How do i...?

Check out these summaries of common quandaries. We always welcome walk-ins, calls, Facebook messages, and e-mails, but if you'd rather, take a look at the information below. Contact us with further questions!
Identify what's in my yard/pasture
Common weeds found in Goshen county lawns and pastures can be found here. GCWP is happy to identify weeds if brought into the office or e-mailed a clear image. Additional information which will be helpful to us include location, land history (disturbance), flower color, root structure, soil type, and surrounding vegetation. ​
If curious about an insect, try to capture it in a sealed container (Ziploc bag, jar) and bring to the office or e-mail several images. Questions regarding plant discoloration, insect damage, etc. are also welcome. Please be prepared to provide a detailed site description.

Other identification resources

Obtain a pesticide applicator license

Commercial

If you are paid to apply any type of pesticide, you need a commercial license. To obtain a new license, an online test may be taken at Goshen County Extension or an in-person conference in Casper. To renew, you must earn 24 continuing education units (CEU's) through various events or attend the conference in Casper. Commercial licenses are valid for three (3) years.

private

If you apply restricted-use pesticides to your own property or without pay, a private license is needed. New licenses may be obtained by completing an online exam at Goshen County Extension or attending a Private Pesticide Applicator License course. These courses are typically offered in Torrington between January and March. A private applicator license is valid for five (5) years.
Visit the Pesticide Safety Education Program website to find more information and the newest Covid-19 updates.
Dispose of hazardous waste
Hazardous waste disposal is available through the local Conservation Districts. This one-day event is typically held in October and some items accepted include: pesticides, fertilizers, oil- or lead-based paint, batteries, TV's, and various appliances.
For more information call Goshen County Conservation District (307) 532-4880 or visit www.conservegoshen.com.
Chemical jugs may be recycled at GCWP throughout the year. Before being accepted, jugs must be triple-rinsed and without lids or labels. ​
know how much chemical to put in my sprayer
READ THE LABEL. FOLLOW THE LABEL. CALIBRATE.
Before answering how much chemical should be in a tank, you need to know how the calibration rate of the sprayer, or gallons per acre (GPA). 
Once you have read the label and calibrated your equipment, you can mix chemical in your sprayer. The following is an *example* of how to determine the amount of herbicide put in a backpack sprayer. For more practice, view our practice problems (with answers!)
Scenario: You want to apply Weedmaster (2,4-D and dicamba) to seedling (1-6" tall) kochia plants. The label recommends 16 oz/ac (1 pt/ac). Your backpack is calibrated to apply 50 gallons per acre.
Hint: Answer is NOT a "glug!"
Calculation: To determine ounces of Weedmaster to add per 1 gallon of water, divide 16 by 50 (=0.32). If filling the backpack with three gallons, multiply 0.32 by 3 (=0.64) for a total of 0.96 ounces of Weedmaster in 3 gallons of water.
Reading one product label does NOT mean the mix for your sprayer is the same for all weeds, equipment, or habitats. Read the label for all products.
certify or buy weed-free products
GCWP employees are certified inspectors for weed-free products. Inspections must be done within 10 days of harvest. Call or e-mail us to schedule an appointment. To view the NAISMA standards of certification, including prohibited weeds, click here.
Certified weed-free products are required to be used in certain situations, such as hauling hay into a national forest. If you are looking to purchase weed-free hay or straw, call or e-mail us for a list of sellers. There are also producers throughout the state, found on this map.
Get my weeds sprayed
GCWP can help you assess control options for weed and pest species. The Spraying Services page provides more details of our services. View our CRM Program page to determine if you are eligible for cost-share on chemical and/or labor. We also provide rental equipment if you want to apply your own herbicide! Contact us for other commercial or private applicators who may also be available for weed control. 
attend a board meeting
GCWP Board of Directors meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month (calendar). Meetings begin at 10:30am at the GCWP office. Minutes are available to the public upon request.
Apply for a job
In the spring we accept applications for seasonal spray operators and a mosquito program technician.
  • Our spray operators work Monday-Friday from 6am-2pm. You must be willing to work with fun people, enjoy seeing unique parts of Goshen county, and able to carry a 30-40lb backpack over rough terrain.
  • The mosquito program technician will ideally have a schedule flexible to work for a few hours between 7am-10am and then between 6-9pm. This position is responsible for collecting mosquito traps in the morning and driving the ULV fogger vehicle in the evening.
  • Descriptions and applications can be found here.
There are no permanent, full-time positions available at this time.