The Nature Conservancy Expands Cheatgrass Research Project Into Teton County

The Wyoming Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is expanding its cheatgrass early detection project into Teton County, adding to the conservation capacity in the Jackson area and bringing additional scientific tools. The project, previously centered in Fremont County, will broaden its reach within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to continue helping identify cheatgrass and management strategies.

TNC’s cheatgrass early detection project focuses on increasing the ability to identify areas with early-stage cheatgrass spread, partnering with land managers to help make decisions about how to manage this threat. This work was recognized with the prestigious Camp Monaco Prize, awarded by the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation for innovative conservation initiatives addressing urgent needs in the Greater Yellowstone region.

“Cheatgrass is steadily eroding Wyoming’s wild and working lands, but it’s not too late to do something about it in many parts of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem, especially if we know where to target,” said Corinna Riginos, Wyoming director of science at TNC. “By expanding this project into Teton County, we’re supporting our land managers and community in one of the most ecologically important landscapes in the West.”

This summer in Teton County, a TNC field crew is traversing rugged terrain around the county to map areas of early and low-level cheatgrass spread. Many of these areas have been identified as areas of concern by partners from Teton County Weed and Pest, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park and National Elk Refuge. By identifying where the grass is getting a toehold, managers can better plan whether to treat these areas with invasive grass-suppressing herbicide or monitor them to see if they are expanding or worsening.