"The mission of the Yellowstone County Weed Department is to assist the Public, Private, and other Government Agencies to manage and control existing Noxious Weed infestations as well as prevent new Invasive Species from infesting Yellowstone County through Integrated Weed Management approaches including educational, biological, chemical, cultural and mechanical methods."

Yellowstone County Weed Department Special Projects Overview
2006-2007

Canyon Creek Watershed Restoration - In 2006 / 2007, in conjunction with the Yellowstone County Conservation District; the Yellowstone County Weed Department has been involved in the invasive weeds portion of an impaired watershed project. Through the Montana RRGL grants program, the department has been attempting to reduce and/or eliminate the Saltcedar infestations that exist in the Canyon Creek drainage. Saltcedar; which is a Category II State listed noxious weed in Montana, is a primary objective for removal in Yellowstone County. By utilizing the grant funds, the department has been able to map, treat, and monitor the existing Saltcedar in the drainage. To date over 4,000 trees have been treated and we will monitor for any additional treatments that may be needed in the future.

Saltcedar -Yellowstone River (Noxious Weed Trust Fund Grant Project / Clarks Fork Cooperative Grant Project - Since 2005, the Yellowstone County Weed Department and the Carbon County Weed Department have joined forces to treat and monitor Saltcedar (and other noxious weed species) along the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River, in an attempt to reduce the spread of these species into the riparian areas of the main Yellowstone River corridor. It is our hope that by doing this project it will allow the native plant species along the Yellowstone River to better compete for future establishment, and enhance the ecological integrity of the riparian areas. Updated Information

Biological Insect Releases - In an ongoing effort to attempt to reduce existing noxious weed populations across the county, and to encourage integrated management strategies; the department has continued to obtain and release insects that assist in non-native plant population reductions. In 2006, we have received the first permits for release of an insect to help control Saltcedar populations, and have initiated 2 releases in county. We have additionally expanded the number of releases of insects for Spotted Knapweed and Leafy Spurge control in various locations scattered across the county.

* For more information regarding these projects, or other activities; please contact our office at: (406) 256-2708, or visit the Weed Links on the left side of this page.

Noxious Weeds are non-native plants that have become established or that may be introduced in the state. These Noxious Weeds may render land unfit for agriculture, forestry, livestock, wildlife, or other beneficial uses. These plants are designated as “Noxious” by rule of the Montana Department of Agriculture or as a District Noxious Weed by the Yellowstone County Weed Board.