Present Your Awareness
We all know that weeds exist in our state, but how serious is the problem? There are 23 noxious weeds listed for Montana, plants that seriously impact the ecology and economy of our state. Some of these weeds look like wild flowers. Some we may even have found in bouquets from the florist. But all choke out native species, harm animals, and lower land values. Only through education and awareness can noxious weeds be contained, eradicated,
and prevented.
Educate Yourself and Others
As a real estate licensee, do you know what your responsibilities are when it comes to disclosing the presence of weeds on property you are dealing with? Do you know what to expect in the next 100 years if noxious weeds are allowed to continue taking over Montana's land? How do you explain to a potential buyer that the property they want is possibly at risk from weed infestation?
These questions and more are addressed in the 12-minute slide presentation created especially for real estate personnel. The Impacts of Noxious Weeds on the Ecology and Economy of Montana PowerPoint presentation covers topics ranging from identification of noxious weeds and disclosure responsibilities to seeking out resources to create a weed management plan. This brief presentation is packed with information to create better-informed real estate personnel and thus reduce liability in sales transactions.
Make an Impact
The slide presentation is available on its own or as a part of the four credit elective Land Values, Land Management, and Invasive Weeds course offered by Montana's Statewide Noxious Weed Awareness and Education Campaign and the Montana Association of REALTORS. Understanding when and how to disclose the presence of weeds on properties does not require one to become a weed specialist. Simply being aware of the resources available to you as a real estate liscensee will help continue the fight against noxious weeds. Consider this the next time you are asked to give a presentation at lunch.
Use It
The slide show is available on CD and works with PowerPoint to create a colorful and informative presentation. A script is available as well. To get the slide presentation, contact your local weed district or county agent. If you would like more information or would like to volunteer to work on the Awareness Campaign for the General Public, please contact Carla Hoopes, Project Coordinator at (406) 994-5683 or choopes@montana.edu, or write to this address:
