TORRINGTON – If there is one thing absolutely for sure, summertime means go-time for Goshen County Weed and Pest (GCWP).

Headed up for another spray season with longtime supervisors Bob Baumgartner and Sarah Hageman, the department is once again prepared and ready to take on invasive noxious weeds along with other seasonal pests within the boundaries of Goshen County.

While the department has always been in need of extra help in recent years, both Baumgartner and Hageman confidently noted a small yet experienced spray crew this year will almost certainly provide another busy and productive season.

According to both Baumgartner and Hageman, quality over quantity will be the summer adage when it comes to keeping seasonal pests down and controlled.

“It’s looking very good and very promising this year,” Hageman said. “Mostly because we have a very decent crew on board with us. I would say we definitely have quality over quantity for this summer. We don’t have very many individuals, but we really think they are going to work out well for us.”

“Definitely when it comes to environmental conditions, there’s always going to be job security,” Baumgartner added. “The weekends are always out there, but they are not going to be as robust this year. Being in the drouth, you can look at the weeds that are here, but they are definitely not as healthy as they were a year ago. This is due to the lack of rain we received in comparison to what we had last year. A lot of the grasses have already matured out and we have had seed production, but not in big quantities so far this season. We have already begun working on some county roads so keep an eye out for us.”

Both heads of GCWP explained, as each winter passes and while summer approaches there is always more to be learned from the prior season. According to Baumgartner, each summer seems to be just a little bit more eventful and interesting than the last.

“It’s the status quo,” Baumgartner joked. “It seems like every summer almost gets a little busier. Along with selling chemicals, the possibilities of thick grasshoppers, and people already concerned about mosquitos between insects and weeds our summer will definitely be busy. We actually intend to start trapping next week.”

“Our priority is always state highways, county roads, and game and fish,” Hageman added. “So, we really won’t be able to help out with a ton of private landowners, but we are on many of the same highways so be looking out for us. We will be having our four-wheeler crews out on each side with vests and signs up, so just be on the lookout for them. We have created a couple more programs which will bring in more foot traffic. We have the cheat grass program; we will fog again and will be setting traps. Remember GCWP only fogs unincorporated towns which means Lingle, Fort Laramie, Yoder, LaGrange, and Torrington will all have their own programs.”

With both hot and stormy months fast approaching, Baumgartner and Hageman are well aware despite having a reliable and savvy crew ready to take care of the season’s workload, ultimately there are some things along the way which just cannot be controlled.

As usual, however, GCWP has overcome hurdles before and is rational about the fact this summer will have its share of obstacles and experiences to learn from.

“Mother nature is always an issue,” Baumgartner said. “If it’s not rain it’s wind. That’s always the biggest challenge each year is keeping the crews out there, being able to work, and working through wind and temperature. As far as temperature we always think about heatstroke. However, we also have to look at our chemicals and try to not apply them in over 90-degree temps due to volatility or risk of being off target. The biggest thing in dealing with weeds is to always spray early. This way it’s always better and easier to kill.”

Just like every summer from many years ago, the message to county residents still remains the same and as sincere as ever from GCWP. There are many ways individuals can help themselves in taking care of weeds and pests before it become a much bigger and more problematic issue. However, when the time comes, the department is always there when specific knowledge or products for spraying tasks are needed.

As Hageman put it plainly, so much comes down to personal awareness, common sense, and responsibility.

“When it comes to mosquitos it is always wise to protect ourselves from West Nile Virus,” Hageman said. “Wear long-sleeved shirts, and long pants and use bug spray. When we talk about invasive species and folks who have the means to spray their own property, we have the chemicals and are always happy to help.”

“We are here as a service,” Baumgartner added. “Once again, we are here to help. If people ever have questions or concerns always ask. That’s why we are here.”