Woody Invasive Species Resources
The Woody Invasives Working Group (WIWG) was funded in the 2023 grant cycle by the MT Noxious Weed Trust Fund to develop a statewide management plan for common buckthorn, Russian olive, and saltcedar. Projects completed during this time were educational materials that specified identification and control options through the year for all three target species and additional outreach on online and radio platforms to outdoor enthusiasts and landowners. Within the statewide management plan, goals include identifying stable funding and continued efforts toward outreach and education. As part of this, the Core Planning Group is organizing a river tour to view past projects and positive outcomes from control projects, educating on how important funding is for this type of work, and continuing with biannual partner update meetings.
Upcoming Events:
March 24, 2026 WIWG Meeting, Calvert Hotel, Lewistown and Zoom
July 16, 2026 WIWG River Tour, Billings
The Woody Invasives Working Group (WIWG) is inviting sponsors to join our effort to introduce Montana decision makers and natural resource caretakers to three woody invasive species (saltcedar, Russian olive, and common buckthorn) that are actively altering our state's waterways.
Sponsorships help make this specially designed Yellowstone River boat tour event possible for attendees, supporting transportation, equipment rentals, bountiful food and drink, and to help our presenting speakers. Tour sponsors will be recognized throughout the event, in tour publications, in online media, and in all relevant tour announcements.
WIWG wants to take attendees right into the heart of the issue, creating time to connect with experts, and creating an opportunity to view some of the negative impacts that exist along the river. Attendees will learn about impacts to biodiversity, native species, and ecological processes, but will also see woody invasive control projects working to reverse the situation.
Though tour is not large, the publicity from the event will reach much further, and its success will set the stage for future years’ successes.
Sponsorship Details:
($200+) – Event Sponsors are prominently recognized on all tour materials, announcements, and websites when possible. Sponsors will be acknowledged during the tour and in media posts after the event.
($600+) – Rock the Boat Sponsors cover the full cost of 1 boat rental (We need 8!), and are prominently recognized on all tour materials, announcements, and websites when possible. Sponsors receive a special announcement during the tour and in media posts following the event. Rock the Boat Sponsors are eligible to share swag with attendees for additional outreach if desired.
For more information or to make a sponsorship donation, please contact Amy Seaman, Executive Director of MWCC at: (406) 475 -1420 or director@mtwatersheds.org
Review the Draft Woody Invasives Statewide Management Plan.
The public comment period for this draft plan is now closed.
Help Montana by learning how to identify and report woody invasive species.
Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)
A large shrub or small tree (6-20ft tall) that has deciduous leaves which remain green long into the fall compared to native species. It can develop into dense monocultures, reduce habitat, and outcompete native species.
Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)
A tall shrub or small tree (up to 26ft tall) wth branches that are orange-brown in color with white-mealy hairs. Readily invades riparian habitat, outcompeting native species and alters the ecosystem.
Saltcedar (Tamarix chinensis, T. ramosissima and hybrids)
Wispy shrubby growth form (3-17ft tall) that often occurs in riparian areas. Has short clusters of tiny pink flowers that cover the shrub during the growing season. Crowds out native species and chokes riparian corridors.
Reporting woody invasive species helps us prioritize management across watersheds.
Contact your local extension agent
Contact your local weed district
Reporting best practices include clear photos and detailed location information.
Woody invasive species have broad negative impacts to water quality, wildlife and fisheries habitat, agricultural production, recreation, and property values. Management is a shared responsibility among all land and water users.
