Montana Statewide Rule
Montana County Noxious Weed Control Act Requirements
Key Facts
- Statute
- MCA Title 7, Ch. 22, Pt. 21
- Enforcement
- County weed districts
- Cost recovery
- Assessed as tax lien
- List authority
- MT Dept. of Agriculture
Summary
Montana's County Noxious Weed Control Act requires every landowner to manage state-listed noxious weeds on their property. County weed districts have statutory authority to inspect, notify, and force compliance, with costs assessed against the landowner.
(1) It is unlawful for any person to permit any noxious weed to propagate or go to seed on the person's land, except that any person who adheres to the noxious weed management program of the person's weed management district or who has entered into and is in compliance with a noxious weed management agreement is considered to be in compliance with this section.
Full Breakdown
Under Title 7, Chapter 22, Part 21 of the Montana Code Annotated, every county has a weed district that enforces the state noxious weed list. Landowners must control or eradicate listed species like leafy spurge, knapweed, and Canada thistle. County weed coordinators may enter property after notice to inspect and, if owners fail to act, contract for control work and assess costs as a tax lien. The Montana Department of Agriculture maintains the official list and provides cost-share funding. This statute applies uniformly across cities and unincorporated areas.
Violations & Penalties
Failure to control noxious weeds after notice allows the county to perform work and assess costs as a property lien collected with taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides what counts as a noxious weed in Montana?
Can the county enter my land to inspect for weeds?
Sources
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