The PRCD will soon begin its Russian Olive Tree Removal Project on the Middle Fork of Powder River. In February 2007 the Wyoming Board of Agriculture voted to place Russian Olive on the states designated weed list. Through this listing they hoped that uncultivated stands (outside of shelter belts and landscaping) of Russian Olive Trees would be controlled. The District will be controlling/removing the Russian Olive Trees that grow along the Middle Fork of the Powder River starting at the I25 Bridge through the Town of Kaycee and stopping on the East boundary of the Harold Jarrard Park.

            The removal of these trees will drastically change the appearance of the Middle Fork with so few trees remaining. This project will not only help with flood control in Kaycee, but will improve the overall ecosystem as Russian Olive is a non-native tree that can out-compete native vegetation, interfere with natural plant succession and nutrient cycling, and can tax water reserves. However, the PRCD will not be leaving the Middle Fork bare, as we understand the value of trees. The District will be working with each landowner on a replanting program. This may take a few years, but it is the hope of the District to replace this invasive species with native trees.