JACKSON, WYO. (November 17, 2025) – The Wyoming Weed and Pest Council (WWPC) hosted their 81st annual Conference in Jackson last month, bringing together members of all 23 weed and pest districts across Wyoming. This year’s conference featured outdoor tours and classes for members to discuss
noxious weeds and pests in the state, while also celebrating the accomplishments of some of their longest serving employees and board members.
WWPC hosts the conference each year to promote unified support and leadership for the management of weed and pests to protect the economic and ecological resources in Wyoming. The various districts began meeting on Monday, October 27 and continued through Thursday, October 30. Employees were welcomed by Teton County Commissioner Natalia Macker, with a keynote address highlighting Jackson’s rich history of wildlife conservation, delivered by Catherine Maguire of History Jackson Hole.
The topics of the conference included yearly strategic planning, agriculture and wildlife challenges, team building, education, outreach, prevention and safety. The meeting was also a chance to share effective programs and policies among the different weed and pest districts. Additionally, members were treated to presentations from students from the University of Wyoming where cash prizes were given out thanks to a donation from the WWPC Employee’s Association. Special thanks to a grant from the Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board, Board Members were able to tour Grand Teton National Park with with Jackson Hole Eco Tour Adventures and a tour of the National Museum of Wildlife Art.
During an award banquet, WWPC awarded Fremont County Weed and Pest Supervisor Aaron Foster with the prestigious Everett Johnson Award. The award initiated by the Council in 1995 in honor of Everett Johnson, an Albany County Rancher and long-time Weed and Pest District Board Member, who has made significant contributions to Wyoming’s Weed and Pest program. It is given to recognize the service of a District employee who has demonstrated outstanding weed and pest management practices.
Dr. Tim Collier received the Harold P. Alley award for his contributions to biological control efforts with the University of Wyoming. The Guy Haggard award was received by Bob Budd, thanking him for his support and friendship to the Council. Garrett Valkenburg was awarded the Archie Lauer Award as an outstanding board member and now the newly elected president of the Council.
Service awards were handed out to members who have given 25 years of service to the WWPC. Those recipients included Chuck Pellatz of Converse County, Dennis Hanson of Laramie County, Neil Holmes of Niobrara County, Josh Shorb of Park County, and Erika Edmiston and Sharon Parrott, both of Teton County. Mike Forman of the Park County Weed and Pest District board was celebrated for 40 years of service.
The yearly conference helps drive the mission of WWPC to keep Wyoming wild and beautiful. Managing the growth of invasive weeds is critical not just for local wildlife, but to the economic stability of Wyoming. A report written and published by the University of Wyoming and the WWPC in 2024 studied the impact that just 10 of the 31 known invasive weeds have on the state. It found that, if left untreated, the plants could cost taxpayers more than $300 million a year in damage to native plants, livestock, rangeland and crops.