Salmon Region helicopter flights treating invasive cheatgrass and noxious weeds begin Sept. 14

The Salmon-Challis National Forest, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management and Idaho Fish and Game, is leading the charge to prevent invasive plants from becoming established after the Hayden Fire burned over 24,000 acres of important deer and elk habitat in 2023. Treatments will help combat the spread of invasive cheatgrass and noxious weeds, reducing future wildfire risk and supporting the recovery of native plants important to wildlife.

Fall is the most effective time to treat cheatgrass while minimizing impacts to important native plants. Treatments are effective for several years, which gives native plants time to recover and compete with cheatgrass and noxious weeds. Although the timing of treatments affect hunters and other recreationists, the reduced wildfire risk and long-term benefits for big game and other wildlife outweigh the short-term inconvenience.

Treatment areas are outlined in the map below. To learn more, see the press release from the Salmon-Challis National Forest website, visit their official Facebook page or call the Salmon-Challis National Forest at 208-756-5100 or Idaho Fish and Game at 208-756-2271.