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Aerial Herbicide Treatments Set to Begin as BLM Battles Invasive Weeds Near Dillon

Montana-Dakotas
Media Contact
BLM Dillon Field Office
406-683-8000
BLM Office:
Dillon Field Office

DILLON, Mont. — The BLM Dillon Field Office has contracted to conduct aerial herbicide treatments this fall on fuels treatment units within the field office. The goal is to control noxious and invasive plant species that pose a threat to native vegetation. This effort will begin Sept. 29 and continue for several weeks.  

Treatment Areas Include: 

  • Virginia City area / Alder Gulch 

  • East Pioneers units west of Melrose 

  • Units south of Dillon, including Clark Canyon and Limekiln Canyon 

Operations are scheduled to commence on Sept. 29 on units south of Dillon then moving northward toward the Virginia City area. Low-flying aircraft will apply herbicide across these strategic zones to reduce invasive species, and support ongoing restoration efforts. 

What to Expect: 

  • Aircraft in operation during daylight hours over designated treatment areas 

  • Temporary treatment indicators—signage and flagging—will be visible near affected roads 

  • Public land use in treatment zones remains open, but visitors should exercise caution, maintain a safe distance, and avoid contact with sprayed areas 

  • Tools such as low-flying aircraft and approved herbicides ensure effective coverage and minimal disturbance to the landscape. These herbicides, applied in late growing season, target invasive species while native vegetation remains largely dormant and unaffected. 

Protecting natural ecosystems by reducing competition from invasive species allows native grasses, forbs, and shrubs to recover from disturbance associated with fuels treatments.  These treatments support healthy wildlife habitat, contributing to more sustainable rangelands. The BLM manages approximately 245 million acres of public lands across the western United States, including Montana, to maintain the health, diversity, and productivity of these landscapes for current and future generations. 

For any questions or concerns please contact BLM Dillon Field Office at 406-683-8000

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The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.