Invasive Species

Invasive species are non-native plants, animals and pathogens that can thrive in areas beyond their native range. Their vigor, combined with a lack of natural enemies, often leads to outbreak populations. Invasive species have become a threat to Montana’s economy and natural resources. They are reducing the productivity of our rangelands, the economic vitality of our ranches, the habitat wildlife depend upon, and the quality and quantity of our waters.

• NRCS National Invasive Species & Pests
• USDA National Invasive Species Information Center
• Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health
• Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) - Hungry Pests
• Montana Invasive Species

Invasive Plant Species

Invasive plants can colonize a variety of habitats, reproduce rapidly with a variety of mechanisms, and aggressively out-compete desired species. The Montana County Weed Control Act designates a species a noxious weed when it negatively affects public health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife, or property.

• Invasive Plant Species Publications (includes technical notes)
• Montana Noxious Weed Identification 
• Management of Invasive Plant Species
• Montana Noxious Weed Treatment: Quick Reference Chart (PDF; 4.8 MB)
• Montana Noxious Weed Program
• Prevent Weed Spread from Hay August 2021 (PDF; 1.9 MB)
• Targeted Grazing: A Natural Approach to Vegetation Management and Landscape Enhancement
• Washing Vehicles Prevents Weed Spread (PDF; 877 KB)

Invasive Pest Species

• Don't Move Firewood, Buy it Where You Burn it poster (PDF; 5.4 MB)
• Don't Move Firewood, Buy it Where You Burn it brochure (PDF; 3.4 MB)
• Emerald Ash Borer fact sheet (PDF; 2.0 MB)
• Emerald Ash Borer technical note MT-48 (PDF; 206 KB)
• Feral Swine Fact Sheet - Squeal on Pigs (PDF; 1.7MB)
• Invasive Mussels Found in Montana, fact sheet (PDF; 568 KB)
• Invasive Mussels Update: Montana March 2017, fact sheet (PDF; 547 KB)Sudden Oak Death technical note MT-44 and Best Management Practices (PDF; 72 KB)
• Montana Invasive Species Advisory Council will be developing information on all invasive taxa.

Montana Invasive Species Council: Invasive Species Video

Contact

Monica Pokorny
Plant Materials Specialist
Phone: 406-587-6708
Email: Monica Pokorny