The North American Invasive Species Management Association’s (NAISMA) mission is to empower invasive species management in North America. Under the NAISMA umbrella is The Certified Weed Free Products (WFP) Program which plays a pivotal role in achieving the organization’s goals by establishing coordinated and consistent weed-free product programs across all jurisdictions. 

The list of invasive species recognized by WFP is continually growing.  The process of adding a species to the list begins with a designated authority submitting a petition and risk assessment to the Weed Free Products Program Committee Co-Chairs.  This petition details the species’ potential and/or impacts to natural ecosystems.  

The Montana Department of Agriculture submitted a petition to add Ventenata dubia to the prohibited weed list last year due to the significant risk it poses to North America. This species is capable of quickly displacing native plant species, degrading agricultural land, increasing soil erosion, decreasing wildlife habitats, and lessening recreation opportunities. Ventenata Dubia is an invasive grass that can also be found along roadsides which allows for it to easily spread along transportation corridors. But, Ventenata doesn’t stop there; its long awns, easily picked up by clothing, equipment, and fur, allow it to be carried by humans and animals. Sadly, there are few known methods for controlling Ventenata, especially in range and pasture settings. 

Co-Chairs need to receive the petition at least 90 days before the committee meets at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Once the Co-Chairs have reviewed the petition, they will send it to the WFP Committee and MOU holders to formulate a recommendation to support or deny the petition.  Then, the recommendation will be taken to the board of directors.  If the BOD supports the Certified WFP recommendation, it will be presented at NAISMA’s AGM. 

Thanks to our supporting partners at the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Montana Department of Agriculture, and Nevada Department of Agriculture, NAISMA is delighted to announce that Ventenata dubia has been added to North America’s Prohibited Weed List! NAISMA will continue to educate and prevent the spread of Ventenata Dubia and other potential species that could wreck havoc on our ecosystems. 

Additionally, as part of NAISMA’s “Know Your Invasives” initiative, an exclusive Ventenata t-shirt is available for a limited time to help raise awareness about this invasive species. Every sale helps support NAISMA’s mission. Prospective NAISMA members will receive one year of Professional level NAISMA Membership (valued at $96) FREE with their t-shirt purchase! 

Visit the NAISMA shop to get your merch and your membership now: https://shop.naisma.org/products/ventenata-plant-t-shirt-by-naisma