Learn about the Zero
Spread campaign against
noxious weeds     more ยป

 
  1. How much chemical do I use for my sprayer?

    Because soil and environmental conditions vary greatly across Montana, and all sprayers distribute spray at different rates, generic recommendations cannot be made. Please contact your local county weed professionals to obtain the best recommendations for your specific plants and conditions.

  2. How do I calibrate my sprayer?

    The objective of calibration is the same no matter what kind of sprayer you are using, to apply the correct amount of chemical to do the job. Your local county weed professionals can help with questions about calibration.  Here are some references you may find useful.
  3. What chemical do I use for my noxious weeds?

    Again, because of the variety of herbicide available, differing soil conditions, and because of a variety of environmental conditions, it is best that you contact your weed professional(s) to properly assess your weeds and identify the best options for your specific environment.

  4. I don't want to use chemicals, what are my options?

    There is no silver bullet in weed management, and integrated control measures are the best bet. There are many options available for noxious weed control, but not all options work for every invasive. Please refer to integrated weed management for more specific recommendations.

  5. How do identify which plants are actually noxious weeds on my property?

    Many publications are available for weed ID including Weeds of the Prairies, Weeds of the West, many publications through Montana State University, and several websites. However, if you don't want to go that route, you can contact a local weed professional to walk through your property with you or you can take samples of the plants and have them identified at Montana State University.

    - Guidelines for Submitting Plant Specimines for ID (PDF)
    - Plant ID Contacts (PDF)
    - Plant Identification Form (PDF)

  6. I don't want to spray my weeds, who can I call to do it for me?

    Most local weed coordinators, either in your county or in surrounding counties can direct you to commercial applicators in your area.

  7. My neighbors don't take care of their weeds, what can I do?

    Depending on your county weed program, you can report your neighbor anonymously or you may have to file a report that is not anonymous. Again, some counties do not enforce the county weed act and in this case, the best you can do is try to offer your neighbor a form of education concerning noxious weeds or engage them in forming a weed management area.

  8. There are weeds on the public lands bordering my property, what is the best way to address this?

    State agencies are required to file weed management plans with their local county weed districts, while federal agencies are not required to file plans. Many of these agencies, however, do work closely with many weed districts in developing their plans. The first step may be to contact your local county weed district and you may also want to contact the agency personnel in charge of that property listed on this website. They can inform you of the correct channels to issue a complaint or address your concerns for the property in question.

  9. I am a recreationist, how can I best prevent the spread of weeds?

    By being aware of how weeds can be spread and take precautions to prevent further spread. It is also very beneficial for recreationists to be able to identify noxious weeds and report infestations to their local weed professionals.

  10. I am interested in purchasing property, but I don't want to buy a weed problem, what should I do - and isn't my realtor obligated to tell me about noxious weeds?

    The first step in defense of buying infested property is educating yourself on the types of noxious weeds that are present in the area (refer to question #4). Ethically, your realtor should inform you of the weed problem, if any, present on the property. There is a clause in most buy-sell agreements addressing this issue. If you have knowledge of the noxious weed infestations present on the property, you have the power to negotiate a better deal. Dealing with a severe noxious weed infestation can cause a drop in property value and take many years and large amounts of money to get under control. While looking over potential properties, it does not hurt to see the weed situation of surrounding properties as well.

  11. Why doesn't my county enforce the weed law?

    While many counties in Montana are actively upholding the county weed act, several have decided they will not enforce this act due to time, financial, or staffing shortages. And even if you believe your county doesn't pursue enforcement, you may not have the entire story. It is a common misperception that counties can enforce every problem that arises; when in fact, it is a financial burden for a county to enforce the county weed act. While this act is a law, there is no funding from the state to enforce the law for the counties. If a county does enforce the law, they have to budget for it. When a county completes an enforcement, it is at the expense of the taxpayers of the county. The county sprays the property and bills the landowner. If the landowner does not pay the bill, it eventually goes on his taxes, a process that can take up to two years and leaves the county with the expense until the taxes are paid. If your county does not enforce the weed act, and you file a complaint with them, they are in violation of the law by not acting on that complaint.

  12. I want to plant natives to replace my invasives, how do I best go about this?

    Congratulations for wanting to use revegetation as a tool to eradicate your invasives. Planting natives is an expensive and often unsuccessful process, but the results, if successful are worth the price. Native seed mix is often expensive and planting natives requires the extremely good graces of Mother Nature; they often won't "take." If you are interested in planting natives, please go to your local native plant society chapter and ask for professional advice. Be aware that many plants sold in wildflower seed mixes are not native and in fact, can contain noxious weeds such as oxeye daisy.

  13. What happens if I don't treat my noxious weeds?

    If invasives are allowed to spread, several ramifications can occur: good plant populations will eventually be crowded out and disappear; some noxious weeds are toxic to animals and to other plants (Knapweed is known to produce a toxin that is a natural herbicide, warding off good plants); erosion will set in and impact wildlife habitat and fisheries; your neighbors and/or county weed professional may put you in non-compliance; and your view shed will be greatly diminished.

  14. I have planted several ornamentals that happen to be on the state noxious weed list, they haven't gone anywhere, why should I have to remove them?

    Even if they haven't spread, they are still considered a threat as they are listed on the state noxious weed list. Therefore under the county weed act, they should be removed. Salt cedar is one invasive still offered in nursery catalogs as an ornamental. This plant is extremely invasive and has knocked out habitat and fisheries along many rivers in eastern Montana. Salt Cedar can intake up to 200 gallons of water per plant per day and while many varieties are claimed to be sterile, science has not verified this fact. Many counties offer programs to replace your invasive ornamental, so check with your county official and see if this is an option for you.

  15. How does the state decide on what makes for a state or county-listed noxious weed?

    The Department (of Agriculture) has the authority to designate noxious weeds under Administrative Rules 4.5.201 and have used the following procedure to designate noxious weeds:

    Petitions to add a new weed to the statewide noxious weed list are received by the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) from individuals or organizations.

    The petitions are reviewed first by a technical core committee using ecological, distribution, impact, and legal status criteria within the State of Montana and for the adjoining states and provinces, followed by a general economic and practicability assessment.

    The core committee then makes a recommendation to the Montana Weed List Advisory Committee [comprised of individuals representing the western, central and eastern weed districts, the Montana Weed Control Association (MWCA), agriculture groups, federal agencies, Montana State University (MSU) extension service, University of Montana (U of M), MDA representative, state agencies, tribes and other interest groups who make a recommendation to the director of the Department of Agriculture.

    If the director accepts the recommendations, the MDA proposes a rule change, holds public hearings if necessary, and the rules are adopted, published and distributed.

  16. Why isn't kochia or dandelion on the noxious weed list?

    Some counties have kochia listed as a noxious weed on the county weed list but the state does not. The definition of a noxious weed is as follows:

    "Noxious weeds" or "weeds" means any exotic plant species established or that may be introduced in the state that may render land unfit for agriculture, forestry, livestock, wildlife, or other beneficial uses or that may harm native plant communities and that is designated:
    * as a statewide noxious weed by rule of the department; or
    * as a district noxious weed by a board, following public notice of intent and a public hearing.
    * A weed designated by rule of the department as a statewide noxious weed must be considered noxious in every district of the state.

  17. Won't herbicides harm my animals?

    There are some restrictions for grazing when using certain herbicides, the label will address this concern, so read the label or contact the county weed district or extension agent for help.

  18. I am an organic farmer and I don't want the county to spray along my property, what are my options?

    (from the county weed act) 7-22-2153. Voluntary agreements for control of noxious weeds along roads -- liability of landowner who objects to weed district control measures -- penalties.

    (1) Any person may voluntarily seek to enter into an agreement for the management of noxious weeds along a state or county highway or road bordering or running through the person's land. The coordinator may draft a voluntary agreement upon the request of and in cooperation with the person. However, the agreement must, in the board's judgment, provide for effective weed management. The weed management agreement must be signed by the person and, upon approval of the board, by the presiding officer. An agreement involving a state highway right-of-way must also be signed by a representative of the department of transportation.

    (2) The agreement must contain a statement disclaiming any liability of the board and, if applicable, the department of transportation for any injuries or losses suffered by the person in managing noxious weeds on the state or county highway right-of-way. The signed agreement transfers responsibility for managing noxious weeds on the specified section of right-of-way from the board to the person signing the agreement. If the board later finds that the person has failed to adhere to the agreement, the board shall issue an order informing the person that the agreement will be void and that responsibility for the management of noxious weeds on the right-of-way will revert to the board unless the person complies with the provisions of the agreement within a specified time period.

    (3) (a) If a person objects to weed control measures bordering a state or county highway right-of-way and does not enter a voluntary agreement pursuant to subsections (1) and (2) and if the board finds that the person has failed to provide alternative weed control, the board shall issue an order informing the person that the management of noxious weeds on the right-of-way will be undertaken by the board unless the person provides alternative weed control within 30 days. (b) A person who does not provide alternative weed control within the time specified in subsection (3)(a) is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be sentenced pursuant to 46-18-212 and assessed the costs of weed control provided by the board. A second or subsequent conviction is punishable by a fine of not less than $500 or more than $2,000, plus the costs of weed control provided by the board.

  19. My county weed district is not getting the job done, what can be done?

    Contact the county weed board chairman or the county commissioners to discuss your issues and concerns.

  20. Are noxious weeds toxic to my animals if they eat them?

    While native such as death camas and lupine can be extremely toxic to sheep, certain species of noxious weeds can be toxic to cattle and horses. While most of these toxic plants are not desirable forage for animals, if they are forced to eat them, they can result in problems. Plants toxic to horses include houndstounge and Yellow Starthistle. Plants toxic to cattle and horses include tall buttercup and Common Tansy (for sheep) St. Johnswort causes blistering on cattle, Tansy Ragwort for cattle.

  21. Are there grants available to help treat noxious weeds?

    Yes, there are several sources available to treat noxious weeds, but rarely to one landowner. If a weed management area is formed with several landowners, the chance of receiving grant funds increases. The MT Department of Ag's Noxious Weed Trust Fund is one avenue to pursue grants, the deadline is usually the first of December and forms can be found online. The Center for Invasive Plant Management also offers grants. On a larger scale, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation offers grants, and conservation districts (link to county contact page on our website) also offer funds. You can check with your local office to inquire about possible funding. Currently NRCS is also providing grant funding through special iniative funds. Several other Montana organizations offer grants including PPL and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Again, when a weed management area is formed and organized well, there are many avenues of funding available.

  22. How can I find weed free hay?

    You can stop by your local county weed district office and inquire of producers or you can go to the MDA website producers list.

  23. What does it take to be a certified producer of weed free hay?

    Contact the Montana Department of Agriculture, your County Weed District, or County Extension agent. An NWSFF agent will provide the producer with the annual application and set up a field inspection. All certification inspections must be done prior to cutting, not after it is windrowed or baled. Pellet and grain certification is done through a plant inspection by the Montana Department of Agriculture.
    For baled products, the inspector/NWSFF agent should be contacted about 2 weeks before a producer anticipates he will cut. For hay, it must be harvested within 7 days of the inspection, straw has a 14 day window from field inspection to harvest. This is driven by the rapid seed set of some noxious weed species.

    A field inspection entails an extensive 'walk-through' by the NWSFF agent.     If the agent finds the field and the stack yard free of noxious weeds, the agent will complete the certification process, and make arrangements for appropriate NWSFF markers (twine, tags and transportation certificates). Occasionally, a portion of the field will be excluded from the certification process. Also, the agent can turn a field down for poor husbandry practices, excessive amounts of poison plants or other undesirable species even if no noxious weeds are present.

    There is an inspection fee of $2.50 per acre, with a $25.00 minimum.     It is best to discuss any potential problem areas with the agent before the field inspection (ex: "I flagged out about 3 acres in the NW corner that has a little Oxeye daisy in it." ) that may need exclusion from the certification to reduce the cost of the inspection.

23.   I am a private landowner and I'd like to be able to spray  
         restricted herbicide. What is the process to become certified to
         do that?
        To obtain a private applicator license, you must contact your local
        county extension agent as they administer private applicator
        licensing. A private applicator license allows private landowners to
        purchase and apply restricted herbicides. You will need to purchase
        a private applicator training manual, and you are required to take 
        an applicator test. The fee is $50.00 and your license is then good  
        for five years. Please link to this site for additional information
        http://agr.state.mt.us/licensing/privateappl.asp. There is also Initial
        Applicator Training offered each March from the Department of
        Agriculture and MSU. It is usually held in Lewistown, please check
        out this web lik for further information 
        http://agr.state.mt.us/licensing/initialtraining.asp

24.    I would like to become a commercial applicator, how do I go
          about getting certified?
        You need to contact the Montana Department of Agriculture at
        406 - 444 - 2944 or link to 
         http://agr.state.mt.us/licensing/commercialapp.asp
         for additional information. There are training manuals you need to
         purchase and study and then take the commercial applicator test.
         There are financial and insurance requirements that need to be
         met. Please inquire about these requirements when contacting the
         Department.

25.    If I obtain my private applicator's license, can I help out my
          fellow neighbors by spraying their weeds too?
        After you obtain a private applicator licnese, you can spray a
        neighbor's property, but it MUST adjoin your property and YOU MUST
        get permission to spray their property first. You can not be paid for
        the spraying and you CAN NOT apply restricted use products on a 
        neighbor's property; only GENERAL USE produces can be used.