Protecting Eastern Montana Rangelands from Invasive Weeds

The purpose of this project is to facilitate the long-term protection of prioritized rangelands from invasive weed spread through rancher adoption of prevention stewardship and novel detection technologies to expand eradication efforts. This will be accomplished through local-level awareness campaigns and programs, collective rancher implementation of specific prevention and early detection / rapid response plans, and evaluation of local-level prevention programs using short- and long-term measurements. Coordinated and cooperative rangeland protection from weed spread will preserve natural habitats and native species where the ecological, economic, and societal benefits will accrue indefinitely. Maintaining weed-free rangelands will help sustain rural communities that depend on agriculture and wildlife-based expenditures.