MDA accepting petitions for New Noxious Weed Listings

The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) is accepting petitions for new plants to add to the Montana Noxious Weed List. Petition forms are available on the department’s website at agr.mt.gov/weeds and can be submitted to Jasmine Reimer, State Weed Coordinator, at [email protected].

“Staying ahead of the game by identifying and adding new plants to the noxious weed list is vital to protecting Montana’s agricultural lands,” said Director Ben Thomas. “The department welcomes input from folks across the state when reviewing the list each year.”

All interested persons who submit a petition will have the opportunity to present to the Montana Noxious Weed Listing Workgroup when it convenes in the Fall. Petitions received before the close of business on September 30, 2020 will be reviewed by the workgroup this year. Any forms received thereafter will be reviewed in the next cycle

Ventenata was added as a Priority 2A noxious weed in the 2018-2019 cycle. However, palmer amaranth and common bugloss were petitioned for consideration but not recommended for listing in the same cycle. If interested parties seek to re-petition these plant species, new information must be provided.

Noxious weeds have a destructive impact on Montana’s landscape by displacing native plant species, increasing soil erosion, and decreasing wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities.

The Montana Department of Agriculture’s mission is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries. For more information on the Montana Department of Agriculture, visit agr.mt.gov.