Missoula, Mont. (Sept 7, 2023) – The USDA Forest Service is making a nearly $19 million strategic investment to address invasive species threatening forests across the country. Funding for over 60 projects was made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
In the Northern Region, a total of $1,031,187 will be invested in tribal, state and Forest Service invasive species projects:
- $126,687 is allocated for Montana’s Implementing Invasive Species Early Detection and Rapid Response Strike Teams;
- $350,000 is allocated for the Wyoming and Crow Tribe Emergent Annual Grass Control and Eradication Project, which includes reservation lands in Montana; and
- $554,500 is allocated for the Northern Region’s Invasive Species Monitoring and Management Project.
“Invasive species pose a serious threat to Northern Region forests and grasslands by contributing to increased fire risk, the destruction of wildlife habitat and the degradation of water quality,” said Regional Forester Leanne Marten. “These investments demonstrate our region’s commitment to addressing and preventing the harm caused by invasive species.”
These investments were awarded to public and private organizations, tribes, states, local landowners and Forest Service research stations to respond to the spread of damaging invasive species, which includes wood boring insects, exotic fungi, non-native plant species and other potential pests and pathogens. The funds will support activities focused on invasive species detection, prevention, eradication and research.
For more information on where the Forest Service is investing through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to address invasive species, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/invasive-species/funded-projects.
