Noxious Weeds
Noxious weeds have a destructive impact on Montana's landscape by displacing native plant species, increasing soil erosion, and decreasing wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities. Rangeland, pastureland, cropland, forests, and wildlands cover 92 million acres, 98% of the total land area, in Montana. These lands are vital for agricultural production and protecting the integrity of ecosystems.
The Department's Noxious Weed Programs offer resources and assistance with the management of state- and county-listed noxious weeds.
- The Noxious Weed Trust Fund Grant program is a reimbursable grant program, providing up to $75,000 per grant. Grant awards assist counties, landowners, local communities, researchers, and educators. Additional information can be found in the grant guidelines.
- The Noxious Weed Free Material certification program provides inspections and certification of forage products such as hay, pellets and straw, as well as gravel, mulch and other construction materials.
- Early Detection, Rapid Response program focuses on Priority 1 and 2A species and those species yet to invade Montana. Species specific task forces and strike-teams leverage funding, resources, and partnerships to keep highly invasive weeds from spreading and/or entering the state.
- Statewide Coordination includes maintaining and updating the Montana Noxious Weed Management Plan, State Agency/County Biennial Report, County and Agency Management Plans, Noxious Weed Listing Committee and petition process, and serving on many non-profit, agency, and regional weed boards and councils.
Noxious Weeds News

As Montana agricultural producers strive to find adequate feed for livestock during severe drought conditions and a damaging wildfire season, the Montana Department of Agriculture encourages producers to follow guidance and utilize available resources for out-of-state shipments of hay to prevent the spread of noxious weeds and other invasive pests.
The MDA Noxious Weed Program is available to assist producers in their decision to use hay from out of state. Please contact Jasmine Chaffee, 406-444-3140, for more information.
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- Director NWMAC Application-Final
- Weed List Workgroup Meeting Agenda Jan, 2021
- 2018 - 2019 Biennial Noxious Weed Report
- 2019 Montana Noxious Weed List
- A Guide to Montana's Freshwater Aquatic Plants (complete)
- Biocontrol
- County Listed Noxious Weeds 2019
- County Weed Act
- EDDMapS Pro Crew Training
- Floating-Leaved Rooted Plants: A Guide to Montana's Freshwater Aquatic Plants
- Free-Floating Plants: A Guide to Montana's Freshwater Aquatic Plants
- Glossary & Species Index: A Guide to Montana's Freshwater Aquatic Plants
- MT Noxious Weed Management Plan - Update 2017
- MT Weed District Coordinator Handbook
- Notice of Noncompliance - County (Template)
- Notice of Noxious Weeds and Request for Inspection - County (Template)
- Noxious Weed Coordination Report for the Montana Environmental Quality Council (January 2016)
- Noxious Weed Coordination Report for the Montana Environmental Quality Council (July 2016)
- Noxious Weed Coordination Report for the Montana Environmental Quality Council (March 2016)
- Noxious Weed Coordination Report for the Montana Environmental Quality Council (September 2015)
- Noxious Weed Coordination Report for the Montana Environmental Quality Council (September 2016)
- Petition Form: State Noxious Weed List
- Petition Form: State Noxious Weed List (Fillable PDF)
- Plant-Like Algae: A Guide to Montana's Freshwater Aquatic Plants
- Shoreline Plants: A Guide to Montana's Freshwater Aquatic Plants
- State Agency and County Weed District Biennial Noxious Weed Report - Fiscal Years 2008 & 2009
- State Agency and County Weed District Biennial Noxious Weed Report - Fiscal Years 2010 & 2011
- State Agency and County Weed District Biennial Noxious Weed Report - Fiscal Years 2012 & 2013
- State Agency and County Weed District Biennial Noxious Weed Report - Fiscal Years 2014 & 2015
- Submerged Plants: A Guide to Montana's Freshwater Aquatic Plants
- Table of Contents & Introduction: A Guide to Montana's Freshwater Aquatic Plants