On October 21 and 22, hunters entering the CMR National Wildlife Refuge via the Dry Fork Road were given the opportunity to join hands with local landowners to help stop the spread of noxious weeds. As part of a joint project spear-headed by the South Phillips County Rancher Stewardship Alliance Weed Committee, 36 hunting vehicles took advantage of a free undercarriage wash before entering the CMR Refuge. Many more vehicles were cleaned up in Malta using car wash coupons provided by the RSA Committee. Each participant also received a packet of noxious weed information including identification and control information.

South Phillips County, which includes one of the first Weed Prevention Areas in the state, remains virtually weed free, thanks to the diligent efforts of several landowners. But the threat of noxious weeds is constant and comes from a variety of sources. Large numbers of weed seeds are often unknowingly transported by recreators and hunters in their vehicle undercarriages. Studies by Montana State University have shown that a vehicle driven several feet through a spotted knapweed infestation can pick up as many as 2,000 weed seeds!

While the weed wash project eliminated several new weed infestations, the greater long-term benefit is an increase in weed awareness. Everyone has a role in protecting the land and water – whether you visit the area for just one hunting trip each fall or work the land every day as part of your farming and ranching operation, we need everyone to help us protect the Missouri River watershed.