We’ve got over 550 miles of power lines within this area. One tree on a power line and you’re out of power. So you can imagine, as you look at those corridors, how much cutting back adjacent to the infrastructure we need to do to protect the power source. Another 211,000 acres adjacent to communities need to be treated to protect them from fire.
“The threat of wildfire, both in the urban interface and outside the interface, is on the great increase. The occurrence of fire and the number of acres burned has almost quadrupled over the last 10 years,” notes Crapser.
“There are 3,700 miles of road in this part of the country. We’ve treated about 500 miles, which leaves 3,200 miles to go. It’s becoming very labor intensive to keep trails open and we’ve had to remove every tree surrounding some recreational sites,” adds Cable.
Crapser includes the lack of a viable forest products industry as another growing concern. Noting that seven years ago there were seven large or fairly large sawmills in the state and today there is one in operation.
But of all the issues, both men list the impacts on watershed at the top.
“This area contains the Colorado River Basin, the Rio Grande River Basin, Arkansas River and Platte River. There are 177 counties that depend on water from this watershed and 13 downstream states in addition to a large agriculture interest. The condition of this watershed isn’t very good right now due to the mortality of the trees and the falling trees,” comments Cable.
“There’s an old saying in Wyoming that whiskey is for drinking and water is for fighting. That gives you an indication of how important water is to our farmers and ranchers,” adds Lummis.
“Water quality and quantity are important issues both in our state and this part of the country. Habitat is under pressure and we’re seeing more and more fragmented land ownership, which also has an impact. A lot of ranchers and farmers can’t afford to stay in the business anymore for various reasons and they are dividing up their lands. Our ability to manage those fragmented lands is becoming more and more complicated that continues to be an issue,” adds Crapser.
A key element of the 2008 Farm Bill was a state directive to develop a statewide forest resource assessment and strategies to address any issues raised in the assessment. Crapser says that Wyoming has already completed the task and to the best of his understand is the first state to do so.
“I’m proud of my crew for that. We took an all-lands approach to forestry in the assessment and achieved special analysis using 14 key data layers that were identified by agencies, special interest groups and individuals. These include everything from development risk, wildfire risk, insects, disease and aquatic habitat, to green infrastructure.
“What we hope to do with these documents is help focus our efforts and help focus the Forest Services’ efforts and develop projects that will deliver maximum return on our investment. We believe the partnership between the state and federal agencies and the forestry service aspects of the Farm Bill will all contribute to this success,” says Crapser.
Cables notes that last year Secretary Vilsack delegated or dedicated over 40 million to be spent on the forest health issue, which everyone really appreciated.
“It’s a daunting challenge. There is a lot of work to be done, but there are a lot of opportunities as well in terms of jobs, sustaining supplies of wood and biomass and the research associated with it,” he explains.
Heather Hamilton is editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 November 2009 04:18

Written by Jennifer Womack

Casper — With shipping season in full swing and nighttime temperatures dipping well below freezing in much of the state, most Wyoming ranchers aren’t giving much thought to grasshoppers.
    Now, however, is the best time to begin exploring management options for what is expected to be a large infestation in 2010. Proper planning, according to professionals in the area, is best done via consultation with local resource professionals and neighbors.
    “We have completed our adult survey for 2009,” says Bruce Shambaugh of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Plant Protection and Quarantine (APHIS-PPQ) division in Cheyenne. “It’s not good,” says Shambaugh who oversees the program that, among other things, assesses Wyoming grasshopper trends.
    Shambaugh says 7.5 million Wyoming acres are estimated to have over nine grasshoppers per square yard. Of that acreage, he says 5.8 million acres are private land. “That 7.5 million acres is about six times the number of acres with that same density from the 2008 surveys,” he says.
    The agency also reports infestations at a higher level. “At 15 grasshoppers per square yard we had 2.9 million acres in 2009,” he explains, noting that 2.3 million of those acres are private land. “That acreage at 15 grasshoppers per yard or higher is 10 times more than the same density range for the previous year.” While there aren’t exact figures, Shambaugh says, “I know we had areas that were a heavier density.”
    Even if spring 2010 doesn’t provide prime conditions for grasshopper eggs to hatch, Shambaugh says the large number of eggs is likely to result in a large infestation. Land managers with a management plan in place will begin watching for the hatch in early to late May, depending on conditions. “With Dimilin 2L, which I think is everyone’s preferred treatment method of choice,” says Shambaugh, “we have a short window of opportunity.” An insect growth regulator, the insecticide prevents grasshoppers from reaching maturity and laying eggs.
    Costs associated with treatment can leave landowners wondering whether or not to pursue control programs. According to University of Wyoming Extension Entomologist Scott Schell, a program called CARMA can aid the decision-making process. CARMA can be accessed online at www.uwyo.edu/grasshoppersupport/Html_pages/carma.htm
    “The funny thing about grasshopper dam.age on rangeland,” says Schell, “is rangeland forage is looked at as a low-value commodity until you can’t replace it.” Faced with limited to no grazing opportunities, Schell says the forage becomes increasingly important. According to USDA’s Agricultural Statistics Service, some Wyoming landowners have found themselves in that situation this fall. The agency reported that some ranchers in the more heavily infested areas are feeding hay to replace the forage consumed by grasshoppers.
    Schell advises landowners, “I would prepare for the worst with the idea that they are going to be as bad, if not worse than last year. Plan for where to treat, what to treat with, and who will do the treatment.”
    Referencing economies of scale, Schell says, “Work with your neighbors.” He adds, “Wyoming doesn’t have that many aerial applicators so now is a good time to work with them to figure out costs, maps and get a bid. They’ll understand if conditions change and you don’t end up spraying.”
    New techniques, such as spraying in strips and allowing the grasshoppers to migrate into the treated area, can enhance the effectiveness of control efforts and dramatically lower cost. Some counties are also planning cost share programs to ease the economic burden on the state’s landowners.
    “Don’t wait until spring to think about grasshoppers,” says Shambaugh. “We need early involvement from the landowners.”
    APHIS-PPQ personnel will meet with Weed and Pest Supervisors, Bureau of Land Management personnel and others in Casper Nov. 4 to better formulate plans surrounding grasshopper management. Town hall meetings will follow that event, with some dates already set. Shambaugh notes Dec. 15 in Thermopolis, Dec. 16 in Ten Sleep, Jan. 12 in Sheridan and Jan. 26 in Greybull. Watch the Roundup or contact your local Weed and Pest District for additional details. Gatherings have been requested in Lusk, Gillette and Douglas, but dates haven’t yet been announced.
    “We need to have landowner involvement early on, meaning participation at these meetings and communication with the local Weed and Pest,” says Shambaugh.
    Those seeking additional information can contact their local Weed and Pest District or APHIS-PPQ at 307-432-7979 or 866-997-3781. Bruce Shambaugh, Justin Gentle and Boone Herring are available to answer landowner questions regarding grasshoppers. Scott Schell, University of Wyoming Extension Entomologist, can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 307-766-2508. Jennifer Womack is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

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Last Updated on Friday, 26 March 2010 11:49

Written by Christy Hemken

Cheyenne – Several court cases that ended up in the 6th Circuit Federal District Court have said the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should regulate the application of pesticides as a point-source pollutant.
That’s according to Wyoming Ag Business Association Executive Director Keith Kennedy, who added that any applicator applying in, on, or near water would need a NPDES permit under the court mandate. Kennedy was present to inform Wyoming Farm Bureau members at their late-February Legislative Meeting.
He said new container containment regulations are set to take effect Aug. 16, 2011.
“If you have mini-bulk containers, get them back to your retailer this year so they can properly dispose of them,” said Kennedy. “Get those in to your retailer so they don’t become your headache later on.”
Kennedy says the new rules are the result of 20 years’ work by the EPA to integrate the Endangered Species Act (ESA) with pest applications.
“The rules would require you to have an ESA bulletin for the pertinent county for that month,” said Kennedy. “There are no ESA restrictions in Wyoming from now through August, but that doesn’t relieve you of the need to have a hard or electronic copy of the bulletin for the month in which you’re making an application.”
Kennedy said that if EPA happens to wander in, an operator has 24 hours to produce what they ask of him. “If someone wants to inspect, you can ask for an administrative warrant, which gives you 24 hours to get your documents together.”
He added the Ag Business Association will retain the bulletins on their website so people can easily find them.
Regarding the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System, Kennedy said EPA proposed a rule integrating the Clean Water Act and the Pesticide Act in 2006.
“It was overturned in late 2008 by the 6th Circuit court, and EPA asked for a stay to draw up general permits. Those new regulations would go into effect April 9, 2011,” he said.
Those rules wouldn’t allow application in or near any water of the U.S. after April 9, 2011 without coverage under a general or special permit, which covers mosquito control, aquatic weed and algae control, area-wide pest control – which includes rangeland, forests, urban areas and ditchbanks.
According to Kennedy, irrigation water returns are exempt from CWA regulations. “Your actual field application would not require permit, but spraying ditch along field would require you to be covered by permit,” he said.
“When I first heard ‘permit’ I foresaw a one- or two-page document, but it’s really 100 to 150 pages with specific guidelines,” said Kennedy. “There are requirements to show the maintenance on application equipment, including your planter and sprayer.”
Addressing who needs a permit, Kennedy said, “Under the current draft, any application must be made by an entity with a NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) number would need a permit, and this may prohibit a lot of homeowner applications – EPA hasn’t clarified that.”
Under a general permit applicators wouldn’t have to file for a permit with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), or whichever entity ends up regulating applications. However, Kennedy said if an applicator surpasses a certain threshold he’d have to file a notice of intent, and an annual report of the pesticides used under the permit.
Regarding what the “threshold” is, Kennedy said thus far it’s either acreage – the total acreage of land or acres of surface water, or a length of ditch.
“Imagine what an ag retailer will go through,” said Kennedy. “If you filed a notice of intent, he has to file that on his paperwork, as well as a notice for those covered by the permit that don’t have to file a notice of intent.”
Kennedy said any state, federal or local government agency would have to file, regardless of the amount of product applied. “Public utilities include irrigation districts,” he noted, adding that grazing districts could also be included in the definition of “any entity specifically tasked with managing property for the control of pests on lands not owned.”
Plus, Kennedy said commercial or business entities, which includes farms and ranches, if they’re large enough have to apply for a permit regardless of how much pesticide will be applied.
In addition to the notices of intent and permits, Kennedy said applicators will have to file an annual report to the EPA region or state that issued the general permit.
“The EPA is hoping the states with NPDES permitting authority will draw up their own general permit so much of the headache is shifted onto the state,” said Kennedy. “In every state there are portions regulated by the federal government, and in Wyoming the original boundaries of the Wind River Reservation would be governed by an EPA permit.”
He said if a producer farms on both sides of that line he’d have to file with both the regional EPA in Denver, Colo. and the DEQ.
“Even if you don’t pass the threshold you have to abide by requirements of the permit, especially recordkeeping and other provisions, which we’ve all been doing the last 15 years without having to show all the documentation,” said Kennedy. The rules state a notice of intent must be filed 10 days prior to commencing discharge or when an applicator thinks he’ll surpass the threshold.
“My biggest worry with the notice of intent is that the CWA has ‘citizen suit provisions,’ and all the sudden your neighbor is filing suit under the CWA that somehow you harmed them,” added Kennedy.
The EPA will take comments on the new application rules this spring. “When the advance notice of public rulemaking is put forth, I urge you to comment even though it’ll happen in April and May when you’ll be busy,” he told the WyFB members, noting there’s been no indication of public hearings. “EPA is on short timeline and has said all public comments will be limited to 30 days.”
Kennedy said not to visit the regulations website and simply say you oppose the rule, but, “Be very specific about what you do not like and what type of burden it will place on your business, as well as the specific dollars it will cost you to comply with the regulation.”
Christy Hemken is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

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Last Updated on Friday, 19 March 2010 16:20

Written by Heather Hamilton

Riverton — Grasshopper management is an ongoing concern to many producers in Wyoming. University of Wyoming assistant entomologist Scott Schell says part of the management problem is lumping the approximately 120 species in Wyoming into one plan.
“In a specific habitat a grasshopper population will consist of five to 20 species with one to four of those species accounting for over 50 percent of the total population,” explained Schell during the Fremont County Farm and Ranch Days, held mid-February in Riverton, where he discussed grasshoppers and recommended control methods.
Most grasshoppers live and die in the vicinity where they hatch, he said. However, some nymphs will march several miles to find food when necessary. Other species can fly long distances and their migratory nature causes lots of problems from year to year. Last summer grasshoppers traveled over 280 miles from South Dakota into Wyoming. Understanding the differences in species could lead to more advanced and effective treatment methods, he explained.
“Producers can treat theirs and have others fly in. They are a difficult pest who are mixed feeders,” stated Schell. Adding that they will consume forbs and broadleaves first, then grasses, then evergreens and just about anything else that grows. In some locations grasshoppers have completely wiped out noxious weed populations.
Grasshoppers produce one new generation each year. Females lay eggs primarily in the soil and produce one to four egg pods with five to 40 eggs per pod on average. Schell noted that some species are much more prolific and that most can lay eggs in the hardest, nastiest soils available.
“Females secrete a foam-like substance when laying eggs into soil that protects and insulates them. The foam is a defense mechanism,” explained Schell.
Upon hatching the grasshoppers go through simple metamorphosis five times. Each stage is known as an instar and each instar lasts about a week until they reach adulthood. Their total life span is about three months and they mate eight to 10 days after becoming adults.
The most critical stage for control is during the first two instars, with the idea that the sooner the better after eggs have hatched. As eggs they are so small they have a microclimate and can tolerate cold temperatures. Upon reaching adulthood they are more mobile and resistant to control methods.
Hatching weather is very important, said Schell. Grasshopper eggs only last one year, so they must hatch. An accumulation of degree-days above a certain soil temperature triggers the hatch. For the Clear Wing species found in Wyoming, that temperature threshold is 50 degrees. “It’s all about the week when peak hatch occurs,” said Schell.   
During this time a hard rain could drown the hatchlings. Snow or severe cold could freeze them or lack of green plant life could starve them. Schell explained the theory that the cold, wet June of 2009 didn’t kill the grasshoppers because the soil temperatures were too low for them to hatch. They just waited until it warmed up later in the year. He also commented that a wet year in Wyoming would be considered a dry year in other parts of the west that also deal with grasshoppers.
“If they were sensitive they probably would have gone extinct long ago. They are definitely hardy and adaptable,” stated Schell.
Recommended control methods include Reduced Agent Area Treatments (RAAT), which involve applying insecticide to a percentage of an area. Schell recommends applying Dimilin 2L to 50 percent of an area with vegetable oil as the adjuvant.
Vegetable oil increases control because it contains fatty acids. Grasshoppers eat their dead to obtain these fatty acids and the vegetable oil causes them to key in on grasshoppers that were killed with Dimilin, which will also kill those feeding.
Dimilin is very safe for humans and other wildlife compared to other insecticides, such as Malathion and Carbaryl. According to Schell it is 70 to 80 times less hazardous to birds and several thousand times less hazardous to fish.
The insecticide has about a 20 day residual and does allow for tank mixing with some other chemicals. Producers can likely mix it with their weed spray when re-seeding or doing other chemical applications. It is relatively expensive but has a lower application level.
“Every year enough grasshopper eggs are produced to cause an outbreak the following year if a high percentage survive,” stated Schell. “It is difficult to control them because they aren’t a consistent pest. The infrequency of outbreaks hurts response and monitoring efforts.”
While some spider species, the blister beetle, Wind scorpion and Robber fly are all natural enemies of the grasshopper; they can’t keep up with them during an outbreak year. The faster development in an ideal year makes the grasshopper less susceptible to disease and natural enemies. A slide where a Wolf spider was on a fencepost surrounded by grasshoppers was shown to the audience. “He was too full to eat another one,” stated Schell.
Grasshoppers do play a major role in aboveground grassland biomes and are part of the diet of many prairie animals, including young sage grouse. “We don’t want to eradicate grasshoppers, just bring them back down under the economic threshold.” Schell added that part of the appeal of a RAAT control method is it doesn’t kill every grasshopper. The untreated swathes provide food to the natural grasshopper enemies but kill any that fly or march into a treated zone.
As producers prepare for another year with the grasshopper, an early control plan is key, said Schell. Weather plays an important, unpredictable role and can’t be counted on to eliminate populations. While management control methods don’t guarantee results, they are on option that can work.
Heather Hamilton is editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .