Montana Statewide Rule

Montana County Noxious Weed Control Act Requirements

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Montana (2026)

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.

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

Source: Montana Legislature

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?

The Montana Department of Agriculture maintains the statewide noxious weed list. Counties may add locally regulated species but cannot remove state-listed species.

Can the county enter my land to inspect for weeds?

Yes. After providing written notice, county weed coordinators have statutory authority to enter and inspect property for noxious weed compliance under MCA 7-22-2116.

Sources

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