Weeds Subject of Congressional Tour

August 7, 2001

Congressional representatives are touring western rangeland infested with invasive and noxious weeds, specifically looking at cheatgrass, saltcedar and Dalmatian toadflax. The goal of the tour, sponsored by BASF, is to increase awareness of the problems these weeds cause and to review the most effective tools available to land managers to control the weeds. The tour stops include operational sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the United State Forest Service, county week supervisors and BASF and university research sites.

Noxious and invasive weeds -- such as cheatgrass, saltcedar and Dalmatian toadflax -- increase fire risk, alter native landscapes, degrade wildlife habitat and food sources, reduce livestock carrying capacity and threaten the survival of a number plant and animal species. By some estimates, invasive weeds are overtaking 4,000 acres per day in the United States.

Cheatgrass dominates more than 100 million acres in the western United States and is a major fuel for wildfires in non-forested areas. According to the Federal Interagency Committee for the Management of Noxious and Exotic Weeds, cheatgrass infestation alters the frequency of major wildfires from every 60 years to every three years. Saltcedar is responsible for depleting water supplies across the West and Southwest, as a single tree can draw up to 200 gallons of water per day. Dalmatian toadflax threatens livestock production and wildlife habitat and food sources in infested areas.

Noxious and invasive weeds are devastating western range. Because the federal government manages huge areas in the West, federal policy makers need the most current information to make informed responses to the challenges faced. Participating in the tour are Arlen Lancaster representing Sen. Mike Crapo (ID) and Brent Gatas and Elizabeth Parker of the House Agriculture Committee. Alan Simpson, retired senator from Wyoming, will welcome the tour on Wednesday in Cody, WY.