Woody Invasive Working Group River Tour – Protecting Montana’s Rivers Through Collaboration and Education.

On July 16, 2026, the Woody Invasives Working Group (WIWG) hosted its first annual River Tour in Billings, celebrating three years of collaboration toward a coordinated statewide response to woody invasive species. More than just a field tour, the event highlighted what can be accomplished when agencies, conservation organizations, and local partners work toward a common goal.

Funded through the 2023 Montana Noxious Weed Trust Fund, the WIWG was created to develop a statewide management strategy for Russian Olive, Common Buckthorn, and Saltcedar. Led by Sara Ricklefs (Invasive Species Action Network), Liz Lodman (Montana Invasive Species Council), Molly Masters (Missouri River Conservation Districts Council),  Josh Wagoner (MDA– Rapid Response Coordinator), Brent Smith (Central and Eastern Montana Invasive Species Team), Amy Seaman (Montana Watershed Coordination Council, Dan Rostad (Yellowstone River Conservation Districts Council), and Megan Hoyer (MDA-Noxious Weed Educator), the effort has brought together an impressive coalition of over 200 stakeholders representing county, state, and federal agencies, municipalities, industries, NGOs, applicators, landowners, producers, and researchers.

The morning tour began at Blue Creek Fishing Access, where participants viewed and learned about the successful Russian Olive treatments that the Yellowstone River Parks Association has done before traveling the Yellowstone River by jet boat to examine Saltcedar infestations, discuss management strategies, and visit additional restoration sites. The final stop focused on Common Buckthorn, highlighting the challenges of identifying it among native vegetation and reinforcing the importance of early detection and rapid response.

Following the tour, participants gathered for presentations and an expert panel discussing the ecological and economic impacts of woody invasive species. One conclusion was clear: action is economically warranted for the state of Montana. Delaying management will substantially increase future costs, particularly for Saltcedar, whose optimal habitat is projected to expand dramatically under a changing climate. Current estimates place annual agricultural losses at approximately $13,304 from Common Buckthorn, $4.2 million from Russian Olive, and $3.2 million from Saltcedar, underscoring the importance of coordinated, proactive management.

Over the past two years, the WIWG has developed educational resources, expanded outreach, and completed Montana’s Statewide Woody Invasive Species Management Plan, providing science-based recommendations for prevention, early detection, treatment, restoration, and long-term coordination. The River Tour served as both a celebration of that progress and a reminder that protecting Montana’s rivers and riparian waterways will require continued collaboration, education, and investment.

To learn more about woody invasive species identification, management recommendations, treatment options, and to view the Statewide Management Plan, visit the Woody Invasives Working Group website at WoodyInvasives.mt.gov.