The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

New informational Guide on Noxious and Invasive Weed Management

A new informational guide EBO242 is now available at the Chouteau County Extension office. It is titled Revegetation Guidelines: Considering Invasive and Noxious Weeds. The guide was created by Noelle Orloff, Jane Mangold and Jerry Marks from Montana State University, Monica Pokorny from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Bryce Christiaens and Steffany Rogge from the Missoula County Department of Ecology.

Revegetation, the intentional planting of desired species, is an important component of integrated weed management. Weed control without revegetation can be short-lived if desired plants are not available to occupy open spaces created after weeds are killed. Establishing desired species that meet land management goals and compete with re-invading weeds is critical for long-term weed management. Revegetation is not a simple task, however, and many plantings fail due to weed encroachment and other complicating factors. The new publication Revegetation Guidelines: Considering Invasive and Noxious Weeds outlines seven steps for planning a revegetation project.

Steps include site assessment, determining project goals and objectives, controlling weeds, planning and seeding, site preparation and implementation, monitoring establishment and long term management. The guide is a great reference for ranchers and small landowners.

For further management information on noxious weed and range management, please contact the Chouteau County Extension office at 622-3751 or stop in at the green building next to the Chouteau County Courthouse.

Montana State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.