This project aims to protect north dakota s rangelands, farmlands, and natural areas from the environmental and economic impacts of invasive plant and forest pest species

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Northern Region (Region 1) awarded $100,000 in Project Grant funding under the Forest Health Protection program (CFDA 10.680) to the North Dakota Department of Agriculture on September 15, 2025, with completion targeted for August 31, 2030. This award supports a statewide invasive species management initiative designed to protect North Dakota's rangelands, farmlands, and natural areas from environmental and economic damage caused by invasive plant and forest pest species, including leafy spurge, Canada thistle, and hounds tongue infestations that have already affected tens of thousands of acres across the state.

The funded project will strengthen early detection and rapid response capabilities, improve integrated weed management practices, and support biological control, revegetation, eradication, and land recovery efforts. Specifically targeting areas with at least 10 percent forest cover or infestations threatening adjacent forested lands, the program will enhance existing state and local management capacity while leveraging complementary resources to more effectively prevent, contain, and manage invasive species threats throughout the state.

Current infestations such as leafy spurge, canada thistle, and hounds tongue have already affected tens of thousands of acres. Delayed detection often results in widespread damage and higher management costs. The project will strengthen early detection and rapid response efforts, improve integrated weed management, and support biological control, revegetation, eradication, and land recovery efforts. United states forest service funding will be used to enhance a statewide invasive species management program, specifically targeting areas with at least 10 percent forest cover or infestations threatening adjacent forested lands. Funding will complement and leverage existing state and local programs to more effectively prevent, contain, and manage invasive threats.