“Zero Spread” Challenges Private Landowners to Fight Noxious Weeds
(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.
