Marias River Basin Weed Control Assoc. Float Trip Set for July 12

Registration forms are now available to sign up for a float trip on the Marias River to learn more about noxious weed management and watershed conservation problems. The Marias River Basin Weed Control Association and Marias River Watershed Group are hosting the trip on Thursday, July 12th.

This year’s float will take us from the Moffat Bridge below Tiber Dam, downstream 11 miles to the Circle Bridge south of Chester. Participants will meet at the Tiber Marina on Lake Elwell, above Tiber Dam at 9:00 a.m.

Pre-registration is required and forms can either be found on the Liberty County webpage under the Weed District tab,  picked up at the MSU Extension Office in Liberty County, or e-mailed upon request. There is a $20.00 registration fee, which includes rafts, life jackets, and a barbeque supper. Educational materials and bus transportation to the launch site and back to Tiber Marina at the end of the float for the barbeque will also be provided. There is a registration deadline of July 2nd, and space is limited, so hurry and get your place reserved today.

There will be several educational speakers covering biological, mechanical and chemical weed control options as well as bank stabilization and maintaining healthy river systems. A highlight of the tour will be a chemical application demonstration using a drone. The lower Marias Russian olive removal project will be shown, along with demonstration plots of Russian knapweed and cheatgrass. The day will wrap up with a barbeque dinner and door prizes when we return to the Tiber Marina.

Be sure to bring a sack lunch, sunscreen, bug spray and water friendly clothing. We will be floating rain or shine, so be prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in mind.  Private and commercial pesticide applicator credits will be available. If you have questions feel free to contact the Liberty County Extension Office at (406) 759-5625, or the Liberty County Weed District at (406)759-5673. Space is limited, so sign up soon for an adventure on the Hi-line!

By: Jesse Fulbright, Liberty County Extension Agent