Changes to priority rating system highlight Montana's new noxious weed list, the Prairie Star reported recently. A committee of local, tribal, state and university officials devised the changes over a two-year period. "It was counter-intuitive, and not a system used by our surrounding states," said Ron de Young, director of the Montana Department of Agriculture. Priority 3 is for weeds that pose significant negative impacts and are often spread as contaminants in agricultural products. An example would be cheatgrass (downy brome). Priority 2A used for weeds that common in some areas. Efforts against these species, which include tansy ragwort, hawkweed, tall buttercup and yellowflag iris, can be prioritized by local weed districts. Priority 2B is for such weeds as Canada thistle, field bindweed and spotted knapweed, which are abundant in Montana. Priorities 1A and 1B are reserved for weeds not now present, or with limited presence, in Montana. The priority ratings will help counties to focus their attention on weeds they can and should eradicate, de Young said.

(The Montana Prairie Star, February 27, 2010)

(http://www.theprairiestar.com/…)