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May MISC Bulletin

Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation sent this bulletin at 05/04/2023 03:48 PM MDT

May 4, 2023

Watch Montana Ag Live this Sunday

On May 7th tune into the Montana Ag Live show on PBS from 6:00-7:00 pm. MSU Extension Invasive Plant Specialist Jane Mangold will be on the show to talk about invasive pests.

You can also watch the show live on https://www.facebook.com/MontanaAgLive/

Celebrate Amphibians

Learn about the amazing world of frogs, toads and salamanders during Amphibians Week: May 7-13.

Montana is home to four salamander species and nine frog and toad species.

An Amphibian Adventure with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Check it out here!

Visit the Montana Field Guide for more information

Learn More!

The American Bullfrog is an invasive amphibian found in Montana. Bullfrogs have been tied to the decline in native frogs, turtles and waterfowl production. Bullfrogs will eat anything smaller than themselves, including ducklings, fish, mice, frogs, and small turtles.

You can stop the spread of this species by not purchasing or releasing pet bullfrogs, and by reporting any field observations to your local Fish, Wildlife & Parks office.

Training Opportunities

Integrated Pest Management Workshop: June 20-22

Join the Montana State University Extension Integrated Pest Management team in Bozeman for our annual IPM workshop. This workshop will cover emerging topics and trends in integrated pest management, with a focus on agricultural weeds. We will spend time in the classroom, as well as in the field with hands-on activities and demonstrations during this 2 1/2-day event. Sessions will include IPM research and diagnostic updates, weed control in precision agriculture, harvest weed seed control, weed management in pulse crops, and soil acidification updates.

Learn more and register here: 2023 IPM Workshop

Zebra and Quagga Mussel Mitigation Online Course: June 26-27

Proliferation of invasive zebra and quagga mussels pose a host of challenges such as damaging or clogging industrial infrastructure, adversely impacting native fish and mussel populations, decreasing property value, and discouraging recreation. Whether you are a utility or a park and recreation department, invasive mussels are an expensive nuisance when populations aren’t controlled.

The Zebra and Quagga Mussel Mitigation training course will educate participants on the following:

biology of mussels
distribution patterns
early identification and prevention techniques
adverse impacts of invasive mussel infestations
control techniques
public communication strategies

Save the Date

June 3-10: PlayCleanGo Awareness Week
June 4-10: Montana Noxious Weed Awareness Week 
June 20: MISC quarterly meeting – Sidney, MT
July 16-20: Pacific Northwest Economic Region Summit – Boise ID
September 20-22: Western Regional Panel on AIS - Salt Lake City, UT