The goal of a Collaborative Weed Management Area (CWMA) Plan is to prevent the reproduction and spread of invasive species on a landscape scale.  Therefore, the suppression of noxious weeds cannot simply end at a fence dividing public and private lands.  Knowing this, how can we accomplish our goals and at the same time respect the rights of private landowners?  The answer is through a Cost Share Program.  Private landowners retain control over their property and at the same time receive monetary, resource and educational assistance for weed management. 

Montrose County is pleased to initiate a Cost Share Program for residents owning or operating property in the West End. The West End runs from the Divide Road on the Uncompahgre Plateau west to the Utah border (click here to see a map of the area). Currently, the program is limited to this area because of the funding from the 2005 Uravan Mill Natural Resources Damage Fund Grant.

The goal of the Cost Share Program is to:

1. Educate and assist private landowners in the control of invasive species.
2. Create a simple program that is easy for Montrose County to administer.
3. Create a plan without red tape that is accessible to private landowners.
4. Allocate resources to the highest priority species to achieve control of these species.
5. Educate land owners and user groups on Best Management Practices to prevent the spread of noxious weeds.
6. Use existing funds in the most effective manner that will achieve weed management for the long term.

To download a copy of the Montrose County Cost Share Program Application, please click here.

For more information on the Cost Share Program, please click here to visit the Montrose County Weed Department website.