Flathead Reservation Extension Office

08/26/2026

New Palmer Amaranth Detection in Montana, August 2026
Quick Summary

Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) was confirmed for the first time in Cascade County, Montana in August 2026. This is the sixth confirmed occurrence of this w**d in Montana. Be on the lookout for this species and its close relative waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus). This is the time of year to keep an eye out for and identify large pigw**ds.

Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) was confirmed for the first time in Cascade County, Montana in August 2026. This is the sixth confirmed occurrence of this w**d in Montana. Be on the lookout for this species and its close relative waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus). This is the time of year to....

08/25/2026

If you live on the Flathead Reservation, would you consider filling out a Master's Project survey about local food? Feel free to message Havilah Burton with any questions, and share with your friends who live in this area as well! https://montana.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0ktrVpuXmYeEFbE

08/24/2026

Please consider joining us for the next Rural Families Speak webinar. Feel free to forward the information below and attached flyer to your professional and community partner networks. Remember to register to receive the link to the webinar.

Title: Using Community Engaged Implementation: Lessons Learned from Tele-Delivery Nutrition Education with a Remote Rural Tribal Community

Presenters: Lenna Ontai, PhD, Professor of Cooperative Extension, Department of Human Ecology, University of California, Davis; L. Karina Díaz Rios, PhD, RDN, Professor of Cooperative Extension, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Merced; Mical K. Shilts, PhD, Professor, Department of Nutrition, Food & Dietetics, California State University, Sacramento

Date: October 5, 2026
Time: 2:00ET, 1:00CT, 12:00MT, 11:00PT
Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/RFSOctober2026
QR Code:

08/24/2026

Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) Suspected to be responsible for the local white-tailed deer deaths

A recent increase in deer deaths have been reported on the Flathead Reservation from the Hot Springs, Valley View and multiple Mission Valley areas. The CSKT Wildlife Management Program suspects that a hemorrhagic disease (EHD), is responsible for these white-tailed deer deaths.

The disease is suspected to be in these areas, as the disease can persist in an area for 2-3 years after an initial outbreak. CSKT Wildlife is waiting for results from samples taken last week, and will keep the public up to date on our cskt.org website. Though it is a viral disease transmitted by biting midges, it is not contagious to humans but can influence deer and elk species. Outbreaks tend to occur near water sources in late-summer and early fall when certain small fly species emerge. It is not necessary for the public to report additional dead deer suspected of EHD in suspected or confirmed areas, but potential outbreaks observed in new areas of the Reservation should be reported by emailing [email protected] or calling the Wildlife Conflict Call number at 406-275-2774.

It is important to note that, while the disease can cause significant die-offs in localized deer populations, the outbreaks are usually short-lived and not wide-spread. Effected areas are generally localized and not spread across large areas. Meat from animals that appear healthy at the time of harvest remain safe to eat when properly cooked, though please consider having any harvested animal tested for Chronic Wasting Disease.

Stephanie Gillin
Information & Education Program Manager
Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes
Natural Resource Department
P.O. Box 278
Pablo, Mt 59855
(406) 883-2888 ext. 7241

08/03/2026

INVASIVE SPECIES ALERT

Attention Anglers: Brown Trout Detected in the Upper Flathead Drainage Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Region 1 has confirmed the presence of non-native brown trout in Ashley Lake, located within the upper Flathead drainage north of the Flathead Indian Reservation.

The Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) and FWP are asking anglers to help prevent Brown Trout from becoming established and spreading throughout the Flathead drainage.
Brown trout are a non-native predatory fish that can compete with and prey upon native fish species. Early detection is critical to preventing their establishment in the Flathead drainage.

If you catch a Brown Trout upstream of SKQ Dam, please do not release it. Instead, report your catch and turn the fish in to either the CSKT Fisheries Program or FWP Region 1. The location where the fish was caught is critical for tracking and monitoring the spread of this non-native species.

It is illegal to transport live fish from one body of water to another in Montana or within the Flathead Indian Reservation.
Brown Trout can be turned in at either of the following locations:

CSKT Fisheries Program
408 6th Avenue East
Polson, MT 59860
(406) 883-2888

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks – Region 1
490 North Meridian Road
Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 752-5501

For more information, contact Craig Barfoot, CSKT Fisheries Program Manager, at (406) 883-2888.

08/03/2026

The CSKT Air Quality program shared this link to share the quality of air due to increased fires in Washington. Current conditions from Polson and Ronan sensors are noted as Very Unhealthy and recommends staying indoors as much as possible, sensitive groups should avoid going outside altogether.

From this mornings Clarity Open Maps

Clarity OpenMap is a public repository of real-time air quality visualizations bringing actionable and accessible air quality data to communities around the world.

07/15/2026

Interested in promoting health and wellness through nutrition education and earn money for college? This may be the perfect opportunity! Check it out...

Salish Kootenai College Pablo, MT Position Type: AmeriCorps StateService Commitment: September 2, 2026 – July 16, 2027Final Application Deadline: August 20, 2026 Car required?  RecommendedDriver’s License Required? Yes Position Summary: Salish Kootenai College provides quality post-secondary e...

07/09/2026

Fire Blight Response Event

Tuesday July 21st at 2 p.m. in the Polson Library.

This event is in response to the bacterium Fire Blight being detected and spreading throughout Polson and Lake County. It affects plants in the Rosaceae family including apple, pear, crabapple, and mountain ash.

Please attend to find out how to protect your trees, how to prevent spreading, and what treatments are available.

With questions, please contact [email protected] or call (406)676-4271.

07/02/2026

MSU URBAN Alerts

Turf to Trees Workshop, August 19 & 20, 2026 - From Native to Novel: Landscape Change in Montana

The annual Turf to Trees Workshop will be held in Bozeman on August 19 and 20, 2026. This workshop will provide participants with a comprehensive exploration of how shifting climate patterns, urban development, and changing water availability are reshaping Montana's landscapes. Attendees will learn...

07/02/2026

Summer classes start next week! If you are feeding kids this summer this is a great chance to connect with others and learn how to cook healthy on a budget!