MONTANA
INVASIVE SPECIES


Invasive species harm our lands, waters and native species.

News and Events

Eastern Heath Snail Stakeholder Meeting

September 2019

The Montana Invasive Species Council (MISC) in coordination with the Department of Agriculture, USDA-APHIS, and Montana State University Extension will be holding a stakeholder meeting in Belt on September 23, 2019, to discuss the Eastern heath snail infestations in and around Belt. The intended outcome of the meeting is to collectively determine interest on developing a management strategy for controlling Eastern heath snail infestations. Click here for the agenda

MISC seeking comment on rapid response guidelines

June 5, 2019

HELENA, Mont. –  The Montana Invasive Species Council (MISC) is seeking public comment on draft guidelines for the state’s response to detections of emerging invasive species.

Rapid response to invasive species is a focused, resource-intensive management effort intended to prevent the target species from establishing or spreading. It is carried out to avoid future management costs created by invasive species that harm Montana’s communities, businesses, and environment. Read more...

Draft Response Guidelines

MISC Assembles Science Advisory Panel

April 12, 2019

HELENA, Mont. – Canada began releasing the biological control agent Mogulones crucifer, a weevil, in 1997 for the control of houndstongue, a highly invasive nonnative weed that is a serious nuisance for ranchers and outdoor enthusiasts. The weevil has had lasting and population level impacts on houndstongue in Alberta and British Columbia. While these weevils have naturally moved into Montana from Canada, they are not an approved agent in the United States. It is currently illegal to facilitate their redistribution through non-natural means due to concerns that these weevils may feed on federally protected non-target plant species. Read more....

Mogulones Crucifer Science Panel Workshop, April 30-May 1, agenda

MISC Releases 2018 Annual Accomplishments Report

April 3, 2019

Get your electronic copy here. To request a paper copy, contact shester@mt.gov.

MISC Assembling Committees to Tackle Invasive Species Law Review Outcomes

March 27, 2019

In 2018, the Montana Invasive Species Council (MISC) undertook a comprehensive review of federal, state, local and tribal laws and regulations that pertain to the management of invasive species within the state of Montana. The review was aided by a series of statewide listening sessions and the 2018 Montana Invasive Species Summit held in November 2018. Read more...

2019 National Invasive Species Awareness Week

February 19, 2019

9 Ways You Can Help Protect Montana’s Natural Resources from Invasive Species

HELENA, Mont — February 25-March 3, 2019, is National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW). The event raises awareness and identifies solutions for invasive species at the international, national, state, tribal, regional, and local level. The Montana Invasive Species Council (MISC) encourages Montanans to observe the event by learning about ways to help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species in their everyday lives and work. Read more...

NISAW Support from Governor Bullock 

MISC Releases Invasive Mussel Economic Damages Report

January 24, 2019

Invasive Mussels Could Cost Montana $234 Million Per Year

HELENA, Mont — Montana’s economy could see more than $230 million in annual mitigation costs and lost revenue if invasive mussels become established in the state, according to a report released today by the Montana Invasive Species Council (MISC).

Commissioned by MISC and completed by the University of Montana Flathead Biological Station, the economic impact study provides “a snapshot of projected direct costs to affected stakeholders dependent on water resources,” said Bryce Christiaens, MISC chair. “It does not reflect the total economic impact to the state, which would be considerably higher.” Read more....

Fact Sheet

Full Report

Listening Sessions and Survey to Aid in Developing Montana Invasive Species Summit 

MISC will host invasive species listening sessions in Billings, Fort Peck, and Kalispell over the course of the next few weeks. The listening sessions will be focused on the findings of a recent invasive species law review, which will also support the upcoming Montana Invasive Species Summit to be held in Helena, November 15-16, 2018.  

The public is encouraged to attend. The listening sessions will be held in the following locations:

Tuesday, August 21, 4 pm - 6 pm
Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation -- Southern Land Office
1371 Rimtop Drive, Billings

Monday, August 27, 4 pm - 6 pm
Ft. Peck Interpretive Center
Yellowstone Road, Ft. Peck

Tuesday, September 11, 5 pm - 8 pm
Homewood Suites
195 Hutton Ranch Road, Kalispell

While interested organizations, stakeholders and citizens are encouraged to attend a listening session in person, an online survey is also available. The online survey will cover the major themes coming out of the invasive species law review, and the questions will be similar to the discussion topics held at the listening sessions. The online survey is now available at:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MISCsurvey2018

The listening sessions are designed to allow the people of Montana to express their comments and concerns regarding current invasive species programmatic and regulatory topics such as the concept of an all-taxa invasive species list, the management of aquatic invasive plants, regulations and enforcement, and funding.

The responses collected from the listening sessions and online surveys will aid in the planning and development of the Montana Invasive Species Summit on November 15 – 16 in Helena, Montana. The Summit will feature a series of panels focused on topics related to the findings of the law review, with the objective of gaining clarity on current rules, and moving forward with solutions and means of enhancing the prevention and management of invasive species in Montana.

SAVE THE DATE: 2018 Governor's Summit on Invasive Species

Colonial Radisson Hotel, Helena
November 15-16

MISC Invasive Mussel Science Advisory Panel Recommendations Released

MISC, in coordination with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and partners from the U.S. Geological Survey, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, and the Flathead Lake Biological Station, formed a science advisory panel to assist the state in developing protocols for the use of environmental DNA testing to provide early detection of aquatic invasive mussels. Outcomes from the panel are below.

Invasive Species Council issues recommendations for eDNA testing, policies on invasive mussels

Full report

Key findings

Bulletins

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015