Innovative Solutions for County Weed Management
Managing Weeds on Over 10,000 Square Miles using MapItFast and SprayLogger
Wyoming county boosts efficiency, accountability, and trust using MapItFast and SprayLogger.
BACKGROUND
Sweetwater County, Wyoming’s largest county, covers over 10,000 square miles—15% bigger than New Jersey. The county’s Weed and Pest agency used to rely on handheld GPS devices, paper, and pen to map and treat invasive weeds. This method was labor-intensive, especially with the ongoing threat of invasive species along a major interstate and from tourists. Dan Madsen, Sweetwater County Wyoming Weed Director, saw that digital technology could meet reporting requirements while reducing paperwork and documenting efforts.
THE CHALLENGE
In the fall of 2017, increased pressure from the BLM and the Wyoming Forest Division necessitated a complete record-keeping system that included digital maps and reports. Sweetwater County needed a solution that was easy to use and provided high-quality, usable information.
THE SOLUTION
In 2019, Sweetwater County implemented AgTerra’s SprayLogger system. This system was chosen for its ease of use and the ability to generate detailed digital maps and reports quickly. SprayLogger was integrated into their program with minimal training, allowing crews to start working in the field the same day.
“While there are other capable systems on the market, SprayLogger combines an extremely easy to use platform with powerful maps, reports and data I can actually use. I simply can’t imagine our program without AgTerra. The fact that I can call on them and they know my name, my account and I know them make all the difference in the world.”
IMPLEMENTATION
Sweetwater County employed SprayLogger on various equipment, including backpacks, ATVs, UTVs, and trucks, to automatically map invasive species, implement treatments, and revisit sites to assess the effectiveness of applications. AgTerra assisted the county in selecting the appropriate SprayLogger devices for different spray rigs and provided technical support both in person and online. Dan appreciated the personalized support he received, as well as the direct assistance provided by a real person when contacting AgTerra’s office. Experienced personnel train new employees and ensure that SprayLogger systems and MapItFast projects remain current. Additionally, Dan strives to continuously enhance the system with additional features that have not yet been implemented.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed using MapItFast and SprayLogger. While the user interface is deceptively simple, the level of detail we can capture is amazing. I no longer allow any spray work to be done without AgTerra’s SprayLogger system.
RESULTS
MapItFast and SprayLogger not only fulfilled pesticide application reporting requirements for the county and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), but also enhanced operational efficiency and ensured accountability in the management of noxious and invasive weed control. Sweetwater County recognized the following benefits:
- Efficiency: The integration of SprayLogger eliminated the cumbersome and time-consuming process of using handheld GPS devices and manually inputting data into a database. This has led to more accurate and efficient record-keeping.
- Community Relations: The system has improved relationships with private landowners by providing detailed records of applications, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and protecting the county from inaccurate claims.
- Supervision: With AgTerra’s products, a small group of supervisors can manage multiple large crews. The use of MapItFast allows supervisors to scout areas ahead of application work, map invasive species, create spray routes, and record notes and pictures for crews to review and act.
- Productivity: The decrease in desk time has enabled supervisors to cover more ground and made work crews more efficient with their time and resources.
CONCLUSION
The implementation of AgTerra’s SprayLogger system has transformed Sweetwater County’s approach to managing invasive species. The ease of use, efficiency, and improved community relations have made SprayLogger an essential part of their program.
FUTURE PLANS
Sweetwater County plans to further explore the functionality of AgTerra products and streamline other areas of their operations. They view their partnership with AgTerra as an invaluable tool for using taxpayer dollars efficiently.
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