The Clean Campsites Program uses coordinated, aggressive weed eradication strategies to remove invasive plants from high-traffic sites to reduce risk of weed seed transport by recreational users.
High traffic and disturbed areas such as campsites, trails, latrines, and river access sites are common areas for weeds to become established. Invasive plant species occur in many designated campsites along the 60-mile float. When river recreationists use these areas they are at risk of transporting seeds on their clothing and equipment to the next site they visit.
We work to reduce invasive plant infestation in campsites through the following efforts:
invasive plant removal
SRHP organizes volunteers and professional weed managers to treat invasive plant populations in and around campsites. Treatments includes herbicides and hand-pulling at all camp sites. Accessible infestations on lands between campsites are also treated. SRHP participants have logged thousands of man-hours treating and removing invasive plants from campsites and other high-traffic areas.
Promoting Stewardship
We cannot control movement of invasive plant seeds by wind, water, or wildlife, but we can attempt to minimize movement by humans. Through education and awareness, we aim to influence river user behavior by promoting prevention practices. River recreationists are encouraged to do their part by learning to correctly identify, remove, and report invasive plants they find in their campsites.
INSPECT, CLEAN, DRY
We support Montana's efforts to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species through the Inspect, Clean, Dry program.
- INSPECT your boat and equipment for mud, water, and vegetation that could carry invasive species.
- CLEAN your boat and equipment with high pressure hot water. You do not need to use soap or chemicals.
- DRY your boat and equipment.
