Invasive Species Listening Session in Fort Peck

The Montana Invasive Species Council (MISC) will host an invasive species listening session in Fort Peck at the Fort Peck Interpretive Center, Yellowstone Rd., Fort Peck, on Tuesday, Aug. 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. This session will focus on the findings of a recent invasive species law review, which will also support the upcoming Montana Invasive Species Summit to be held in Helena, Nov. 15 and 16.

The listening sessions are designed to allow the people of Montana to express their comments and concerns regarding current invasive species programmatic and regulatory topics such as the concept of an all-taxa invasive species list, the management of aquatic invasive plants, regulations and enforcement as well as funding.

While interested organizations, stakeholders and citizens are encouraged to attend in person, an online survey is also available. The online survey will cover the major themes coming out of the invasive species law review, and the questions will be similar to the discussion topics held at the listening session. The online survey is available at http://www.surveymonkey.com/MISCsurvey2018.

The responses collected from the listening sessions and online surveys will aid in the planning and development of the Montana Invasive Species Summit on Nov. 15 and 16, in Helena. The Summit will feature a series of panels focused on topics related to the findings of the law review, with the objective of gaining clarity on current roles, and moving forward with solutions and means of enhancing the prevention and management of invasive species in Montana.

The Montana Invasive Species Council encourages anyone who is interested in preserving the native Montana landscapes and ecosystems to participate in the listening sessions or online survey. The responses will provide valuable feedback to support efforts moving forward.