Jackson Hole Weed Management Association

The purpose of the Jackson Hole Weed Management Association is to establish common long and short-term management policies, goals, and objectives necessary for cooperatively managing and funding noxious weed activities across all jurisdictional boundaries in the JHWMA. Cooperators include federal, state, county, and private land management agencies as well as other interested organizations and individuals. This mutual aid approach to weed management will insure that the maximum efficiency and effectiveness for prevention and control is realized.

General Information

Land Status

  • Approximately 2.7 million acres
  • 54% Bridger Teton National Forest
  • 22% Yellowstone National Park
  • 18% Grand Teton National Park
  • 3% Private Lands
  • 1.3% National Elk Refuge
  • Other: State of Wyoming, Bureau of Land Management, and Buereau of Reclamation

Water

  • Upper Snake River Drainage
  • Tributaries include Lewis River, Pacific Creek, Buffalo Fork, Spread Creek, the Gros Ventre River, and the Hoback River
  • Visit Protect Our Waters for more info on Aquatic Invasive Species

JHWMA Goals

  1. Prevent the introduction, reproduction, and spread of designated noxious weeds into, within, and out of the JHWMA.
  2. Reduce to acceptable levels, noxious weed damage to the economy, the environment, and its associated resource uses.
  3. Implement an integrated weed management system to realize the most economical and effective weed control methods possible.
  4. Integrate public and private sector agencies, landowners, organizations, and individuals into a comprehensive weed management program.
  5. Comply with federal and state laws and regulations to insure that weed management activities do no harm to the environment or to weed management personnel.

To view fact sheets on these noxious weeds, visit the Weed ID page of the Teton County Weed & Pest website.

Partner Projects

Annual Gros Ventre River Spray Days

Every year since 2004, members of the JHWMA join forces in July to treat spotted knapweed along the Gros Ventre River. We start where the infestation begins in the Bridger Teton National Forest and follow it 11 miles to the Snake River. In the earlier years of the project, only portions of the river were treated due to the dense growth of the knapweed. After many years, the infestation is noticably less dense, allowing us to treat the entire corridor. Spotted knapweed seeds are known to be viable for at least 8 years and each plant can drop over 1,000 seeds per year. We still have a long way to go.

Private Landowner Programs

The Teton County Weed and Pest District (TCWP) offers several options to assist you with controlling noxious weeds on your property.

  • Free noxious weed consultations – Upon request, we will walk your property with you in search of noxious weeds. If some are found, we will give you recommendations on how to treat them.
  • 50% cost share on herbicides – If you decide to treat the noxious weeds yourself, we will sell you the proper herbicides at a 50% cost share.
  • Free backpack rental – To make the process even easier, we will also loan out backpack sprayers.

For more information on the Teton County Weed & Pest District programs, please call us at 307-733-8419. We are here to help May-September; T-F, 8a.m. to 5p.m. October-April; T-F, 8:00a.m.to 4:00p.m.

4th Grade JHWMA Wildlife Expo

Each year since 2004 the Jackson Hole Weed Management Association has held the Annual JHWMA Wildlife Expo, for Teton County 4th graders. Approximately, 200 students from around the valley arrive at the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitors Center to learn about a chosen theme by JHWMA member agencies. The day kicks off with an explanation of who the JHWMA is and how local agencies and land managers work together to control noxious weeds across all jurisdictional boundaries throughout the valley.

Students then rotate through 5 or 6 stations that last about 15 minutes each. After the stations, students gather outside to review the main points of each station. Agency members donate over 25 items that are given away as prizes. Students who answer questions correctly win hats, shirts, books and other fun stuff. Goody bags are also given out to each student full of information, activity books, pencils, stickers, and more.

Thanks to the JHWMA members, the visitors center for hosting, and the school teachers for making this a success each year!