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National Invasive Species Awareness Week Part II: May 15-22

Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation sent this bulletin at 05/17/2021 02:14 PM MDT

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Kicking off National Invasive Species Awareness Week! May 15-22, 2021

Governor Greg Gianforte marked the kickoff of National Invasive Species Awareness week (May 15-22) by calling on Montanans to help slow the spread of invasive plants and animals that pose serious threats to Montana’s lands, waters, and economy.

“Everyone can play a part in keeping invasive species out of Montana, which is critical to protecting our communities, economies, and natural resources,” Governor Gianforte said. “We can clean, drain and dry our boats and watercraft. We can identify and report noxious weeds. And we can clean our boots, bikes, and off-road vehicles between uses.”

Invasive aquatic plants in Montana include species such as Eurasian milfoil and flowering rush, which outcompete native plants and can impact boating, swimming and fishing. Terrestrial plants such as rush skeletonweed degrade the productivity of rangelands and crop fields, costing livestock producers in lost forage and crop value.

"Agriculture and outdoor recreation, Montana’s largest economic drivers, are under constant threat from invasive species, if invasive mussels were to become established in our lakes and streams, the annual economic impact could reach an estimated $230 million in lost revenue and mitigation costs to the state. Those costs would impact all of us.” -DNRC Director Amanda Kaster

National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is a yearly event to focus public attention on the threats posed by non-native species, and the everyday actions citizens can take to keep them in check. Nationally, invasive species cost the US an estimated $120 billion annually in damages to crops, forests, fish and wildlife, and natural environments. Read Governor Gianforte’s National Invasive Species Awareness Week proclamation here.

NISAW is managed by the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA).

WE NEED YOUR HELP to Protect Montana's Land and Water!

Click to Download Poster (below)

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

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. 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