Weed Invades Western U.S.

"Cheatgrass packs a double whammy. It grows rapidly after a wildfire, choking out native plants. In addition, it dries out early and turns into a highly flammable mat that covers the rangeland, setting the stage for more wildfires...The spread of cheatgrass also threatens wildlife...farmers and ranchers in northern mountain states like Wyoming and Montana should beware of further encroachment by invasive weeds."