Weed Control 



Over the past years Western Montana has been invaded by noxious 

 weeds to an alarminq degree. These weeds are invadinq cropland, forest 

 areas and range! and. The weeds that are most common are goa tweed, spotted 

 knapweed, leafy spurge, white top and dalmation toadflax. The Flathead 

 Reservation has not been spared this invasion of weeds. 



It is estimated that about 50,000 acres of the Reservation need 

 intensive weed control. These weeds are competing with the native 

 vegetation for moisture and nutrients and are a seed source for further 

 weed infestations. We feel that the best way of gaining control of these 

 weeds is by chemical weed spray. Small areas should be worked on each year 

 with an intensified program on one area for a watershed. There must be a 

 follow-up plan for each area that has been sprayed. The application of 

 chemicals can be made by aircraft, 4X4 vehicles with booms and spot spraying 

 with back pack sprayers or the combination of all types of sprayers. 



The use of chemical weed spray must be done by licensed professionals 

 who have the right equipment and the know-how to do a safe job and get the 

 control that is desired. There is the possibility of removing 5,000 to 

 7,000 acres of farm and pasture land from range units and controlling the 

 weeds with good farming practices and irrigation. Most of this land is along 

 the Flathead River. The increased rental from this land could help in the 

 cost of controlling the weeds on the range land. By removing some of this 

 acreage we could also eliminate a seed source. 



The cost of an effective weed control program is very high and could 

 run as high as $20.00 per care. Weed control is a never-ending job and 

 continuing effort. The prospects of biological control for weeds such as 



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