Cache County 2022

The Cache County Management Division has been treating noxious and invasive weeds at the Hardware Wildlife Management Area (HWMA) for several years. Prior to their work in 2022, they had achieved 85 percent containment. They attained another 5 percent containment during summer ‘22. The division utilized chemical treatment and 2,000 releases of biological agents in an effort to contain spotted knapweed, black henbane, perennial pepperweed and Canada thistle. They also worked in the Ant Flat area.

Hardware Wildlife Management Area

The Hardware Wildlife Management Area is managed by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Located at the top of Blacksmith Fork Canyon in northern Utah, it provides habitat supporting a variety of wildlife species, as well as public access for wildlife viewing, hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation. It is especially well-known for its large herd of Rocky Mountain Elk. This is prime wildlife habitat. National Forest System Lands border the entire project area.

Education

Cache County routinely involves school students in its projects at HWMA. They learn about noxious weeds, biological control agents, and work to collect and distribute insects. This year 57 students participated in the project. They were assisted by Utah’s biological control specialist, Amber Mendenhall. Two biocontrol release days were coordinated by Amber and an insectary tent was set up at the site.