Looking For The Latest Research Articles on Weeds?
Visit the MWCA library for a complete listing of weed reseach submitted to our organization to be shared witn you. Do you know of a great artlce we should include? Please contact us for guidelines for submtting articles.
Research Position
The Montana Weed Control Association encourages relevant and timely research of noxious weeds in Montana, as well as for researchers to report their findings in laymen terms. Each year a committee from the Association reviews Trust Fund research grants prior to their review from the Trust Fund Council. The MWCA has also encouraged both the Center for Invasive Species and Montana State University to provide research projects in terms land managers can easily understand.
The MWCA also awards a middle and high school monetary award to the winning noxious weed project at the state level in the spring of each year. Many other counties also provide monetary awards for their local area science fair competitions. Please check with your county weed coordinators and local area watersheds for more information regarding these awards. The MWCA Coordinator Support Committee, representing the Montana county weed coordinators, has and will continue to provide research ideas and science fair ideas for all levels of Montana’s scientists and researchers.
Ideas For Research From Our Members
“I realize that Cheat Grass is not listed on the State Plan (may be on several counties) but after several years of drought, poor farming practices, over-grazing, fires, etc, it is becoming a serious problem and one that we are ever increasingly asked to assist with (on rangeland, pasture, after fires on roadsides, right-of-ways, etc). I know some work has been done with 'Journey', Roundup, Plateau, and other chemicals, as well as management, reseeding, etc. I would like to see a bit more work in this area, as it definitely affects every county and has a serious impact on ranchers, conservation planners, small acre landowners, etc. Just a thought from Meagher County.” Otto Ohlson
There is a need out there for a laymen version of biocontrol ID – if it were patterned after the Weed ID book… something simple with photos and descriptions of biocontrol insects available and where to get them. And we can’t forget the needs those agents require to get established so landowners don’t believe they can just grab a handful and throw them out and they’ll work their little magic! – Becky Kington
Science Fair Awards
Montana Weed Control Association
- $100 award to Middle School level best noxious weed project at the state level
- $100 award to High School level best noxious weed project at the state level