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1. What is a noxious weed?

A "Noxious Weed", by definition of the Montana County Noxious Weed Act (PDF), means any exotic plant species established or that may be introduced into the state that may render land unfit for agriculture, forestry, livestock, wildlife, or other beneficial uses or that may harm native plant communities and that is designated as a statewide noxious weed by the rule of the department; or as a district noxious weed by a board, following public notice of intent and public hearing (MCA 7-22-2101).

2. Why should you care about noxious weeds?

Weeds are considered one of the most serious threats to natural habitats and resources in the West. Noxious Weeds displace native plants and cause serious economic losses and environmental impacts. Noxious weed establishment reduces range and agricultural land productivity, reduces available forage for wildlife, and negatively impacts aesthetics and recreation. Ecological processes may be negatively affected by the invasion of noxious weeds; for example, Spotted Knapweed forms monocultures that can increase soil erosion. Spotted knapweed infests over 3.8 million acres in Montana, but there are new invaders that have the potential to do even greater ecological and economic damage, such as yellow starthistle.