NOXIOUS WEED COMMITTEE

Noxious weeds are one of the most serious environmental threats facing landowners in the West. Since 1999 the MVRG Weed Committee has worked to prevent and control noxious weeds in the Madison Valley. They hold an annual “Noxious Weeds Fundraiser”, and all of the funds raised are used locally to address noxious weed issues. The Committee has successfully leveraged funds we raised several fold by obtaining grants and matching funds to implement a variety of projects. The Committee strongly believes that an integrated approach to weed management is best, and works to promote several weed control methods – mechanical, biological and chemical.

Fundraisers
Each year the Committee holds a Noxious Weeds Fundraiser, and it truly has become the social event of the summer. The dinner and auction raises funds to support the Weed Committee’s efforts and projects throughout the year. Hosted by a local ranch, the evening is a great time to get together, learn about noxious weeds in the valley and have a great time.

Madison River Project
For the past 7 years, the Committee has partnered with the Madison County Weed Board to facilitate a contract to treat weeds along the River to cost-share with private landowners and treatment of weeds along the Madison River. This project has been funded by the MT Department of Agriculture’s Noxious Weed Trust Fund.

Madison River Pilot Grazing Project
For 6 years, the Committee participated in a project that involved targeted sheep grazing along the Madison River. Monitoring by project partners such as the BLM and Montana Sheep Institute showed that the sheep were very effective at reducing spotted knapweed.

Madison County Biological Control Project
Biological control agents are insects that target certain species of noxious weeds. In Madison County, the Bio-control Project offers beneficial insects that attack spotted knapweed or leafy spurge to county residents as part of an effort funded by the Madison Conservation District, BLM, Madison County Weed Board, Ennis Schools and the MVRG Weed Committee. Biological control can be a great alternative to treating weeds in areas that are environmentally sensitive or hard to access.

Cows Eat Weeds!
Beginning in 2008, the Committee has worked with several local ranchers to implement an innovative targeted grazing method that “trains” cattle to eat certain noxious weeds. With support from the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Madison Conservation District, the Committee has provided participants with technical support, all the needed supplies and help setting up monitoring points to measure changes in plant communities.

SPECIAL PROJECT AREAS

Norwegian Creek:
Partnering with the Madison Conservation District, the Weed Committee facilitates a special noxious weed project in the Norwegian Creek watershed, near Harrison, MT. Working together, participating landowners have voluntarily agreed to aggressively treat all of their weeds annually, for a period of 7 years. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has entered into contracts with the participants, agreeing to provide cost-share assistance for the entire 7 years. This long term commitment on behalf of NRCS and the landowners enables the land to see a drastic reduction in noxious weeds at the landscape level.

North Meadow Creek:
In 2011 the Weed Committee will offer landowners in the North Meadow Creek area both technical and cost-share assistance to inventory and treat noxious weeds on their properties. Made possible through a HB223 grant and the Madison Conservation District, the Committee is hoping to make this an ongoing, long-term project.

EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS

River Mapping:
In July 2011, the Committee will participate in the second mapping effort aimed at cataloging noxious weeds along the Madison River. Working with the Madison River Foundation and the Madison Watershed Partnership, the Committee will help train and mobilize interested volunteers to spend a day on the river, collecting important information about noxious weeds. This data will be used to strategically target limited resources in areas of high concern.

Bear Creek Days:
Each year the Weed Committee is happy to contribute to the success of this exciting outdoor educational event. Hosted by the USFS, this day brings students from across the county to the mountains to learn about a host of environmental issues, including noxious weeds.

Science Fair Awards:
Each year the Committee offers cash awards for the “Best Noxious Weed Project” at the local, state and regional science fairs. The Committee strives to encourage an interest in noxious weeds by making educational presentations in local science classes and by offering these annual science fair awards.

Scholarships:
In 2009, the Weed Committee offered its first scholarship for a student graduating high school from Ennis or Harrison High Schools. Since then, they have awarded 4 scholarships to students planning to pursue a degree in agriculture or the environmental sciences.

Calendar:
Each year the Committee produces a beautiful calendar that showcases the scenic Madison Valley, and provides educational information about noxious weeds.