“Zero Spread” Challenges Private Landowners to Fight Noxious Weeds -- See updated information about Zero Spread at www.mtweed.org

(March 28, 2005) Bozeman, MT — A new statewide campaign — called Zero Spread — is challenging private landowners to join in the fight against noxious weeds. The campaign, sponsored by the Montana Department of Agriculture, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Pulling Together Task Force, aims to increase private landowner participation in managing and preventing the spread of noxious weeds by building on successful local programs already in place.

“The Zero Spread campaign brings people together at the grassroots level,” says Dave Burch, state noxious weed coordinator with the Montana Department of Agriculture. “Working together and forming Cooperative Weed Management Areas (CWMAs) will increase the efficiency of people who want to control weeds on their land and move Montana forward in effective weed management.”

Non-native weed species have a devastating effect on Montana’s ecosystem and way of life. They choke out native plant species, reduce cropland and rangeland productivity, threaten wildlife habitat, reduce water quality and fish habitat, and diminish recreational and tourism opportunities. Knapweeds in Montana cost an estimated $42 million annually, money that could support 518 full-time jobs in the state.

According to the Montana Weed Control Association, knapweed and leafy spurge — just two of the 27 weeds currently listed as a “Noxious Weed” by the state — have established themselves in every county since first being sighted in 1925. Dave White, NRCS state conservationist, underscores the significance of the problem: “Noxious weeds are the number one threat to Montana’s natural resources. They’re destroying the productivity of our rangelands, the economic vitality of our ranches, the habitat our wildlife depend upon, and the quality and quantity of our waters.”

Since no single noxious weed treatment works in every situation, the Zero Spread campaign will focus on site-specific, integrated methods that take into account how the land will be used. “The key to weed control is understanding your specific situation,” says White.

“There’s not a boiler-plate solution to weeds, even to the same weeds. In eastern Montana, which is still relatively weed-free, efforts will focus on weed prevention,” explains White. “In western Montana, where weeds have already spread, the focus will be on management and minimizing spread.”

Landowners are urged to call 888-488-ZERO (9376) to receive a Zero Spread packet that includes a list of resources, a weed identification booklet, examples of weed management group successes and other information. Those interested in joining a weed management group or in starting one will be directed to their county weed coordinator, who can often provide on-site assistance in early detection and rapid response to newly invading species.

Approximately $1.7 million is granted annually to landowner-driven Cooperative Weed Management Areas in Montana. Funding comes from the state’s Noxious Weed Trust Fund, which receives $1.50 from the registration of every vehicle. Burch, who administers the program, says that groups can apply for a grant if they have a minimum of three landowners, have identified the specific weed problem, and have begun working together toward a solution that benefits Montana. “If they have a solid program started, we do our best to fund them,” he says.

For contact information about Zero Spread, call 888-488-9376 or visit the Web site at www.mtweed.org

Why Zero Spread?

What do you see as the number one spreader of noxious weeds? Vehicles? Animals? Inconsistent management? We believe the answer is a lack of education. When it comes to weeds, many people simply don’t know where to turn, what to do, or even how to identify a noxious weed.

That’s why Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Montana Department of Agriculture and Montana State University have teamed up to create the Zero Spread campaign. This campaign has two primary goals: one, to increase participation in weed management groups in areas where they are established; and two, to increase awareness of weed issues and management options statewide. We hope that by doing these two things we can attain Zero Spread of noxious weeds – stopping weed spread and eradicating infestations where possible.

Marketing Tools to Spread Information

To meet our goals, we’ve developed marketing materials for a variety of audiences. These materials are designed to improve education and increase participation in weed programs.

The campaign features real case studies and weed facts to deliver our message. It includes direct marketing, paid media, PSAs and public relations for print, radio and television and will refer people to a toll-free number 1-888-488-ZERO (9376). Respondents will receive a Zero Spread packet that includes a list of resources, a weed ID booklet, weed management group successes, a CD holder that clips to any vehicle’s sun visor, and other information. Landowners interested in joining a weed management group or in starting one will be directed to their county weed coordinator. The media campaign is scheduled to launch in late April. In addition to marketing outreach, a limited number of Zero Spread signs will be available to weed management group participants to post on their property.

Making Effective Use of the Program

While county weed coordinators and other weed professionals won’t be responsible for placing media or creating materials, you are integral to the program. Landowners interested in weed management will be directed to you. There may be public relations opportunities in your area, for example, to answer questions on an ag radio program. We hope you’ll look at Zero Spread as an opportunity, not added workload. The new materials provide a great reason for you to make connections with new landowners and with stubborn old ones. The people contacting you for information should be more knowledgeable and easier to help because they won’t be starting from a blank page.

To ensure the campaign’s effectiveness, we suggest you plan your schedule for April and May now. Plan to get out and connect with landowners, put up Zero Spread signs and hand out materials. Your presence in the field during the launch of the media will help to increase awareness. It will create a synergy that effectively stretches our message and our limited marketing dollars.

Thank You

We truly hope Zero Spread becomes an education and awareness tool that will help make your efforts in the field more effective. Any questions you may have should be referred to the Montana Weed Control Association Executive Secretary Becky Kington at bkington@3rivers.net or log onto http://www.mtweed.org

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