Final Report for FW05-305
Project Information
Producers in the tri-county area of Prairie, Fallon, and Wibaux counties in southeastern Montana have implemented a three-tiered management approach to more effectively contain and a prevent the spread of leafy spurge to uninfested rangeland. The first management tier is the Weed Management Area (WMA) at the center of a large leafy spurge infestation (more than 2,500 acres). Biological control is the primary control method in this WMA. To stop the spread, a cooperative barrier zone surrounds the WMA. More intensive leafy spurge management was implemented within this zone. This WSARE project has allowed Log Cabin Ranch to be become a barrier zone demonstration site where more intensive leafy spurge management techniques have been demonstrated and implemented to contain and reduce the spread of leafy spurge in this area. The third management tier is the Weed Prevention Area where early intervention management efforts protect the WPA from weed spread. The knowledge gained from this management approach was shared with area producers through a series of annual field tours.
Introduction
Implementation of a three-tiered management approach has been effective at mitigating the spread of leafy spurge in the tri-county area of Prairie, Fallon, and Wibaux counties. A Weed Management Area address the large, main infestation of leafy spurge, while the barrier zone intensifies management techniques, and a Weed Prevention Area prevents further weed spread. This WSARE project has been critical to the implementation of the intensified weed control efforts within the barrier zone on Log Cabin Ranch.
- The first objective of this project was to implement a leafy spurge sheep grazing project in the barrier zone. The targeted grazing time was June, prior to leafy spurge seed set, on heavier infestations along Cabin Creek. Utilization plots will be used to monitor the grazing project.
The second objective was to control 100 acres of smaller satellite infestations of leafy spurge with herbicide on Log Cabin Ranch.
The third objective was to share information on leafy spurge management techniques with 50 area ranchers.
Cooperators
Research
- Graze leafy spurge within the barrier zone using sheep in June, prior to leafy spurge seed set, on heavier infestations along Cabin Creek. Utilization plots will be used to monitor the grazing project.
Utilize herbicide to treat smaller satellite infestations of leafy spurge.
Share information on leafy spurge management techniques through field tours.
The Montana Sheep institute has helped establish monitoring plots in within the intended sheep grazing area. At the end of June 2005, Plot 001 consisted of 26% leafy spurge, 63% perennial grass, and 11% forbs. At the end of May 2006, Plot 001 consisted of 53% leafy spurge, 46% perennial grass, and 1% forbs. A second plot was also established in 2006. Plot 002 consisted of 24% leafy spurge, 54% perennial grass, 9% annual grass, and 13% forbs. These data show how much leafy spurge growth takes place between May and June, reinforcing the importance of early grazing of leafy spurge. Plot data is enclosed with this report.
Approximately 80 acres of satellite infestations remained controlled with herbicide on Log Cabin Ranch. Other barrier zone producers treated 34 acres of leafy spurge in 2005, increasing the amount to 73 acres in 2006. 23 acres of leafy spurge also were treated in the WMA. In 2007, 55 acres of leafy spurge were treated in the barrier zone. This is reflective of the more intensive management that took place in the barrier zone management tier.
One hundred and twenty producers gained knowledge on using grazing to manage leafy spurge, range management, herbicide use, biological control of leafy spurge using flea beetles, noxious weed identification, noxious weed prevention, and proper sprayer calibration.
Research Outcomes
Education and Outreach
Participation Summary:
Tri-County Leafy Spurge Tour, July 28, 2005
Location: Log Cabin Ranch, Chris Keltner Ranch, and Steve Thoeny Ranch
Participants: 50
Tri-County Leafy Spurge Tour, July 24, 2006
Location: Log Cabin Ranch, Chris Keltner Ranch, and Tundby Ranch
Participants: 70
Tri-County Leafy Spurge Tour, July 24, 2007
Location: Log Cabin Ranch, Chris Keltner Ranch, and Steve Thoeny Ranch
Participants: 50
Education and Outreach Outcomes
Potential Contributions
Three additional producers have indicated an interest in using sheep to graze leafy spurge. One of those producers is in the WMA and has also begun to implement some herbicide control in addition to the already present biological control. The Prairie County Weed Board is exploring ways to offer incentives for grazing noxious weeds. The producers in the WPA have organized their efforts to complement those in the barrier zone by hiring a range rider to scout for and eradicate new infestations in the WPA.
Producers recognized the long-term sustainability of using grazing as a tool to control leafy spurge. Producers also acknowledge that the need for a herder is a greater obstacle than locating sheep. In short, producers are willing to allow sheep to graze on their property, but are not necessarily willing to own and manage the sheep on their own.
Future Recommendations
The Montana Sheep Institute already has convincing data of the benefits of grazing noxious weeds. The challenge in grazing projects is the logistics. We would recommend that several approaches to grazing be considered such as hiring a herder, fencing, water development, and sheep/goat ownership by the producer.