Wyoming
Natrona, Campbell counties have more invasive cheatgrass than anywhere in Wyoming; Campbell County rangeland most impacted
CASPER, Wyo. — In a newly published paper seeking to assess the broad economic impacts that specific invasive weed species have on Wyoming agriculture, UW researchers found that one weed in particular, cheatgrass, could cause upwards of $110 million in damage yearly if left unchecked. Its greatest footholds happen to be in Natrona and Campbell counties.
The paper, titled “Current & Potential Economic Impacts of 10 Invasive Weed Species in Wyoming,” can be read in its entirety for free here. Alongside cheatgrass, the report’s authors investigated the economic impacts of hoary cress, leafy spurge, medusahead, palmer amaranth, perennial pepperweed, Russian knapweed, Russian Olive, ventenata and yellow starthistle.
However, cheatgrass stands out as the most pervasive and costliest of all the unwelcome flora Wyoming hosts. Boasting 2 million acres affected with it each, Natrona County and Campbell County could expect to feel some of the greatest economic effects if the plant were left free to spread.

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Both counties are also host to many of the other invasive species spreading across the state. Notably, Campbell County is home to the second largest population of ventenata anywhere in the state, just behind Sheridan County. Roughly 80,000 acres of Campbell County land has ventenata growing on it.
Despite having nearly the same total acreage with cheatgrass present, Campbell County is significantly more impacted by the weed than anywhere in the state, with 1 million of those 2 million acres significantly impacted. In Natrona County, only about half a million acres are truly impacted, according to the report’s authors, though it has about 1 million more acres more suitable to the weed than Campbell County does.

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What difference does the presence of one type of grass really have over the other? The report estimates that cheatgrass already costs the state’s agriculture industry millions yearly and could cost even more if not properly managed.
“Cheatgrass has the highest loss estimates statewide with $32 million in direct loss on observed acres and $110 million in potential loss from infestation on suitable habitat,” the report’s authors said. “Cheatgrass infestation resulted in a 13% reduction in agricultural value across Wyoming in 2021. If cheatgrass were to spread to all potential habitat in the state this loss would grow to a 43% reduction from estimated agricultural value without cheatgrass.”
Ventenata alone cost $1 million the same year where it was present.
The report also identified the number of job years potentially supported from household spending in the Wyoming economy if direct agricultural value loss from weed infestation were avoided. For cheatgrass in the entire state of Wyoming, the report estimates that almost 150 jobs don’t exist because of the plant. In Campbell County, landowners are missing out on $4.4 million in lost annual cash rent.
This is because the weed is highly competitive over other plant species, less digestible than other plant matter to livestock and much more susceptible to spreading wildfires than other grasses. Since it grows in wild rangeland where livestock feed and it is typically very dry, this weed also poses a lot of danger to property.
Identifying cheatgrass
According to Natrona County Weed and Pest, cheatgrass — a noxious weed, as declared by the county — is a winter annual plant that grows between 4 and 30 inches tall. The plant is covered in soft, dense hairs and droops at the head, where the seeds are distributed.
Natrona County Weed and Pest also gave a short description on how it is so effective at getting around. “Seeds stick in clothing, shoes, and fur,” Weed and Pest said. “Mature plants are not palatable to livestock. It invades pastures, prairies, and rangeland areas.”
Use of chemical pesticides is an option for dealing with the weed and is typically done in the late months of the year. Afterward, distributing noninvasive seeds can boost competition and limit cheatgrass growth.
It is advised that landowners contact their respective county’s weed and pest center for recommendations as to how to diagnose and properly deal with invasive cheatgrass presence. Natrona County Weed and Pest’s website can be found here, while Campbell County Weed and Pest’s website can be accessed here.
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Wyoming
(PHOTOS) Casper Holistic Expo packs the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds
CASPER, Wyo. — There was magic, or something like it, in the air on Saturday as the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds presented the 2026 Casper Holistic Expo, Casper’s longest running holistic expo and a hallmark of the beginning of spring in Natrona County.
Countless vendors from Casper and beyond gathered with their goodies to present them to eager customers searching for something a little different.
The holistic expo featured crystal and metaphysical shops, tattoo and body piercing studios, henna and glitter tattoo studios, holistic shops, tarot readings, fortune tellers, magic and so much more. There was truly something for everyone, and Christina Kuhn, the lead organizer, said that nobody who came to the expo would leave disappointed.
“This actually started over 20 years ago,” Kuhn said. “I’ve been doing it for years. My mom did it for seven years before me. And Judy Ick, who actually does our photography, she did it before that. So it’s been a very long, very longstanding and growing event.”
Kuhn said that the Holistic Expo has grown exponentially over the years.
“When Judy passed it down to mom, there were 38 booths,” she said. “After mom passed it down to me, there were 78. Now I think we’re up to, like, 98.”
The booths are as eclectic as the people who run them. There’s magic, mysticism and moonlight; storytellers and palm readers; conversationalists and creators. There are CBD products, organic teas, energy testing, and even fudge.
“Some of this is kind of a special niche,” Kuhn shared, “but some of it is not. We’ve got a chiropractor. We’ve got people that are working with healing modalities. Some of it’s spiritual stuff. We’ve got crafts, too.”
There’s a wide variety of vendors and customers as the Holistic Expo, and Kuhn said she wouldn’t want it any other way. The most important thing they do, Kuhn said, is donate to local nonprofits.
“People can either pay the $5 door fee — anybody that’s 13 or over — or they can donate five nonperishable goods,” Kuhn said. “We started donating that to poverty resistance, and then we did City Park Church. This year we’re donating to the Wyoming Food for Thought Project.”
Kuhn said this was just a simple way to give back to the community, a community she and her business have been a part of for years. Kuhn owns a store in downtown Casper called A Place for Passion, and the Holistic Expo also allows her to bring some merch from her store and put in on display with a variety of other items. It’s a fun way to spend a weekend, she said, and she’s proud to be a part of it.
“Good lord, I’ve been doing this for a long time,” she said. “I helped my mom with it for ages and she wanted somebody that would carry on and keep expanding and doing well with it. Before I was helping run the show and managing it, I was a booth. I started sharing a booth with my mom because I only had a few things and I wasn’t sure how well they’d sell. But then it just expanded and took off, and now here I am.”
Kuhn said it means a lot that she’s able to continue the Holistic Expo for her mother.
“It’s nice to keep expanding something, especially something that contributes so much to the community,” she said. “There are so many people that come out and enjoy everything that they get here. And it’s a big opportunity for them to connect with others, to connect with people that have stuff they want to offer them.”
That, Kuhn said, is her favorite part of the Holistic Expo — meeting people.
“It’s just nice connecting with people and helping them out in any way that you can,” she said. “Everybody’s got their own knowledge, gifts, products that they’re putting out — services, whatever it is. So being able to share that with others is awesome. You’ve got to come check it out. It’s an awesome experience. There’s a little something for everyone.”
The Casper Holistic Expo is happening Saturday until 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Industrial Building at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds.
Photos from the Holistic Expo can be seen below:
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Wyoming
Wyoming teen discovers rare and ancient megalodon shark tooth off Florida coast
A 6-inch megalodon shark tooth was found by a Wyoming teen during a dive trip off Manasota Key, Florida earlier this week.
Sixteen-year-old Aiden Andrews and his father Brian were on a guided dive with Fossil Junkies, a local fossil-hunting tour company.
Captain John Kreatsoulas told FOX 13 Tampa Bay reporter Kimberly Kuizon that while finding small megalodon teeth isn’t uncommon, finding one that size is quite rare.
Video captured the moments when Aiden and his father celebrated underwater after making the remarkable discovery.
Popularized by Hollywood monster movies, the Carcharocles megalodon was the largest shark to have ever lived, according to the Smithsonian Institution.
Scientists believe the largest megalodon reached up to 60 feet in length and weighed up to 50 tons.
And as Andrews can attest — they possessed teeth the size of a human hand.
According to the Smithsonian, megalodon lived between 23 and 3.6 million years ago across all of Earth’s oceans.
Wyoming
Outdoor Fun Awaits At Local Parks With Izaak Walton League’s Hiking Series From April To September
Hiking can be an activity that you enjoy doing on your own, but sometimes you need a little extra inspiration, and a group hike is exactly what you need. If you’re looking for a group to explore the outdoors with, the Charles E. Piersall chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America hiking group may be what you’re looking for.
The mission of the IWLA:
To engage the community in the conservation, restoration, and promotion of environmental protection, we focus on the sustainable use and enjoyment of our natural resources, including soil, air, woods, waters, and wildlife. This commitment is essential for a sustainable future, and activities like hiking help foster a connection with nature
The group is open to all ages, and even your pup can join in on the fun if they’re on a leash. There is a series of hikes planned beginning on April 1. Nope, this isn’t a prank; it is a real chance to meet other outdoor lovers and take in some of the area’s best hiking trails. The hikes are scheduled on the odd Wednesdays from April to September, weather permitting.
Join us to connect with others who appreciate the beauty of outdoor hiking and environmental advocacy hiking. Remember to bring drinking water, snacks, good walking shoes or boots, and a jacket. A walking stick or hiking poles can also be helpful.
Here are the hikes they have planned for this summer.
April 2026
- Wednesday, April 1, 6 pm, Morad Park to Paradise Valley:
- Wednesday, April 15, 6 pm, Edness K. Wilkins State Park:
- Wednesday, April 29, 6 pm, Tate Pumphouse, Golf Course loop:
May 2026
June 2026
July 2026
- Wednesday, July 1, 6 pm, Muddy Mountain, North Face:
- Wednesday, July 15, 6 pm, Muddy Mountain, Beaver Ponds:
- Wednesday, July 29, 6 pm, Casper Mountain, Biathlon:
August 2026
September 2026
16 Types Of Hikes Explained
7 Trails To Hike In Central Wyoming
There’s no doubt about it, the entire state of Wyoming is covered in amazing hiking trails. If you’re visiting central Wyoming here are 7 trails that you should check out. I’ve organized them from easier to harder, ending with Laramie Peak.
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