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Happy National Invasive Species Awareness Week!

Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation sent this bulletin at 02/22/2021 09:42 AM MST

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Join us in kicking off National Invasive Species Awareness Week! February 22-26th

National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is an annual international event to raise awareness about invasive species, the threat that they pose, and actions we can each take to prevent and slow their spread.

Click to play newly published video about invasive species threats in Montana.

Participate in the largest invasive species awareness effort in North America. Follow along on Facebook @invasivespeciesweek, join the conversation, and link your social posts with #NISAW or #invasivespecies.

“Invasive species are a global problem that starts at home,” said Belle Bergner, director of the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA). “Everyone can do something to prevent invasive species from taking over agricultural and natural environments, and we encourage organizations and individuals to take leadership teaching their community about how to solve invasive species issues locally,” said Bergner. Invasive species cost the United States $137 billion annually in damages to crops, forests, fish, and other wildlife. In Montana, if invasive mussels alone were to become established, our state economy could see more than $230 million in annual mitigation costs and lost revenue.

“Montana’s natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities are what makes living in Montana so extraordinary, and they contribute significantly to our state’s economy,” said Bryce Christiaens, Chair of the Montana Invasive Species Council, a statewide partnership working to protect Montana’s economy, natural resources, and public health through a coordinated approach to combat invasive species. “Invasive species threaten our livelihood, land, and water. We all must do everything we can to prevent and stop invasive species to protect the state we love,” said Christiaens.

During NISAW, we will be featuring a different Montana Invasive Species campaign each day.

Stay tuned for Montana Weed Awareness Tuesday, Protect Our Waters Wednesday, Don’t Move Firewood Thursday and Squeal on Pigs Friday!

What you can do to stop the spread of invasive species in Montana:

MISC and partners urge all Montanans to share this information widely and take these simple measures to be informed, attentive, and accountable for preventing the spread of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species.

WATCH FOR NOXIOUS WEEDS. If you spot some, notify your county weed coordinator https://www.mtweed.org/weeds/weed-districts/ or report to EDDMapS West. eddmaps.org/west/
USE CERTIFIED WEED FREE. Make sure to use weed-free forage, hay and mulch. mt.gov/Noxious-Weed-Seed-Free-Forage
PLANT ONLY NON-INVASIVE PLANTS. Keep your garden free of known invasive plants. Many invasive species introductions come from the ornamental trade. mtnativeplants.org/
CLEAN YOUR GEAR. Always wash and dry your boots, bikes, waders, boats, trailers, and off-road vehicles between uses. playcleango.org/
CLEAN.DRAIN.DRY. Aquatic invasive species are often inadvertently spread by boats. Clean. Drain. Dry. every time you use your boat. http://cleandraindry.mt.gov/
DON’T LET IT LOOSE. Dispose of unwanted pets, aquarium plants and water, and live bait the proper way, and not into waterways. Be a responsible pet owner. dontletitloose.com/state/montana/
DON’T MOVE FIREWOOD. Buy it where you burn it or gather it on-site. Firewood can harbor pests and disease, and Montana depends on its healthy forests. dontmovefirewood.org
SQUEAL ON PIGS. If you see a feral swine, or signs of their damage such as excessive rooting or digging, report it immediately by calling 406-444-2976. https://invasivespecies.mt.gov/montana-invasive-species/squeal-on-pigs