The state’s first weed law was the “Russian Thistle Act,” which dates back to 1895—just five years after Wyoming became the 44th state of the Union. Since then the program has developed and adapted into the current Weed and Pest Control Act and the Wyoming Weed and Pest Control Districts. Current state law requires each county to organize a District to, “implement and pursue an effective program for the control…” (W.S. 11-5-105(a)(i)) of designated noxious weeds and pests. Funding for these programs is provided from county mill levies and is supplemented by grants and fiscal contracts with state and federal agencies. The Districts are managed by a local landowner board appointed by the County Commissioners and a “Certified” supervisor (W.S. 11-5-105(a)(iv)). Currently Wyoming has 25 species listed as “Designated Noxious Weeds,” which the Districts are tasked with managing, in addition to six pest species and various other species of local concern.

Wyoming Weed and Pest Control Districts have recognized that the best management tool available for noxious weed control is “prevention”. To effectively prevent noxious weeds from spreading, support, coordination and communication with all neighboring partners is essential. The MRWC allows the District programs to organize and implement control programs that are not only successful across invisible state and county borders, but also make ecological and economical sense.