Monday, January 12, 2026 |
Photo – Wyoming Weed & Pest Council logo – Courtesy Weed & Pest
A newly released white paper from the Wyoming Weed & Pest Council (WWPC) underscores the vital role Wyoming’s Weed & Pest Districts play in protecting agricultural producers, landowners, wildlife habitat and the state’s broader economy. The report, which is posted on WWPC’s website, also attempts to clarify common misconceptions about how these districts operate and how they are funded.
Weed & Pest Districts in Wyoming are funded by a property tax levy – they are not county departments. State law requires each county to maintain a Weed & Pest District funded by a property tax levy and governed by its own locally appointed board.
Earlier this summer, Wyoming lawmakers enacted a 25% property tax cut for homes valued at up to $1 million (HB0169 Homeowner Tax Exemption 2005 and 2026). These property tax cuts have impacted public safety, schools, hospitals, roads, and Weed & Pest Districts across the state. Additional cuts being proposed in the 2026 legislative session, including the complete elimination of residential property taxes, have the potential to be devastating for these public services.
“Our Weed & Pest Districts are the first line of defense against invasive species that threaten Wyoming’s way of life,” said Garrett Falkenburg, president of the Weed & Pest Control District Board of Directors. “Without them, the economic and ecological consequences would be devastating to our state – it would have a widespread impact on agriculture, tourism, wildlife and fire prevention.”
People are encouraged to read the white paper, “Invasive Weeds and the Cost to Wyoming,” to gain a deeper understanding about Weed & Pest Districts and the critical role they play in keeping Wyoming wild and free.
