What We Do

The Montana Invasive Species Council was proactively created by the Montana Governor’s office in 2015 and tasked with identifying priority invasive species issues and making recommendations to improve invasive species management.

In March of 2016, MISC completed a statewide assessment of the individuals, groups, and agencies working on invasive species, their management priorities, and an estimate of their expenditures. Following this assessment, MISC hosted a summit in April 2016 attended by 175 representatives from across the state to prioritize the invasive species management challenges faced by a state with many habitats, borders, and partners.

From those discussions, along with four public listening sessions held in September and October 2016 in Miles City, Wolf Point, Great Falls, and Pablo, the Montana Invasive Species Strategic Framework was developed to include all partners and stakeholders in managing invasive species including federal, tribal, state, county, nonprofit, private companies, landowners, and the people of Montana. The framework includes more than 90 coordinated actions that would better protect Montana from invasive species; five key areas highlighted for improvements are listed below:

COORDINATION: Coordinate invasive species efforts, focusing on common priorities, and sharing information regarding management outcomes to build a successful invasive species program.

PREVENTION: Protect Montana’s natural resources and reduce the future burdens of invasive species impacts by restricting the introduction of harmful species.

DETECTION: Search for new populations of invasive species, monitor existing populations, and communicate findings so the risk they pose can be assessed and appropriately managed.

RAPID RESPONSE: Build capacity to eradicate, control, or contain populations of invasive species that have newly invaded and pose a risk to Montana.

CONTROL: Reduce the negative impact of established invasive species to Montana’s economy, environment, and culture.

Since 2019, MISC provides oversight over the Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program.