Russian Olive Program
The South Big Horn Conservation District Russian Olive removal program began in 2008. Ninety-five producers have taken part in some type of Russian Olive removal efforts. Removal has been conducted on over 5,000 acres in the District.
Funding has been obtained from various sources. The main producer cost share program started out under the NRCS AMA (Agricultural Management Assistance) program with a few dollars being provided by WHIP (Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program) and WRP (Wetlands Reserve Program) funding. All Russian Olive funds are now provided through the traditional EQIP Program (Environmental Quality Incentives Program). The EQIP program currently pays for mechanical removal and one year of chemical treatment to control regrowth. The NRCS program also assists with plan restorations.
The Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust (WWNRT), Big Horn County Weed and Pest, the South Big Horn Conservation District, and the landowners have all been contributors to the program. Approximately, 1.6 million has been spent from all sources. Landowners can apply for cost share funding through NRCS. Chemical cost share is also available through the Big Horn County Weed and Pest.
Russian Olive removal work has been completed on many watersheds in the District....Paintrock, Nowood, Shell Creek, Dry Creek, Dorsey Creek, Greybull River as well as some on the Big Horn River.
A pamphlet outlining Russian Olive removal is available at the local NRCS Office located at 408 Greybull Avenue. Some of the benefits listed for removing the noxious plants are:
1. Increased grazing capacity
2. Reduced irrigation maintenance
3. Water savings
4. Increased numbers and diversity of wildlife
5. Increased physical access
6. Reduced fire danger
7. Enhanced property value
This link provides some additional information on Russian Olive removal in the Big Horn Basin.
Funding has been obtained from various sources. The main producer cost share program started out under the NRCS AMA (Agricultural Management Assistance) program with a few dollars being provided by WHIP (Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program) and WRP (Wetlands Reserve Program) funding. All Russian Olive funds are now provided through the traditional EQIP Program (Environmental Quality Incentives Program). The EQIP program currently pays for mechanical removal and one year of chemical treatment to control regrowth. The NRCS program also assists with plan restorations.
The Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust (WWNRT), Big Horn County Weed and Pest, the South Big Horn Conservation District, and the landowners have all been contributors to the program. Approximately, 1.6 million has been spent from all sources. Landowners can apply for cost share funding through NRCS. Chemical cost share is also available through the Big Horn County Weed and Pest.
Russian Olive removal work has been completed on many watersheds in the District....Paintrock, Nowood, Shell Creek, Dry Creek, Dorsey Creek, Greybull River as well as some on the Big Horn River.
A pamphlet outlining Russian Olive removal is available at the local NRCS Office located at 408 Greybull Avenue. Some of the benefits listed for removing the noxious plants are:
1. Increased grazing capacity
2. Reduced irrigation maintenance
3. Water savings
4. Increased numbers and diversity of wildlife
5. Increased physical access
6. Reduced fire danger
7. Enhanced property value
This link provides some additional information on Russian Olive removal in the Big Horn Basin.