For instance, leafy spurge -- a creeping weed capable of reproducing both from seed and from root buds -- is capable of reducing rangeland cattle carrying capacity by 50 to 75 percent. Here in the low-elevation mountain ecosystem it can have an extremely detrimental effect on critical winter habitat of deer and elk herds.

The success of invasive species here is enhanced by several factors: the fragmented habitat condition caused by multiple landowners, both public and private, habitat fragmented by an extensive system of roads and trails and high-intensity fires that have occurred because of extensive fuel loading.

Any successful effort to combat this danger to our mountain ecosystem must depend largely on efforts made by individual private landowners. Here on our technical information page, we will strive to bring landowners the most up-to-date identification and treatment techniques for invasive species, as well as information on reducing wildfire danger to private property and information on protecting our valuable wildlife resource. Please review the information below. As always comments in general and on future inclusions are always welcome at our site.