Weeds

LOCATION: 309 FFA Drive Kalispell

MISSION STATEMENT:
It is the responsibility of the Flathead County Weed Control District to protect and preserve the agricultural, recreational, wildlife habitat and natural areas of the county from the degrading impact of exotic and invasive noxious weeds. A noxious weed is legally defined as "any exotic plant species that may render land unfit for agriculture, forestry, livestock, wildlife or other beneficial uses, or that may harm native plant communities." Most of us acknowledge the reasons why is it important for noxious weed management to protect rangeland and cropland. Recently, however, concerns over the loss of native ecosystems, fish and wildlife habitats and recreational activities, have also brought additional support for noxious weed control. The Flathead County Weed Control District is mandated by state law to implement sound management of noxious weeds on all lands within Flathead County. The District has taken this challenge seriously and has upgraded all dangerous and outdated equipment, began a weed enforcement program (several years ago), developed memorandums of understanding with virtually every state and federal agency in Flathead County to assist with weed management, increased the number of rental sprayers for the public's use and developed a diverse educational program. The District is directly involved with managing over 4,000 acres annually by implementing an integrated approach in utilizing chemical applications, mowing (mechanical), biocontrol, and reseeding of disturbed roadsides.