Some non-native plants and animals have caused vast damage to our natural resources as well as our economy. Economic impacts can be huge. In the wake of the invasive mussel detections of fall 2016, the state has more than doubled its yearly spending for the prevention and control of invasive species, to protect our state’s critically important freshwater resources.

Thankfully, most invasive species are not yet established in Montana. Some, such as feral hogs and the emerald ash borer, could have devastating consequences. In recent years, Montana has greatly improved our system of state border defense and inspection stations. We are fortunate that Montana remains relatively free of invasive species that have wreaked havoc in other states. It is imperative that we do all that is within our power to better protect Montana from new invasive introductions, even as we strengthen our ongoing campaigns against new and established species.