BLM, USWFS to Combat Invasive Annual Grasses with Aerial Applications in Uintah County
USWFS photos of aerial herbicide applications in eastern Utah
VERNAL, Utah — The Bureau of Land Management and United States Wildland Fire Service is conducting aerial herbicide treatments Oct. 8-17, weather permitting, across approximately 10,900 acres in Uintah County. Locations include the Little Davenport, Diamond Mountain, and Big Park areas of the Book Cliffs. Please see the attached map for more information.
Invasive grasses are a significant contributor to more frequent and intense wildfires in the West. Aerial treatments can help prevent the establishment and spread of invasive annual grasses and support recovery of native bunchgrass and shrub species within sagebrush restoration project areas and recently burned areas.
These landscapes are important habitat for wildlife such as deer, elk, pronghorn, and greater sage-grouse. By reducing the risk of large fire growth and improving the availability of native forage, the treatments support both habitat quality and overall ecosystem resilience.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.