Strong relationships built through weed management

The mission of the Blackfoot Challenge is "to coordinate efforts to conserve and enhance natural resources and the rural way of life in the Blackfoot watershed for present and future generations." A long history of poor mining, logging and livestock grazing practices as well as increased recreational use led to invasive weed spread across fence lines and ownership boundaries. The Blackfoot Challenge officially formed in 1993 as private landowners and public agencies recognized the need for a coordinated environment in which to exchange information and identify ways to respond to this threat at a watershed level.

Controlling weeds often serves as a cornerstone for strong private-public partnerships. In the Blackfoot, these relationships have fostered cooperative, integrated weed management practices across boundaries linked by 16 landowner-led Vegetation Management Areas (VMAs), three county weed districts, and federal and state agencies in cooperation with the Blackfoot Challenge.

As the Challenge Vegetation Coordinator, I work on a part time, contract basis to support landowners and land managers in the watershed develop and implement noxious weed management strategies in much the same way as in my position as fulltime weed coordinator for Powell County. When I'm wearing my Blackfoot Challenge hat, I benefit greatly from strong partnerships with Missoula and Lewis & Clark County Weed Districts, the Helena-Lewis and Clark and Lolo National Forests, DNRC, NRCS, FWP, MSU, USFWS, BLM, BBCTU, TNC, and several other public, private, commercial and non-profit entities. The work I do also profits from the high level of commitment and dedication of the BC volunteer board of directors, the committees, the work groups and the staff.

During the 2019 field season, three Noxious Weed Trust Fund cost share grants helped fund herbicide applications across 2,090 acres of range and pastureland within the North Fork and Middle Blackfoot areas of the watershed, and 96 miles of Blackfoot River shoreline. Insect release projects were aided by the ardent support of the Montana Biological Control Coordination Project. A Wildlife Habitat Improvement grant for the Blackfoot Community Conservation Area in Ovando augmented the level of integrated weed management practices conducted in that area.

Agreements with the Seeley Lake and Lincoln Ranger Districts are funding projects that include native and exotic plant inventory. These assessments are being utilized to develop and implement treatment plans based on high priority areas of need identified for biological control, herbicide application and mechanical control methods (such as removing houndstongue seed heads). Sensitive plant inventory is a current priority on the Seeley Ranger District, while the Lincoln Ranger District is partnering with the Challenge on a public/private cooperative weed management project that includes prescribed burning.

Twice a year, in June and August, a weed pull event takes place at the Russell Gates FAS on the Blackfoot River. Established over 20 years ago, the biannual gathering brings together a diverse mix of participants of all ages, several of whom have attended since its inception. As much a social event as it is a work session, the weed pulls draw the attention of recreationists, fosters old and new friendships, serves as a forum for exchanging noxious weed knowledge and management ideas, and has had a notable positive influence on the vegetative community at the site.

As part of a joint trumpeter swan restoration program between the Blackfoot Challenge and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, over 200 school kids and members of the public attend swan releases every year. Following the release of young swans that have been raised in captivity, students participate in hands-on learning stations set up around the lake. One of the highlights of my field season last year was hosting a station that introduced native and exotic aquatic and riparian plants and their relationship to swan habitat. Exploring the connection between healthy plant communities and the success of swans in the wild proved to be a great avenue for raising awareness about the importance of noxious weed management.

To address ongoing watershed-wide invasive plants and vegetation management concerns, the Blackfoot Challenge Vegetation Committee strives to continuously develop new partnerships and projects.