Lake County ranchers ask Polson to act on tumbleweed infestation
Rancher Steve Speckert discusses the weed infestation on his property to the Polson City Commission on Monday, April 6. The weeds are rolling across Highway 35 from a neighboring property the city annexed last year. (Emily Messer/Leader)
Carol Lynn Lapotka, the manager of the Flathead Cherry Festival, demonstrates the different weights that could be used to anchor tents during the farmers market and cherry festival, instead of the 40-pound per leg requirement that the new fire chief is requiring. (Emily Messer/Leader)
Ranchers Steve and Susie Speckert, who own a 400-acre ranch off Montana 35, approached the Polson City Commission earlier this month to highlight the tumble mustard causing havoc on their ranch.
The weeds are blowing across the highway and into their fields, sprinkler lines, equipment and fences. The “daunting task” of removing the tangled weeds from just one windstorm late last year took 300 hours over four to five weeks.
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