WHEREAS, MCA 76-15-102 states: “It is hereby declared to be the policy of the legislature to provide for the conservation of soil and soil resources of this state, for the control and prevention of soil erosion, for the prevention of floodwater and sediment damages, and for furthering the conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water and thereby to preserve natural resources, control floods, prevent impairment of dams and reservoirs, preserve wildlife, protect the tax base, protect public lands, and protect and promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the people of this state.”; and

WHEREAS, the mission of conservation districts is to protect the water and soil in Montana; and

WHEREAS, According to MCA 7-22-2116, 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; and

WHEREAS, utility development or installation, oftentimes have a short time frame of which noxious weed control is a priority; and

WHEREAS,  many weed management agreements are not being followed.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: that Montana Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) is to work with the:

• Montana Department of Natural Resource and Conservation on an easement development education/outreach project,

• Montana Weed Control Association, Montana Association of Counties, & other partners, as appropriate, to inform them of Conservation District issues, &

• Montana Invasive Species Council regarding their potential review of Invasive Species Law.