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invasivespecies.mt.gov

Invasive species include plants, animals, and pathogens that are non-native to our ecosystem and cause harm to natural and cultural resources, the economy, and human health.

Some non-native plants and animals have caused vast damage to our natural resources as well as our economy. Economic impacts can be huge. in the wake of the invasive mussel detections of fall 2016, the state has more than doubled its yearly spending for prevention and control to stop the spread to other Montana waters. 

But other species have not yet become established in Montana. Some, such as feral hogs, and the emerald ash-borer, could have devastating consequences. In recent years, we have greatly improved our system of perimeter defense and inspection stations. We are fortunate that Montana remains relatively free of invasive species that have wreaked havoc in other states, but it is imperative that we do all in our power to better protect Montana from new invasive introductions, even as we strengthen our ongoing campaigns against existing non-native species. 

Visit invasivespecies.mt.gov for information about state programs and the species they manage; educational resources for prevention; how to report invasive species, and field guides for all invasive species including aquatic, noxious weeds, pests and disease, and emerging threats. 

The Invasive Species Program at DNRC was established to address this complex problem and includes the following primary functions:

Montana Invasive Species Council (MISC)

MISC is a statewide partnership working to protect Montana’s economy, natural and cultural resources, and public health through a coordinated approach to combat invasive species. MISC's work is guided by the Montana Invasive Species Framework, which was developed collaboratively with partners and stakeholders who manage invasive species including federal, tribal, state, county, non-profit, private companies, landowners, and the people of Montana. The Framework includes over 90 coordinated actions to better protect Montana from invasive species. Visit MISC.MT.GOV to for more information including upcoming meeting dates and projects.

Upper Columbia Conservation Commission (UC3)

The UC³ is a multi-stakeholder organization comprised of federal, state, tribal, industry and non-governmental stakeholders dedicated to the prevention of aquatic invasive species (AIS) introduction and/or spread in the Upper Columbia Basin. The UC³ was created in 2017 by the Montana Legislature after the detection of invasive zebra/quagga mussel larvae in two Montana reservoirs east of the Continental Divide. As the Columbia River Basin is the last known mussel-free major river drainage, the UC³ was created to assist in prevention efforts, bring partners together and better project the Upper Columbia Basin. The Commission meets quarterly, develops annual monitoring and outreach plans, and augments AIS prevention efforts throughout the basin.  Find upcoming meeting dates, projects and Commission information at UC3.MT.GOV.

Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program

DNRC in coordination with the Montana Invasive Species Councils offers state-funded grants for the prevention and control of aquatic invasive species (AIS). The goal of the grants is to protect the natural resources of Montana from severe and unacceptable damage from AIS by increasing local capacity and involvement to address AIS issues. Click here for more information including eligibility and to apply.