National Invasive Species Awareness Week is an international event to raise awareness about invasive species, the threat that they pose, and what can be done to prevent their spread.
Invasive species impact everyone. When not monitored or controlled, invasive species can cause harm to our economy, environment or human health. The term "invasive" is used for aggressive species that grow and reproduce rapidly, displace native species, and cause major disturbance to the areas in which they are present.
Invasive species, if left uncontrolled, can and will limit land and water use now and into the future.
The longer we ignore the problem the harder and more expensive the battle for control will become.
Thankfully, there are solutions. By learning about invasive species and participating in events, elected officials and the general public can work together to solve invasive species issues at local, state, tribal, regional, international and national scales.
Through education, legislation, and getting out there to stop the spread of invasive species in the nation’s lands, waterways, and everything in between, we can create positive outcomes in habitats. Every year NISAW aims to protect natural ecosystems from invasive species for the benefit of everyone.
NISAW is managed by the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA).
Click to play video about invasive species threats specific to Montana.
[Video Produced by Stories for Action]
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Click to play May 9 Montana Ag Live recording featuring Montana Invasive Species Council.
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Daily Webinar
Any member of the public can register for a webinar and view it when it is live.
Click on links below to register for daily webinars.
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Monday, May 17: The Climate Crisis and Invasive Species
Tuesday, May 18: The Model Legislative Framework for State Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Programs and Resource Toolkit for Local Governments
Wednesday, May 19: The Regulatory Process for Classical Weed Biological Control
Thursday, May 20: Aquatic Plant Management Priorities
Friday, May 21: A Comparison of State Noxious Weed Lists and The Western Weed Action Plan
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Preparing for a new invasive species.
Click to watch video.
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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.
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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/
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USE CERTIFIED WEED FREE. Make sure to use weed-free forage, hay and mulch. Noxious-Weed-Seed-Free-Forage
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PLANT ONLY NON-INVASIVE PLANTS. Keep your garden free of known invasive plants. Many invasive species introductions come from the ornamental trade. mtnativeplants.org/
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CLEAN YOUR GEAR. Always wash and dry your boots, bikes, waders, boats, trailers, and off-road vehicles between uses. playcleango.org/
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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/
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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/
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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
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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
CONTACT
Stephanie Criswell, Invasive Species Program/DNRC, 406-444-0547
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