National Invasive Species Awareness Week addresses protecting the west
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MONTANA — As part of the National Invasive Species Awareness Week, the Upper Columbia Conservation Commission (UC3) and the Montana Invasive Species Council (MISC) partnered to help Montanans take a stand against destructive invasive species.
The organizations then collaborated with the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation to explain that when it comes to preventing invasive species from taking over the wildlife, there are a few simple steps every Montanan can take to help.
The first is to watch out for noxious weeds. While Montanans are no stranger to knapweed and leafy spurge, dozens more have made their way into Montana’s landscapes. Two of particularly high concern, according to MISC, are medusahead and ventenata. Both are invasive, annual grasses that are extremely aggressive and, in addition to devastating crops and livestock, create widespread fuel for wildfires. Seeds can cling to people and animals when they pass by to continue their spread, so MISC encourages people to always “Play, clean, go.” This simply means people should clean their gear both before and after they recreate to help stop the spread.
Consumers are also encouraged to use certified weed-free forage, hay, and mulch. Without confirmation that these common agricultural items are from weed-free sources, contamination could be present that could spread throughout property and impact livelihoods.
Montanans are also reminded to only plant non-invasive species in gardens. While some plants may look attractive, their planting could lead to an unintentional spread of an invasive species that devastates the local ecosystem. Many invasive species introductions come from ornamental trade, so always research before planting.
Another main step for Montanans centered around the prevention of aquatic invasive species. New Zealand mudsnails, zebra mussels, and Eurasian waterfoil are just a few that can take over quickly and cause devastating damage by clogging pipes that impact agriculture, hydropower, and residential water sources.
The UC3, created in 2017 in response to invasive mussel detections in two Montana waterways, is charged with fostering close cooperation between water resource managers for the Upper Columbia River Basin. While they specialize in monitoring and controlling the infestation of aquatic invasive species, Montanans can help prevent an invasion. Cleaning all equipment and clothing that comes into contact with waterways is a huge component of prevention, and watercraft inspections are mandatory in Montana. One microscopic mussel larva can be all it takes to start permanent damage, so always clean, drain, and dry water equipment before moving between locations. Residents are also reminded not to release aquatic pets into waterways.
Finally, the week closed out with a cautionary tale on wild swine. These feral pigs are both adaptive and extremely destructive. Able to strip a field of crops in a single night, according to MISC, feral swine are also known to carry over 30 diseases and parasites that can threaten livestock, wildlife, and humans alike. Thankfully, as of 2021 there is no strong evidence of feral swine in Montana. They are established however in neighboring Alberta, Saskatchewan, and their populations have been expanding northward from the southern U.S.
Montanans are encouraged to watch out for signs of feral swine, including wallowing, digging, and prints that are similar to those of deer but with more rounded edges. Should someone suspect the presence of a wild pig, they should immediately call 406-444-2976 to file a report.
National Invasive Species Awareness Week has been ongoing educational effort since 2010. The goal is to raise awareness about invasive species, the threat they pose, and what can be done to prevent their spread in every region. Over the years, organizers say they’ve discovered most businesses and hobbyists are generally concerned
