Longmont to Use Drones for Weed Control This October

The city will deploy drone-based herbicide applications near Sandstone Ranch from October 28 to October 31, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Asthma

A multi-rotor drone hovers above a golden prairie landscape under clear daylight. — The city of Longmont will deploy drones for targeted herbicide applications near Sandstone Ranch from October 28 to October 31. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Is drone-based herbicide application an effective method for managing invasive plants on public property?

Longmont is set to conduct drone-based herbicide applications on city-owned property starting October 28, 2026. The aerial treatment is scheduled to conclude by October 31, 2026.

Why it matters

The city is utilizing this technology to control noxious weeds while avoiding the need for ground-based crews to physically traverse the site. The targeted application aims to manage invasive vegetation efficiently on public land.

The herbicide application is scheduled across a four-day window, moving away from traditional manual methods that require worker traversal of the property. The project remains subject to weather conditions which may impact the daily flight schedule.

The players

Ecosystem Management program

This division is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and environmental health of city-owned properties and public spaces in Longmont.

Jim Krick

He serves as the Ecosystem Manager for the city and acts as the primary contact for information regarding land management operations.

The details

The Ecosystem Management program is overseeing the operation, which utilizes drones to treat vegetation on a city-owned site located between Peschel Open Space and the Sandstone Ranch Visitors Center. This property will remain closed to the public during the flights, which are strictly limited to daylight hours.

The drone operations are scheduled to begin on October 28, 2026.
The city expects all herbicide applications to conclude by October 31, 2026.

The Big Picture

The city's drone application follows the mandate for weed control established by the Colorado Noxious Weed Act. This approach mirrors a growing trend in municipal land management to integrate aerial technology for complying with state vegetation standards.

The property remains closed to the public during the application window to ensure safety from chemical drift. Residents with respiratory sensitivities or asthma should avoid the area near the treatment site between October 28 and October 31.

The takeaway

Using drone technology for herbicide application allows the city to manage harmful weeds without human exposure to the treatment area. Residents should respect all closure signs at the property to ensure safety while the mission is ongoing.