INTRODUCED
BY M. Marler, W. Curdy, R. Fitzgerald, T. France, S. Galloway, S. Gist, R.
Knudsen, M. Malone, B. Putnam, K. Walsh
By Request of the ****
A joint resolution of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the state of montana Declaring the first Week in June as Noxious Weed Awareness Week.
WHEREAS, noxious weeds are defined by Montana law as "any exotic plant species established or that may be introduced in the state that may render land unfit for agriculture, forestry, livestock, wildlife, or other beneficial uses or that may harm native plant communities"; and
WHEREAS, pathways for the spread of invasive noxious weeds are many and varied, involving both accidental and intentional introductions, and could be reduced by increased awareness of the dangers posed by even seemingly innocuous plants that are transplanted to a different ecosystem; and
WHEREAS, invasive plants may spread aggressively and outcompete native plants and reduce overall native community biodiversity, and invasive plants can affect wildlife by altering the availability of food or nesting habitat; and
WHEREAS, prevention is far less expensive than trying to remove species after they arrive; and
WHEREAS, an educated and aware public is highly effective at detecting species early; and
WHEREAS, public agencies, land stewards, and citizens' groups in Montana can join to stop the spread of invasive noxious weeds and restore lands and watersheds to a healthy state for their intended use.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
That the first full week in June be recognized as Noxious Weed Awareness Week.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Secretary of State send a copy of this resolution to the Governor, to the directors of the Montana Department of Agriculture, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, and to the county commission of each county in Montana.