Visitors to the SCLT Big Goose Natural Area may notice the land looks strikingly different this week. Dense stands of junipers and Russian olive that once crowded the hillsides and creek banks are suddenly gone.
This change is part of SCLT’s active management plan to ensure Big Goose remains a healthy and resilient landscape for generations.
“Junipers are native to Wyoming, but in grasslands they behave like an invasive species,” SCLT Director of Conservation John Graves explained. “When they encroach, they outcompete grasses for water and space, reduce habitat for grassland birds, reduce forage for livestock, and increase fire danger. A juniper burn is hotter, longer, and more destructive than a grass fire, often leaving soils damaged for years.”
By removing them now, SCLT is reducing the risk of catastrophic fire and opening the land for future growth of native grasses, forbs, and the grassland birds that rely on them to thrive.
Along Big Goose Creek, crews also cut down Russian olive, a tree that aggressively overtakes riparian areas. “Russian olives compete directly with cottonwoods and other native trees,” Graves noted. “They consume enormous amounts of water, choke streambanks, and limit the habitat value of the creek corridor.”
The removal is the first step in a larger stewardship effort. Over time, SCLT will water the riparian pasture to stimulate cottonwood growth and encourage native grasses to return along the stream. The result will be healthier soils, stronger streambanks, and better habitat for wildlife.
“Managing for native species isn’t just about ecology,” Graves added. “It’s also about agriculture, community safety, and long-term stewardship. By acting now, we’re making sure Big Goose continues to provide opportunities for grazing, recreation, and wildlife for many years to come.”
The landscape may look bare today, but these immediate changes set the stage for a healthier tomorrow. This stewardship project was made possible thanks to funding from the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust Fund (WWNRT).
