For immediate release: June 3, 2025
Media contact:
Steve Saunders, Gallatin County Weed Board Member
406-580-1027
weeddistrict@gallatin.mt.gov
Gallatin County Landowner Honored for Outstanding Contribution to Noxious Weed Management
Gallatin County is proud to recognize Mike Ellig, a landowner along the Gallatin River, for his outstanding dedication to noxious weed management. Ellig received the 2025 Gallatin County Outstanding Noxious Weed Management Award during the County Commission’s public meeting on June 3.
“Every community in our state struggles with managing noxious weeds. It has negative impacts not only on agriculture but ecological processes and wildlife management. It is never-ending work,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Jennifer Boyer. “We are really excited this year to recognize Mike Ellig. I was particularly struck with the innovation and early-adopter mentality of doing proactive land management. It’s really great provide this recognition for countless hours and years of dedicated management.”
The Gallatin County Weed District established this annual award to honor individuals and organizations who play a key role in protecting the region’s landscapes, agriculture, and ecosystems from the threat of noxious weeds.
Award recipients are selected through a community nomination process reviewed by the Gallatin County Weed Board. After careful consideration of this year’s nominations, the board selected Ellig for his exceptional contributions to land stewardship.
Jane Mangold, chair of the Gallatin County Weed Board, also noted Ellig’s use of new and innovative tools.
“I think he exemplifies what it means to be a good neighbor,” Mangold said.
Ellig was nominated by the Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) for his long-standing and multi-faceted approach to managing invasive plants on his property, which is permanently protected by a conservation easement. His efforts include chemical, mechanical, and holistic weed treatments, as well as significant personal investment in specialized equipment.
“Mike hires on seasonal help and organizes group efforts to spray and pull weeds on his property each year. He has spent considerable resources purchasing and modifying equipment to best meet his needs over the years. And he is open and committed to trying new things,” wrote Kevn Grunewald of GVLT in his nomination.
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Mike Ellig, holding the certificate, with Gallatin County Commissioners Scott MacFarlane, Jennifer Boyer, and Zach Brown at the June 3 commission meeting. Photo courtesy of Gallatin County.