This program has been developed to manage invasive plant infestations on private, tribal, and non-federal public land in association with federal lands by implementing noxious weed management programs

The Montana Department of Agriculture received a $320,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service under the Forest Health Protection program (CFDA 10.680), awarded August 25, 2025, with a completion date of July 31, 2030. This grant funds noxious weed management programs designed to control invasive plant infestations across private, tribal, and non-federal public lands in Montana in coordination with federal lands. With an estimated 8.2 million acres of noxious weeds in Montana—including 5 million acres (62 percent) on private lands—the program addresses critical forest and rangeland health threats by providing financial support to land managers working cooperatively within established noxious weed management areas.

The funded activities focus on managing invasive plants that compete with native vegetation, increase wildfire risk, reduce wildlife habitat value, and compromise soil-holding capacity. Through this five-year award, the Montana Department of Agriculture will deliver integrated pest management services, detection and monitoring activities, invasive species control treatments, and technical assistance to land managers across multiple land ownership categories. These coordinated efforts support regional and state-level forest health protection priorities while enhancing rangeland productivity and reducing fire incidence in Montana's agricultural and forestry sectors.

Of the estimated 8.2 million acres of noxious weeds in montana, 5 million acres 62 percent are found on private lands. The other 3 million acres are found on state lands, county lands, tribal lands, and federal lands. Invasive plants compete much better than native plants in disturbed areas and move into non-disturbed sites once established. Weed infestations in montana increase the incidence and spread of fire, reduce the value of range for wildlife use and domestic stock, and reduce soil-holding capacity. IT is critical to provide financial support to land managers who are working cooperatively within established noxious weed management areas in montana.