Congressman Denny Rehberg

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg met with Montana officials to discuss expanded control of invasive weed species in Montana. The meeting, a part of National Invasive Weed Awareness Week, addressed the 32 species on the Montana Noxious Weed list.

“Noxious weeds wreak havoc on over six million acres of Montana rangelands, affecting wildlife habitat and livestock grazing areas,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “These invasive plants are also eroding the banks of rivers, such as the Missouri and Yellowstone. This is a serious problem that we need to get under control right away.”

During the meeting Rehberg discussed the possibility of increased federal investment to create jobs statewide for weed control. He was also told by Madison County Commissioner Dave Schulz that proposed expansions of federal wilderness areas threaten to make combating the weeds even more difficult by restricting the state’s ability to access and exterminate the weeds.

“Denny’s a rancher, so he’s dealt with weeds personally,” said Dave Burch, the State Weed Coordinator for the Montana Department of Agriculture. “He has been very supportive and understands the need for an integrated pest management plan in Montana.”