This project supports a coordinated statewide effort in north dakota to prevent, manage, and control noxious and invasive species through integrated pest management, education, monitoring,…

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service R1-Northern Region awarded the North Dakota Department of Agriculture one hundred thousand dollars on August 5, 2026, under the Forest Health Protection program (CFDA 10.680) for a coordinated statewide effort to prevent, manage, and control noxious and invasive species across North Dakota through integrated pest management, education, monitoring, biological control, and partnerships.

The project targets yellow toadflax, houndstongue, and purple loosestrife along with other state-listed or county-listed weeds of concern. Field activities include identifying and treating infestations, establishing and monitoring insectaries for biocontrol agent production, and redistributing biological agents once established. The project will provide cost-share assistance to landowners and county weed boards for herbicide treatments and biocontrol agent releases. Field work occurs across multiple North Dakota counties, including but not limited to Morton, Ward, and Golden Valley, on both public and private lands where invasive species are present. Site selection is guided by coordination with local weed officials and landowners; additional sites and counties will be identified based on infestation levels and local cooperation. Expected outcomes include increased treated acres, increased participation in houndstongue control, established insectaries producing biocontrol agents, and documented release and treatment sites. Performance extends through June 30, 2031.

This project supports a coordinated statewide effort in north dakota to prevent, manage, and control noxious and invasive species through integrated pest management, education, monitoring, biological control, and partnerships. Focusing on yellow toadflax, houndstongue, and purple loosestrife along with other state listed or county listed weeds of concern. In collaboration with landowners, county weed boards, and the plan is to assist with a cost share for herbicide treatments and biocontrol agent releases. Efforts include identifying and treating infestations, establishing and monitoring insectaries, and redistributing biological agents once established. Expected outcomes include increased treated acres, increased participation in houndstongue control, established insectaries producing biocontrol agents, documented release and treatment sites. This project will take place across multiple locations throughout north dakota as part of a statewide invasive species management effort. Field activities will be conducted in participating counties, including but not limited to morton, ward, golden valley, and other counties where target weed species infestations are identified. Site selection will be guided through coordination with local weed officials and landowners to ensure success. Additional sites/counties will be identified based on infestation and local cooperation. On-the-ground work will occur on both public and private lands where invasive species are present. Priority treatment sites include hounds tongue infestations and other priority weed infestations. Additional project activities will also occur at designated insectary sites for yellow toadflax and purple loosestrife.