Helicopter Herbicide Spraying Planned In Idaho’s Bear Lake Plateau

Overview

Residents and visitors heading to the Bear Lake Plateau in early October should be aware of upcoming aerial herbicide treatments. Crews will use helicopters to spray targeted areas within Game Management Unit 76, including Merkley Mountain, Mahogany Ridge, and state lands near the Utah border at Bear Lake State Park.

Purpose of the Spraying

The effort is designed to control invasive annual grasses, with a primary focus on cheatgrass. This plant spreads rapidly, crowds out native species, and increases the likelihood of wildfires by creating dense, highly flammable ground cover.

By reducing cheatgrass, officials aim to:

Support the recovery of native vegetation
Improve forage and habitat for big game and other wildlife
Lower the long-term risk of wildfire in the region

Timing and Effectiveness

The treatment is scheduled for early fall, just before seasonal rains arrive. At this stage, cheatgrass has gone dormant but has not yet germinated new seeds. Applying the herbicide at this moment allows the included pre-emergent component to be more effective, helping to prevent cheatgrass from regaining a foothold in the following growing season.

What Visitors Should Expect

During spraying, helicopters will be operating at low altitudes in the treatment zones. Hunters, hikers, and other outdoor users should remain alert, respect closure or safety advisories, and plan travel accordingly when near Unit 76 and surrounding areas.