Standing Guard on the Middle Fork: Flathead County Joins the 2026 Weed Rodeo
The Middle Fork of the Flathead River is a spectacular, free-flowing lifeline protected by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Its pristine corridor, forming the border of Glacier National Park, is home to vital native plants and wildlife. But keeping this ecosystem healthy requires more than federal protections. It takes active, local stewardship to combat the silent threat of invasive noxious weeds.
Since 2003, the annual Weed Rodeo has brought together private volunteers, commercial rafting outfitters, non-profits, and government agencies for a massive, coordinated push to hand-pull these aggressive invaders.
This year, Flathead County was proud to be right in the thick of the action. On June 26, 2026, our Weed Education and Compliance Officer, Noël Jinings, joined forces with this dedicated river team. Leading a specialized crew at the heavily used Moccasin Creek put-in, Noël and her team successfully cleared three massive bags of destructive spotted knapweed, dalmatian toadflax, and oxeye daisy.
The success of the day perfectly illustrated the power of community collaboration. Noël’s group brought together a diverse powerhouse of volunteers, including volunteer coordinators from Glacier National Park, experts from the GNP Native Plant Program, energetic high school volunteers with Powered Soul, and a dedicated representative from Trout Unlimited.
By targeting critical access points like Moccasin Creek, these teams are ensuring that invasive species don't hitch a ride downriver, protecting nearly 40 miles of pristine water corridor from Essex to Blankenship Bridge. It’s a never-ending battle, but with every bag of knapweed pulled, they give our native ecosystem the room it needs to thrive.
See more about the 2026 Weed Rodeo at the Flathead River Alliance webpage at: