The Montana Department of Agriculture and Noxious Weed Management Advisory Council has awarded over $1.79 million for the development and implementation of noxious weed management programs across Montana. The grants, which were awarded in March, assist counties, conservation districts, local communities, tribes, researchers and educators in efforts to combat noxious weeds in Montana.  

58 local cooperative projects were funded at a total of $1,247,871 or 70% of all dollars awarded. Twelve research projects were funded at $309,380 and 11 educational projects were awarded $234,591. Combined research and educational projects were awarded a total of $543,971 or 30% of all funding available.

In addition to the $1.79 million grant hearing awards, each of the 56 counties and 7 reservations in the state are eligible to receive $7,500 per year.

The Montana Noxious Weed Trust Fund grant program was established by the Montana Legislature in 1985.  The advisory council reviews applications, hears applicant testimony, and provides funding recommendations to the director for final approval. Funding is typically passed through a governmental organization, local weed district, conservation district, extension office, or university.  A compiled list of award recipients is available at http://agr.mt.gov/Noxious-Weed-Trust-Fund-Grants.

Applications for 2020 Noxious Weed Trust Fund grants can be found at https://fundingmt.org in mid-July, for completion and submission by January 6, 2020. 

The Montana Department of Agriculture’s mission is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries.  For more information on the Montana Department of Agriculture, visit agr.mt.gov.

Source: Montana Department of Agriculture Press Release