Madison Valley Ranchlands Group - Weed Committee

Madison Valley Ranchlands Group - Weed Committee We provide private landowners with education and support to carry out the eradication of weeds in the Madison Valley.

The MVRG-Weed Committee was formed in 1999 and focuses primarily on the elimination of noxious weeds on both private and public lands through education and cost-share incentives.

06/17/2026

If you haven’t seen our previous post about our biocontrol collection trip, be sure to check that out first!
The second step in the biocontrol process is releasing the collected insects. Our biocontrol team recently traveled east of Sheridan to release Mecinus janthiniformis (Dalmatian toadflax stem weevils) on recurring infestations of Dalmatian toadflax found on BLM land.
While herbicide applications are an effective tool for managing noxious w**ds, some infestations occur in areas that are difficult to access with spray equipment. In these locations, biological control can provide an additional long-term management strategy.
These weevils were collected from established populations near Missoula and brought back to the Madison Valley by our team. Once released into patches of Dalmatian toadflax, the goal is for the insects to establish and increase in population over time. As they feed on the plant, they reduce its vigor and ability to reproduce, helping suppress infestations for years to come.
Biological control is not an overnight solution, but it is an important tool that works with nature to provide sustainable, long-term noxious w**d management. 🪲🌿

 **ds
 
 
 Montana Biocontrol Project

Our biocontrol team recently partnered with the Montana Biocontrol Project to collect Mecinus janthiniformis weevils—tin...
06/16/2026

Our biocontrol team recently partnered with the Montana Biocontrol Project to collect Mecinus janthiniformis weevils—tiny insects that serve as natural enemies of the noxious w**d Dalmatian toadflax. These specialized weevils feed exclusively on Dalmatian toadflax, reducing the plant’s ability to flower, produce seed, and spread over time.

The crew traveled to Missoula to collect these beneficial insects and will be releasing them throughout Madison County this week. Biological control is an important long-term w**d management strategy that works with nature to help suppress invasive species while protecting our landscapes, wildlife habitat, and working lands.

Small bugs, big impact! 🪲🌿

Montana Biocontrol Project **ds

06/15/2026
Big shout out to Mike Mooney for 25 years of the Bear Trap Spray Day. Last Thursday was the 25th anniversary of the Spr...
06/12/2026

Big shout out to Mike Mooney for 25 years of the Bear Trap Spray Day. Last Thursday was the 25th anniversary of the Spray Day with an amazing crew. We are continuously thrilled to support each year with a home cooked meal, and this year we wanted to show our appreciation of this large milestone with cupcakes and goodie bags for the spray crew. **ds
Madison County Noxious W**ds District Montana Biological W**d Control Coordination Project Montana W**d Control Association

06/11/2026
MVRG May 2026 Newsletter now online (link in bio)
06/10/2026

MVRG May 2026 Newsletter now online (link in bio)

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2 Hot Springs Loop
Ennis, MT
59729

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