Broadwater County commissioners approve updated noxious weed management plan

The Broadwater County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 15 approved an updated county noxious weed management plan covering Townsend and Three Forks areas.

The plan, updated every two years, aligns the county noxious weed list with the state's list, updates land-ownership acres and preserves the countys ability to apply for noxious-weed grants from the Montana Department of Agriculture. Commissioner Randolph, speaking for absent coordinator Jessica Bushnell, moved to approve the plan and said commissioners had all had a chance to review the document. "I would move to approve the Broadwater County noxious weed management plan," a commissioner said during the meeting.

Why it matters: the countys plan is a prerequisite for state grant eligibility and guides local control and treatment priorities. Commissioners were told the Broadwater County Noxious Weed Board approved the updated plan at its December meeting. The plan is effective from the date of county approval through Dec. 31, 2027, according to materials read into the record.

Board discussion and public input: Commissioner Randolph read notes from Jessica Bushnell, the county noxious weed coordinator, and described the boards role in drafting and recommending the plan. Members said the plan contains detailed species information and land-ownership breakdowns and pointed residents to the county website and coordinator for spray dates and cost-share program information.

Formal action and outcome: A motion to approve the Broadwater County noxious weed management plan was made, seconded and approved by the board by voice vote. There was no roll-call vote recorded in the transcript.

Looking ahead: Staff said a corrected clean copy with a spelling fix will be filed with county records; residents seeking details were directed to contact Jessica Bushnell by phone, email or the coordinators Facebook page.