Prevention

Day 1 — Noxious Weed Prevention

What is prevention? Prevention is the first line of defense against noxious weed invasions. Over the long-term, it is more cost effective to prevent weeds from establishing than begin treatment after establishment. Noxious weeds have a destructive impact on our landscape. They displace native plant species, increase soil erosion, and decrease wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities. 

Prevention measures can be many different things, such as increasing education and outreach, washing vehicles, boats, and other equipment, using certified weed seed free hay, and implementing Early Detection, Rapid Response (EDRR) programs. Below are a variety of resources to learn more about preventing the spread of noxious weeds on our Montana landscape.

Fact Sheets
Montana Noxious Weed Information—MSU
Early Detection, Rapid Response—MT Department of Agriculture
Seed Dispersal by Vehicles—Center for Invasive Plant Management
Washing Vehicles to Prevent Weed Seed Dispersal—MSU
Washing Vehicles Prevents Weed Spread—US Department of Agriculture

Videos/Podcasts
Native Plants and Noxious Weed Management—MSU Extension
Grass Identification Basics—MSU Extension
Protect Montana’s Waters—Montana FWP
Getting Deep in the Montana Weeds—Voices of Montana
AIS Singalong—Invasive Species Action Network 

Activities & Helpful Websites
PlayCleanGo Toolkit— PlayCleanGo
Noxious Weed Seed Materials—MT Department of Agriculture
Adopt a Trailhead 

Other Articles & Information
What’s the Big Deal about Noxious Weeds?—Explore Big Sky
Noxious Weed Awareness Week (2022)—KTVH
‘Pull Your Share’ movement hoping to outgrow the spread of knapweed in Montana—Great Falls Tribune
Weed pullers not ready to surrender—Montana Standard
Protect Montana’s Waters from Aquatic Invasive Species—Montana FWP

Use these resources to learn something new and/or as a way to promote and distribute information to your constituents, family, friends, and neighbors. As MNWAW is declared statewide, help us create a united front in the fight against noxious weeds in Montana, educate those around us, and celebrate the wins. Don’t forget to watch our gun raffle fundraiser LIVE on our Facebook page at 5pm.

Follow along, share, and engage with us!!