The Ravalli County Board of Commissioners on Thursday approved two education grants from the county weed department: a billboard public-education campaign and a Bitterroot biocontrol outreach program.

Kellen, a Ravalli County weed department staff member, told the commissioners the first grant would fund three billboards to run through the summer to warn about newly arrived noxious weeds. Kellen said the department received funding for the billboard effort and requested a signature to accept the award. “The funding, the amount for this one is $13,003.20,” Kellen said.

Kellen said the county would rent existing billboard space from vendors such as Lamar and would place signs where space is available, aiming to target areas with known infestations: “Bug loss is one of those that weed is primarily in the Grandstill area. Blue weed is the other one that’s primarily towards down by Darby and then we have rush skeleton weed, that is up and down the county in various locations.”

Commissioners moved and seconded a motion to approve the billboard education grant in the amount of $13,320; the board voted unanimously in favor. The record shows Commissioner Greg Chilcott, Commissioner Jeff Burrows and Commissioner Holes voting yes.

Kellen also presented a separate education grant titled “Bitterroot Bio Control revamped,” intended to underwrite public education and collection events in which residents can collect beneficial insects and take them to private property to help control noxious weeds. Kellen said the grant covers event expenses such as food and containers and that the award amount is $7,800.

A motion to approve the Bitterroot Biocontrol grant for $7,800 passed unanimously. Kellen noted both grants are education grants and “there’s no match money required for these type of grants.”

After the votes, staff and county administrative personnel coordinated next steps: Chris was asked to record the grants and return copies so Kellen could forward documents to the Montana Department of Agriculture.

The commissioners did not specify a contractor schedule for the billboard placements; Kellen said billboard locations will depend on availability when ordering. The record also shows a discrepancy between Kellen’s stated grant amount ($13,003.20) and the motion amount ($13,320).