Articles written by Karen Laitala
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Biological controls increase weed management options
When I started my job as the weed management projects coordinator for the Powell County Weed Board several years ago, I inherited a project that began with my predecessor in cooperation with the (now...
Pesticides and pollinators
Though we live dramatically different lifestyles, my oldest sister who resides in a subdivision in a north Texas city and I, the Montana “country living” member of our family, share a love of bees and an appreciation for pollinators. I think...
Noxious weeds and the environment: A bigger picture
Although anyone who knows me knows that I'm a "certifiable" botany and native plants nerd, I love everything nature. In particular, I share a love of birds with one of my sisters. On a trip together...
Strong relationships built through weed management
The mission of the Blackfoot Challenge is "to coordinate efforts to conserve and enhance natural resources and the rural way of life in the Blackfoot watershed for present and future generations." A...
Spotted knapweed battles against spring weather and treatments
The past few weeks I have been making a concerted effort to take daily walks on the ranch where I live. Last week the snowy path I wandered gave way to a spring melt off event. By mid-week I sighted m...
Two poisonous plants you may encounter this summer
I have received several calls about plants that have either just shown up or have increased in density and distribution with the additional precipitation we have received in many parts of Powell...
New invasive grass invades Montana
Noxious weeds have destructive impacts on Montana's landscape including displacing native plant species, increasing soil erosion and decreasing wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities....
Invasive mustards: Hoary alyssum, perennial pepperweed and whitetop
While the unusually wet spring was beneficial to native and desirable grasses and wildflowers, many weed species took advantage of the excellent growing conditions as well. Annual mustards with...
Managing Weeds After Wildfires
The effects of wildfires on plants will vary, depending upon fire intensity and specific plant characteristics. Many plant species will survive and reinitiate growth soon after a fire. However, the ability of desirable plants to reestablish, reseed...
Treating Weeds with Herbicides under Drought Conditions
Weed management is highly impacted by high temperatures combined with low and variable precipitation. Hot weather and drought affect the germination, growth, hardiness and competitive ability of both desirable plants and weeds. Many weeds, once...
The Story of Houndstongue
Houndstongue, a plant native to Western Europe to central Asia, is highly invasive in character outside of its native range. Present throughout much of North America and now a common rangeland,...
Three New Invasive Plants Added to State Noxious Weed List
The State of Montana updated the Montana State Noxious Weed List to include three new plants, and shifted the priority of three weeds on the previous list, effective July, 2015. The updated list provides management priorities for citizens, land...
