Keith County considers drones and contractors to target noxious weeds; commissioners explore partnerships and costs

Jamie Moore, the county's weed superintendent, told the Board of Commissioners the county will begin targeted work on noxious weeds along the North Platte and South Platte rivers and is exploring drone and airboat surveys.

Moore said drone surveying could be relatively cheap for the county's needs — “about $200 a day” for an initial survey — and that contractor rates in the region vary widely. According to the discussion, helicopter applications run about $2,000 for roughly an hour and a half, while local drone and airboat operators charge between about $150 and $200 per hour. Moore described typical infestations on Keith County rivers as small patches — “50 yards maybe by 10 yards” — where a drone could spray small quantities in repeated passes.

Moore said recent reductions in grant funding have limited available state and federal support; he plans to pursue Platte Valley Weed Management Association assistance and to discuss a possible $5,000–$10,000 scope with that group for surveying and spraying. He proposed first doing targeted GPS-anchored surveys — possibly using the county emergency-management drone to “pin” problem areas — so contractors will not waste time and resources on broad, inefficient surveys.

Commissioners and staff discussed logistics: some contractors now combine imaging software with spraying to identify target plants, then return with chemical payloads; others separate surveying and application. Moore noted airboat operators and smaller drones can be more cost-effective than manned helicopters for the county’s typically small patches. He said he will pursue initial surveys and follow up with cost estimates and potential cooperative arrangements with Platte Valley and emergency management.

No formal action was taken; commissioners asked Moore to return with estimates and potential partner commitments.