The New Invasive Weeds Monitoring System (NIWMS) is a mechanism for the inventory of noxious weeds on the Flathead Indian Reservation. The website information will be used to create a management strategy and an inventory of these species. The NIWMS website is a joint effort between the CSKT Environmental Protection Division Wetlands Conservation Program and CNL World.
Monitoring System:
Monitoring is a method for recording species of concern. A monitoring system is an effective tool for establishing base data, recording observations, and documenting the spread or retreat of noxious weeds. Observations provide reference points for comparisons with future conditions and other altered environments. Monitoring allows tracking of location, distribution, and area coverage of noxious weeds. Once established and widespread, weeds are costly to treat and can be impossible to eradicate. Active monitoring may provide early warning of situations that require restoration actions. The best way to combat weeds is prevention; when that fails, early detection makes eradication possible.
Monitoring System Site:
The NIWMS is designed for continued monitoring of a site from year-to-year. Continuous monitoring provides information about the spread, decrease, or containment of noxious weeds. The Submit an Entry form has required and optional fields. Required fields include plant common and scientific name, location status (e.g., along a fence line; in a yard), absolute location (latitude and longitude), estimate of coverage or partial acreage, and date of observation. Optional fields include identifying area covered and density of coverage. Three additional features are uploading a photograph, recording another observed weed in the same location, and a comment box.
Identified Noxious Weeds on the Reservation:
Weeds on the Flathead Indian Reservation (FIR) impact thousands of acres. The noxious weeds included in this monitoring system are currently believed to be at manageable levels. Collected observations and information can be used by project partners to develop a strategy for managing these weeds before they become unmanageable and widespread. Once management strategies have been drafted and implemented, the NIWMS website can be used to monitor progress and effectiveness of treatment at each weed site.
The number of Tamarix (salt cedar), Polygonum (knotweed) species introduced onto the Flathead Indian Reservation is unknown. Tamarisk and knotweed are popular as yard ornamentals and currently most occurrences on the FIR are associated with homes and abandoned home sites. Knotweed has been observed in the riparian areas of Mission, South Crow and Finley Creeks, which are distant from human development. Tamarisk and knotweed are also in riparian and wetland areas throughout Montana and in surrounding states. Chjondrilla juncea (rush skeleton) is mostly found in upland areas and affects grassland vegetation. The weed is especially widespread in Lake, Lincoln, Missoula, Ravalli, and Sanders Counties. Echium vulgare (blueweed) is recent to Montana, and is toxic to humans and animals. The weed is found in rocky areas, along roadsides, ditches and other disturbed habitats
| Tamarisk (Salt Cedar) MT Weeds USDA-Plants |
Knotweed MT Weeds USDA-Plants |
Rush Skeleton MT Weeds USDA-Plants |
Blue Weed MT Weeds USDA-Plants |