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 Invasive Species Education Program coordinates and supports education efforts across Montana and provides residents and visitors ways to prevent and manage invasive species, including noxious weeds. 
• 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.

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.

• MCA 80-7-8: Noxious Weed Management Funding
• MCA 80-7-7: Weed Control
• MCA 80-7-9: Noxious Weed Seed Free Forage Act
• MCA 7-22-1: Weed and Pest Control
• 4.5.1 ARM: Noxious Weed Management