AIS Grant Applications Due January 19th
The Montana Invasive Species Council is accepting grant applications to fund Aquatic invasive Species projects. The grant funds for this period is approximately $250,700. Up to $50,000 is available per project to Montana communities; local, state, tribal, or other government entities within the state; and to Montana-based non-governmental entities.
Applications are due Thursday, January 19, 2023 before midnight.
AIS Grant Program Guidelines and application instructions can be found here.
Upper Columbia Conservation Commission
Farewell Kate Wilson
The Upper Columbia Conservation Commission (UC3) said goodbye to Kate Wilson, council administrator for the last 5 years. Kate led UC3 from its inception in 2017 to the success that it is today. She has expertly established the commissions many successful stakeholder relationships, prolific community engagement, and enhanced resource protections through effective coordination and collaboration with Fish, Wildlife & Parks and other partners to enhance aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention and management throughout the Upper Columbia Basin. Kate has accepted a position with the Bonneville Power Administration as the Montana Liaison. Her position at UC3 is expected to be filled in early 2023.
UC3 Administrator, Kate Wilson (left) and UC3 Coordinator, Cassidy Bender (right)
Proposal to Consolidate UC3 and Flathead Basin Commission
A bill (LC0687) going before the 68th Legislature would merge the Flathead Basin Commission and Upper Columbia Conservation Commission (UC3) into a new Western Montana Conservation Commission. The bill concept originated with Governor Gianforte's Red Tape Initiative, aimed at providing efficiencies within and the refinement of the state government process. The new commission would merge the mission, duties, and scope of the UC3 and FBC together to provide aquatic resource protections, both water quality and aquatic invasive species, throughout the entire Upper Columbia Basin. Find more information about the legislative session, bill hearings, and committee meetings on the Montana State Legislature Website.
Common Buckthorn
Common buckthorn was introduced to North America in the 1800s as an ornamental and for use in hedgerows and shelter belts. It was placed on the Montana noxious weed list in 2017. It typically grows in the understory of deciduous forests especially along streams and rivers but can be found in other areas. The leaves stay on the tree late in the fall long after the leaves of other trees have fallen, which makes identifying infestations much easier.
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
Montana Weed Control Association
Welcome Kelsey Miller -- new director for the Montana Weed Control Association. Read more about Kelsey here.
Save the Date: The 2023 MWCA Convention is February 6-9, 2023, in Helena. MISC will offer sessions on invasive species issues at this year’s convention. See you there!
In the News
America’s Billion-Dollar Tree Problem is Spreading (Wired). Grasslands are being overrun by drought-resistant invaders that wreck animal habitats, suck up water supplies, and can cost landowners a fortune.
Carrot the Goldfish weighs 67.4lbs / Photo Credit: BlueWater Lakes
|
