Aerial spraying for cheatgrass proposed in Bridger-Teton National Forest

Managers of a national forest in western Wyoming propose the use of crop-dusting techniques to control an invasive species of grass.

Cheatgrass has spread rapidly across the West, crowding out other plants and encouraging wildfire. Bridger-Teton National Forest officials propose aerial spraying to control cheatgrass and other invasive plants.

They seek to kill thousands of acres of cheatgrass annually over 15 years.

Places treated would include big-game winter range, sage grouse habitat and areas intentionally burned and thinned to reduce the risk of wildfire. The Jackson Hole News & Guide reports only chemicals approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency would be used.

Cheatgrass currently grows on about 40 square miles of the forest and is spreading at a rate of about 20 percent a year.