Over $1.6 Million Awarded To Combat Noxious Weeds In MT

Helena, Mont. - The Montana Department of Agriculture announced the award of over $1.6 million for the development and implementation of noxious weed management programs.

The Noxious Weed Management Advisory Council reviewed 86 Noxious Weed Trust Fund grant applications requesting over $2 million and recommended awarding over $1.6 million for education, research, and cooperative noxious weed management projects.

The advisory council met the first week of March to review applications and make selections to assist counties, local communities, tribes, researchers and educators in efforts to combat noxious weed problems in Montana. In total, 83 grant proposals were awarded funding, including 60 local cooperative projects, 13 research projects, and 10 education projects. In addition to the $1.6 million awarded, each of the 56 counties and 7 reservations in the state are eligible to receive $7,500 per year.

The Montana Noxious Weed Trust Fund grant program was established by the Montana Legislature in 1985. The advisory council reviews applications, hears applicant testimony, and provides funding recommendations to the director for final approval. Funding is typically passed through a governmental organization, local weed district, conservation district, extension office, or university.

A compiled list of award recipients is available at http://bit.ly/2016NWTF.

Montana Department of Agriculture’s mission is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries. For more information on the Montana Department of Agriculture, visit agr.mt.gov.