Lives & Landscapes Magazine - Winter/Spring 2021

WINTER + SPRING 2021

THE MAGAZINE OF MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION

Editorial Committee Sara Adlington Josie Evenson Jesse Fulbright Mandie Reed Adam Sigler

Improving lives and communities

Jason Stutzman Millie Veltkamp Mat Walter Roubie Younkin

Line & Interim Managing Editor Sara Adlington

Contributing Writers Sara Adlington Barbara Andreozzi Marsha Goetting Jeff Mosley Noelle Orloff Dara Palmer

Wherever you are in Montana, MSU Extension is the local connection to your land-grant university. Our faculty offer programming across the state in person and online. They meet you at your fields and farms and work together with you in virtual meetings, community buildings and town halls to solve problems, share research-based information, and strategize for the future. MSU Extension engages with you to find sensible solutions to complex local challenges. We have been your neighbors for over 100 years and continually look for ways to improve connections, engagement, and programs to improve lives and communities.

Explore msuextension.org to find areas of interest and a calendar of upcoming online webinars, and in-person programs and events. MSU Extension is also on facebook at facebook.com/ msuextension.

Jodi Pauley Gary Swant

Thank You to Our Reviewers Marsha Goetting Jane Mangold

Cody Stone, Executive Director of MSU Extension

Ken Nelson Noelle Orloff Dara Palmer

Marsha Goetting Featured Contributor

Marsha A. Goetting is a professor and the MSU Extension Family Economics Specialist at Montana State University in Bozeman. She has presented over 800 workshops reaching over 25,000 Montanans with financial and estate planning information. She has also authored over 75 MontGuides and bulletins and has received national, regional, and state awards for her financial management and estate planning programs.

Copyright © 2021 by Montana State University.

All rights reserved.

Excerpts from this magazine may be reprinted with permission from the Managing Editor. Please provide appropriate credit to Montana State University Extension and supply copies of printed materials to the editor.

Opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the university administration. Montana State University Extension is an ADA/EO/AA/Veteran’s Preference Employer and Provider of Educational Outreach.

Common chemical and trade names are used in this publication for clarity of the reader. Inclusion of a common chemical or trade name does not imply endorsement of that particular product or brand of herbicide and exclusion does not imply non-approval.

In this issue...

04

ReImagining Rural program challenges small towns to shape their future

06

Winter birds in the Big Sky

10 Diagnosing herbicide injury on plants

12 04

15

06

11

Master gardeners annual cleanup at Whitehall’s Silver Tower Park

12

In versus out? Livestock fence laws

15

ATV safety tips

18

Ask Steward

19

Tidying up your greenery

22

MSU Extension discusses transfer on death deeds in new MontGuide

Have an idea for a story or a question for Ask Steward or our Master Gardeners? E-mail: ExtensionMagazine@montana.edu, Phone: 406.994.4602 Front cover photo by Inga Hawbaker. See article on page 12. Back cover graphic courtesy of Brett Schomer. Lives & Landscapes is published quarterly by Montana State University Extension. Also available online at msuextension.org. To receive a free online subscription, or purchase a print subscription, visit: msuextension.org/magazine.

A new mural in Townsend, which received a $2,000 grant for a beautification project. The mural contest was organized by Tina Homann, owner of The Lodge and a participant in Reimagining Rural.

Sara Adlington writes about an MSU Extension program designed to support rural community vitality.

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T

Allison Kosto

ReImagining Rural program challenges small towns to shape their future

wenty-four communities across the state participated last year in Reimagining Rural, a Montana State University Extension program that focuses on providing Montana’s small towns with opportunities to shape their future.

The program recognizes that Montana’s small towns are facing challenges of shifting demographics and evolving economies, according to Tara Mastel, MSU Extension’s community development program leader.

“The Reimagining Rural program features speakers with stories of success in rural communities and the positive trends in rural demographics to help local leaders see a path to a vital future for their community,” Mastel said.

The program included talks by rural entrepreneurs, advocates and experts, broadcast across Montana to small groups of local volunteers and leaders who gathered to listen to new ideas and discuss how to implement them locally.

“The sessions helped show the potential of reviving rural Montana,” Mastel said. “As a participant

commented, rural America is not dying. It is changing, and much of the talk of the decay of our rural areas is simply wrong.”

At the conclusion of the program, the Montana Community Foundation, a program partner, awarded $32,000 in grants to the communities to support projects that were identified or discussed during the series.

The grants will fund a variety of initiatives, including training for local leaders; local arts development; community-sponsored activities for all ages that are designed to provide inclusion for newcomers in small towns – including a permanent, covered location for a farmer’s market; a history trail project; tourism promotion of rural areas; community beautification efforts; interpretive signs; and a community visitor kiosk.

“The partners in Reimagining Rural came together based on common experience for the

need to build capacity among local leaders in rural communities,” Mastel said. “We have great resources in Montana, but if there is not

The sessions helped show the potential of reviving rural Montana capacity at the local level, communities are not able to take advantage of all the resources that exist. The Reimagining Rural program energized local leaders and helped them rethink what is possible for their communities.”

In addition to MSU Extension and the Montana Community Foundation, partners who contributed to the program included First Interstate Bank Foundation, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and the Burton K. Wheeler Center at MSU. Reimagining Rural will offer a series of gatherings in the fall of 2021. Interested communities and community members can apply to be a part of the next program.

For application information, dates and locations in 2021, contact your local MSU Extension agent or Tara Mastel at tara.mastel@montana.edu.

Sara Adlington is an MSU Extension editor.

MSU Extension works with Powder River Trails, a group created to encourage walking and a healthy

Julie Riley

community, which benefited from Reimagining Rural. Community members of all ages enjoy the trails and memorial benches.

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Winter birds in the Big Sky Gary Swant teaches how to attract birds in winter by providing a proper habitat

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s a small acreage landowner, and an avid birder, I know first hand that winter days can be filled with enjoyment watching birds on your own property. I have found 96 species, with 46 seen during winter months, on my land. Montana has 424 bird species. 156 species overwinter in Montana, while another 44 that don’t normally overwinter have been seen during winter months. With that said, you can easily attract nearly 50 species of birds in the winter with a proper habitat.

BIRDS IN MONTANA DURING WINTER MONTHS

There are 36 species of waterfowl, including five non-breeding winter residents.

Those winter residents include the greater white-fronted goose, snow goose, tundra swan, three species of scoter, and the longtailed duck.

There are 13 birds of prey that are winter residents. All breed here except for the tundra breeding rough-legged hawk. Most rough-legs you will encounter in Montana are females; juveniles and males migrate farther south.

The flammulated owl is the only non-winter resident of Montana’s 15 owls.

Snowy owls are a winter resident that breed

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in the arctic are an irruptive species (migrate into an area in abnormally large numbers) and are only recorded in large numbers every two to five years, depending on the abundance of small rodents — their winter food source in Canada. The northern shrike is a common non-breeding winter resident that survives on smaller perching birds, mice, shrews and voles.

Sparrows are represented by 16 species with five nonbreeding winter residents. The lapland longspur and snow bunting can, at times, be found in large flocks. Common and hoary redpolls are also an irruptive species in Montana whereas in our annual local Christmas Bird Count there were none recorded in 2000. In 2001, there were 869 redpolls recorded. However, again in 2002, there were no redpolls recorded.

All perching birds, or passerines, are song birds. There are nearly 200 song birds found in Montana, of which 97 have been seen in the winter and 71 are documented winter residents. Birds have what are called songs and calls. Songs are used to establish and protect territories as well as attract breeding females. Females often select mates by the quality of their songs. In general, song quality is an indicator of the male’s stamina and fertility. Unfortunately, these beautiful songs are only used in the spring and

summer. Calls are used for alarms, and social interactions.

They can be heard year around. Feeding areas can be very noisy with calls, especially if you have finches, siskins, and chickadees. Listen for alarm calls when shrikes, owls or raptors enter your yard or fly overhead.

Even in the winter you can witness some oddities of birds that have been seen rarely in Montana. This can be a real treat. For instance, a vermilion flycatcher, a spectacular red species of southern Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas was recorded a number of years ago at the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge. It was also reported that it became a meal for a northern shrike, another non-breeding winter resident. I’m sure his brilliant vermilion red color showed like a beacon in our white Montana winter environment.

INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES FOR WINTER

Top: Common Redpoll - A nonbreeding winter irruptive species.

Bottom: Roughlegged Hawk on fence post near a rib-cage placed in a field.

Starting with a good field guide, identify and make a list of the birds you see. I suggest either the Sibley Guide to Birds, or the Field Guide to the Birds of North America. If you record what you see every day, you will soon see patterns in dates for first arrivals and departures.

You will also learn what birds use your yard and what they feed on.

Attracting winter birds is about having a proper habitat, supplemented with bird feeders and water. In order to attract winter birds, you have to provide a natural setting with shelter, food, and water. Planting native trees and shrubs that survive Montana’s harsh winters is best. Select species that provide cover as well as food such as black hawthorn, chokecherry, serviceberry, dogwood, juniper, golden current, Oregon grape, and silver buffaloberry. All of these shrubs provide cover and a winter berry source. A brush pile, in addition to common juniper, provides cover and roost areas. I have watched sharp-shinned hawks and merlin’s sitting on a brush pile trying to get an American tree sparrow or house sparrows buried safely in the pile.

To supplement the plants on your property, I suggest constructing a 12’ x 12’ L-shaped fence. This will help shield the small bird garden. Because the winters are harsh in our valley which sits at 4,600 feet in elevation, this natural wood fence produces a microclimate that protects plants from north winds and maximizes the southern sun. Trees and shrubs have flourished with this extra protection.

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Top: Chuck Carlson; Bottom: Gary Swant; Background: Katie Hatlelid

BIRDS

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You also need to add some bird feeders.

We usually provide black sunflower and thistle seed and avoid millet or millet/sunflower mixes, as they tend to attract mostly house sparrows, doves and pigeons. We use wire-screened feeders that allow finches, chickadees and other small perching birds

iStock, rotofrank

Attracting winter birds is about having a proper habitat, supplemented with bird feeders and water access, but discourage large birds such as blackbirds. Ground feeders such as doves and sparrows will still get seed, which falls out of the feeders to the ground. We also incorporate platform feeders close to the ground to attract several species of native sparrows.

Seed feeders are placed where the birds can fly from protective cover to feeders and back to cover again. Suet blocks are another option for feeding birds in winter and can attract woodpeckers, flickers and chickadees.

In the winter, as in the summer, water is a necessity for birds. However, you don’t want to heat the water in the winter to keep it from freezing – the birds will avoid it.

Fresh daily water will remain unfrozen for several hours, especially if placed in dark shallow pans that collect solar radiation, even in the coldest weather.

Beyond our bird garden, we provide nesting and cover habitat with Engelmann

spruce, pine trees of several varieties, chokecherry and caragana windrows and hedges.

Leaving some pasture grass that hasn’t been grazed or mowed will increase the opportunity for cover for pheasants, partridge, and native sparrows. Do not burn or haul away cleared brush or tree limbs. Instead, make a large brush pile for birds in a backfield for additional cover and roosting spots. If you do mow or graze fields, be generous with the amount of grass you leave along fences. Placing deer and elk rib cages in your backfield will provide food for raptors.

By incorporating some of these things, you can have wonderful views of even bald and golden eagles from your window.

If you have a pond or creek, protect the riparian zone by eliminating grazing near those areas. Most willow species will respond with rapid growth along waterways if they are not grazed. Healthy riparian zones provide nesting habitat, food, and shelter.

Consider making narrow rows of grain near ponds to attract waterfowl. A row the width of a garden tiller and 30 feet long, planted with grain, will add many additional species to your land.

If you provide good habitat, supplemented with sunflower and thistle seed, and water when necessary, birds will come. Many folks talk of winter blues. I can’t think of a better way to rid the blues than watching winter birds interacting with each other and you.

Gary Swant was a biology and field ecology teacher for 25 years in the Upper Clark Fork River drainage before starting GoBirdMontana (www.gobirdmontana.org) in 2009. This story originally appeared in Big Sky Small Acres magazine, Winter 2009.

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Noelle Orloff explains how herbicides can accidentally injure desired plants and how to spot herbicide injury.

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iagnosing injury to plants from herbicides can be difficult. MSU Extension has released a new guide with photos and descriptions of plant symptoms to aid in assessing and identifying potential non-target herbicide injury. Knowing when and what was applied is vital for diagnosing herbicide injury. In addition, knowing weather conditions, soil type and soil pH, and other environmental factors that affect herbicide performance can be helpful.

“While herbicides are useful tools for managing weeds, sometimes they can also injure desired plants,” said Noelle Orloff, Associate Specialist and plant identification diagnostician in the Schutter Diagnostic Lab. “This injury is referred to as non-target injury, or damage to plants other than the target weeds intended to be controlled by an herbicide application.”

Orloff said non-target herbicide injury is a continuing concern in Montana. For example, plant samples assessed for herbicide injury symptoms by MSU’s Schutter

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Diagnostic Lab increased 90% between 2013 and 2018, from 60 to 115 samples annually. The new guide is part of a response to help MSU Extension agents and others diagnose herbicide injury issues. Orloff said diagnosis can be difficult because symptoms may look like those caused by insects, disease or weather conditions. The guide may also be helpful to pesticide applicators to understand and prevent common causes of non-target herbicide injury.

Determining if non-target herbicide injury is the cause of a plant health issue involves assessing multiple types of evidence.

An investigator sees the end result of an issue and works backward to try to determine the cause. Diagnosing herbicide injury requires accurately describing symptoms and finding as much information about site history as possible. In some cases, the cause of the problem may be very straightforward, and in other cases more investigation, research, and critical thinking is needed. There are four important questions to ask when diagnosing herbicide injury.

Herbicides affect plants in different ways. Distinguishing whether injury occurs on older leaves or newer leaves is often necessary. Herbicide injury is often categorized by mode of action, or the general way that an active ingredient kills a plant. Because symptoms of herbicides within a mode of action are often similar, it is a useful way to classify symptoms and identify what is causing injury. In addition, distinguishing whether injury occurs on older leaves or newer leaves is often necessary. Common causes of non-target herbicide injury include herbicide drift and herbicide carryover; operator error and faulty application equipment; and environmental and plant factors.

To aid in researching plant health issues, the new guide, Diagnosing Non-Target Herbicide Injury on Plants, is available as a downloadable PDF at store.msuextension. org/publications/AgandNaturalResources/ EB0232.pdf and as an HTML website at msuextension.org/pubs/herbicideinjuryguide/ index.html.

The guide is written by Orloff; Jane Mangold, MSU Extension invasive plant specialist; and Tim Seipel, MSU Extension cropland weed specialist. Printed guides are funded by a grant from USDA-NIFA. In addition to the online versions of the guide, a free printed copy of the spiral-bound booklet (EB0232) can be ordered from the MSU Extension Distribution Center by visiting store.msuextension.org or calling 406-994-3273. A nominal shipping charge will be applied.

Tim Seipel

Diagnosing herbicide injury on plants

• What are the plant’s symptoms?

• What is the spatial pattern of symptoms in the field or landscape?

• Can symptoms be explained by something other than herbicide?

• What is the Mode of Action of the herbicide suspected to be causing symptoms, and do symptoms match the suspected Mode of Action?

From left: Glenna Waltee, Mary Ann Carey, Marilyn Craft, Barb Lien, Maureen Dawson, Kathy Hatch Not pictured: Janet Chapman

Master gardeners annual cleanup at Whitehall’s Silver Tower Park

Photo: Courtesy of Dara Palmer; Background: Bigstock

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e m b e r s o f Mo n t a n a Master Gardeners and the Whitehall Garden Club grabbed their gloves, rakes, clippers, shovels, black bags and enthusiasm to work on the Whitehall Silver Tower Park. The annual clean-up event includes pulling weeds, trimming shrubs and trees, removing debris, and tidying up the plant beds.

Kaleena Miller, MSU Extension Madison-Jefferson County Extension agent said, “When I started my position as the Extension agent, I was immediately welcomed by the Whitehall Garden Club.

During my first week, I attended one of their monthly meetings and began exploring collaborative opportunities as well as bringing educational programming to their members.

The Silver Tower Park is an excellent example of the Whitehall Garden Club’s dedication to the beautification of public spaces in the community.”

The Silver Tower Park includes a butterfly garden and a native plant garden which the Whitehall Garden Club was instrumental in establishing. They also played an important role in installing the park’s Blue Star Memorial Marker along with a Gold Star Memorial By-Way Marker, which is the first to be installed in Montana. The Blue Star Markers were originally begun to honor World War II veterans, but now honor all who have served, are currently serving or will serve in any way in the Armed Forces of the United States. The Gold Star Memorial ByWay Markers are a tribute to families who have lost a member defending the United

States of America. The park also features a veteran’s memorial wall which was designed and built by the local veteran’s group and is backed by the flags of the Armed Forces.

Several Whitehall Garden Club members have participated in the Level One Master Gardener course. After the course concluded, they jumped at the chance to participate in volunteer opportunities. A few of these included co-presenting at a 4-H Gardening Workshop and putting their newly acquired pruning skills to work while thinning boulevard trees in the community.

Master Gardeners and Club members can often be found tending to some aspect of Silver Tower Park, engaging community members in their work, and when the season arrives, they can be found handing out apples and pears from the park fruit trees.

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Jeff Mosley explains whether you need a livestock fence, who is responsible for maintenance, and the origins of Montana livestock fence laws.

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U

Jane Wolery

In versus out?

Livestock fence laws

nderstanding the legal rights and responsibilities of land ownership is an important part of rural land stewardship in Montana. Weed control laws and water rights, for example, are two common topics where lack of understanding can lead to unnecessary conflicts with neighbors. Livestock fencing laws are another potential source of misunderstanding.

Every rural Montana landowner should know whether they are responsible for fencing their land to keep their own livestock within the confines of their property, or whether they are responsible for fencing their land when they want to prevent other people’s livestock from roaming onto their property. In other words, “Do I need to ‘fence in’ my livestock, or do I need to ‘fence out’ other people’s livestock?” The answer depends on whether the land is legally classified as “open range” or “closed range.”

On “open range” the property owner is responsible for fencing neighboring livestock out. On “closed

shelter within their under-construction dream house, or to discover livestock rubbing against unprotected water or propane pipes and electrical outlet boxes. Such

Most of Montana is classified as open range conflicts can be avoided while a home is being built by inquiring with neighboring ranchers about the timing of livestock grazing in the area and by installing permanent or temporary fences during construction.

Ranchers should also keep apprised of new construction in the area and alert neighbors when roaming livestock may be near the construction site.

Most of Montana is classified as open range, but closed range exists within all incorporated cities and towns. Closed range also exists within unincorporated, rural areas designated as “herd districts.” Montana fence law allows county commissioners to create herd districts when a majority of land ownership in the proposed district petitions the county commissioners in favor of the new designation.

Within open range, one exception to fencing responsibility occurs with federal land boundaries. Livestock owners are responsible to prevent livestock from illegally trespassing onto federal land, including lands

Tracy Mosley

range,” the livestock owner is responsible for fencing livestock in. Contact the Montana Department of Livestock to find out the range designation in your area. Also be sure to review any subdivision covenants that may apply to your property or your neighbors. For example, rural subdivision covenants often require lot owners to confine their livestock within their lot boundaries.

However, if the rural subdivision is adjoined by open range, it is the responsibility of the subdivision lot owner to fence their property boundary if they don’t want livestock from the open range area roaming onto their lot.

Construction of a new home within open range, or in a subdivision adjoined by open range, is a potential source of conflict among rural residents. Most homeowners would be horrified to find livestock seeking

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at the midpoint of the shared boundary and looking toward your neighbor’s property.

You maintain the half that is to your right.

ORIGIN OF MONTANA’S OPEN RANGE FENCE LAW

To understand the reasons behind Montana fence laws, it is necessary to consider how the land came to be owned by the United States and how it came to be occupied by livestock. The area encompassed

Most landowners in open range are not compelled by law to exclude livestock by present-day Montana became part of the United States via wars, treaties, and purchases. The Louisiana Purchase from France in 1803 provided the land east of the Continental Divide, and a treaty with Great Britain, the Oregon Compromise in 1846, provided the land west of the Continental Divide. Subsequent wars, treaties, and purchases from Native American Indian tribes further secured the land into the control of the United States government.

From the beginning, the federal government allowed its citizens to roam their livestock freely on the public domain. This began in the 1840s with Jesuit missionaries in the Bitterroot Valley and in 1850 when Richard Grant and his sons, Johnny and James, drove cattle northward from the Oregon Trail into the Beaverhead Valley of southwestern Montana.

The range livestock industry continued to expand during the next 36 years, booming in the 1880s, and relying almost exclusively on the unfenced public domain for year-round grazing. Everything changed when severe weather during the “Hard Winter of 1886–1887” caused tremendous numbers of livestock to die.

This disaster taught large numbers of stockmen the value of harvesting hay for winter feed, which subsequently spawned the need to use fencing to exclude free-roaming livestock from hayfields so that hay could be grown and harvested. The need also arose to decide whose responsibility it was to build and maintain new fences that separated hayfields from the open range of public domain.

In 1887, two years before statehood, the Montana Territorial Legislature passed the law declaring that the stockman who separated the hayfield from the public domain would have the responsibility of fencing to exclude all free-roaming livestock.

Twelve years later, when large numbers of homesteaders began entering Montana and separating their farm fields from the public domain, the fencing law was already clearly established. Homestead farmers not wanting free-roaming livestock to access their crop fields had the same responsibility to fence out the livestock as did the stockmen wishing to fence out the livestock from their hayfields. The same approach continues today, that landowners wishing to separate their land from open range are responsible for constructing and maintaining the fence.

Jeff Mosley is the MSU Extension Range Management Specialist. This story originally appeared in Big Sky Small Acres Magazine, Winter 2011.

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Rachel Endecott

administered by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Therefore, if your rural property adjoins federal land, and you do not have a federal livestock grazing permit or lease, you must fence the boundary or otherwise prevent your livestock from roaming onto federal land.

Most landowners in open range are not compelled by law to exclude livestock from their property. In fact, some landowners purposely do not fence out livestock from some or all of their property so that livestock grazing can reduce the threat of wildfire and so that fences do not impede wildlife travel or detract from aesthetics. Fencing along railroads, however, is required within open range. Montana law requires railroads to build and maintain fences along tracks to keep livestock out, and the railroad must pay fair market value for any livestock that get through the fence and are hurt or killed by trains. Where highways pass through open range, the Montana Department of Transportation has the option to construct fences along the highway rights of way where livestock may present a road hazard.

Finally, who owns and who maintains the boundary fence between you and a neighbor? If the fence is located on the property boundary, ownership and maintenance is shared equally. Each landowner is responsible for maintaining one half of the boundary fence. The portion designated for you to maintain is determined by standing

ATV safety tips

Photo: Ken Nelson; Background: Bigstock

ATV safety tips Jodi Pauley desribes safety gear and safe handling for all-terrain vehicles.

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f you are a small acreage landowner, rancher, or an outdoor enthusiast, you may have invested in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).

In addition to recreational use, ATVs also serve agriculture, business, commercial industry, and nearly 700 governmental and law enforcement agencies for on-the-job transportation and other uses. While they are extremely handy for carrying a weed sprayer or just a fun machine to use while recreating, there are several safety factors to think about before operating an ATV. The All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute® (ASI), a not-for-profit division of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America® (SVIA), was formed in 1988 to implement an expanded national program of ATV safety education and awareness. ASI’s primary goal is to promote the safe and responsible use of ATVs, thereby reducing accidents and injuries that may result from improper ATV operation by the rider.

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The ATV Safety Institute’s Golden Rules are: • Always wear a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.

• Never ride on paved roads except to cross, where it can be done safely and is permitted by law.

• Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV, and no more than one passenger on an ATV specifically designed for two people.

• Ride an ATV that’s right for your age.

• Supervise riders younger than 16; ATVs are not toys.

• Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.

The single most important piece of protective gear you can wear on an ATV is a helmet to protect from a severe head injury in the event of an accident. When purchasing a helmet, look for stickers inside or outside of the helmet confirming compliance with standards from the DOT and/ or the Snell Memorial Foundation. Helmets must fit properly whether fitting a child or an adult, and plan to replace a helmet if it has been in an accident or if it has been dropped and potentially damaged. Replace the helmet every few years as protective qualities will deteriorate over time. A face shield or goggles will protect eyes from injury; sunglasses are not enough protection. Gloves help prevent hands from getting sore, tired, or cold and offer protection in the event of a crash. The minimum protective footwear is a pair of strong, over-the-ankle boots with low heels to help prevent feet from slipping off footrests. A long-sleeved shirt and long pants are minimum requirements for rider protection, as well.

Keep in mind that on an ATV, you can ride farther in an hour than you can walk in a day. Therefore, a pre-ride inspection of

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an ATVs mechanical condition is important to minimize the chance of injury or being stranded, as well as to ensure proper maintenance. Always check tires and wheels for proper air pressure; controls and cables, such as brakes, lights and other electrical parts; oil and fuel; and the chain and drive shaft chassis.

Proper posture is important when operating an ATV. Always keep both hands on the handlebars and both feet on footrests.

Meghan Phillippi

A smaller machine may be more practical for smaller adult riders ATVs are rider-active; to enhance the performance capabilities of the ATV you must shift your body weight. This is especially true in maneuvers such as turning, negotiating hills, and crossing obstacles.

When purchasing an ATV, think about who is going to be riding it the most and what kind of job(s) it will perform. Bigger and faster are not always better. A smaller machine may be more practical for smaller adult riders and may be easier to move by hand if it becomes stuck or flips over. Also think about the job it will perform and where it might take place. For example, if spraying weeds on hilly terrain, what sized machine can handle 150 gallons of spray on the back? If using your ATV for fencing, think about what kind of materials will be hauled and how heavy those objects may be.

Also remember, if anyone under 16 is using an ATV, by law, they must have the right sized machine for their age.

If recreating with an ATV, think about where you are riding, the terrain, and the rider’s capabilities. If there are several riders, can everyone in the group handle the terrain and the conditions, and does everyone have the proper sized ATV? It is important to consider surface composition, other trail users, wildlife, stationary objects, and other hazards. ATV riding is an activity requiring the interaction of three things: personal ability, ATV capabilities, and environmental or terrain conditions.

ASI has developed a hands-on, halfday ATV RiderCourse that is conducted by licensed ASI instructors, as well as e-Courses, which offer students an opportunity to increase safety knowledge, understand all-terrain vehicles and practice safe riding strategies. Information on courses can be found at www.atvsafety.org. Remember, ATVs can be a very useful tool on a ranch or small acreage or fun for a day in the outdoors, but they need to be treated with respect. Having the proper protective gear, riding ability, and proper machine for your ability and the task at hand can make all the difference in how well and how safely you and your ATV perform.

For additional information on ATV safety, please visit the MSU Extension Farm and Ranch ATV Safety webpage (www.safeatv.org).

Jodi Pauley is a former Powell County MSU Extension agent.

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Ask Steward: I struggled this year with identifying plants on my property that I believe are weeds, and want to recognize them as they sprout. Where can I find resources for weed identification?

–Weed Crazy

Dear Weed Crazy, There are several resources available to help you identify the weeds on your property, including books, websites, local reference guides, and local personnel.

Below is a list of helpful resources.

WEBSITES MSU Extension Invasive Plants

http://msuinvasiveplants.org/noxioussub.html Montana Weed Control Association

BOOKS AND PUBLICATIONS

https://www.mtweed.org/weeds/weed-id/

Montana’s Noxious Weeds (EB0159)

Weed Seedling Identification Guide (EB0215)

https://store.msuextension.org/Products/WeedSeedling-Identification-Guide-for-Montana-and-theNorthern-Great-Plains-EB0215__EB0215.aspx Published by Montana State University Extension, available for purchase at the Montana State University Extension store or at your local Extension office. The 168-page guide covers 75 plants species, including 60 broadleaf and 16 grass species.

MSU Extension Store

https://store.msuextension.org/ Search ‘weed identification’ to find publications for identifying and managing more than 40 weed species.

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Montana Noxious Weed Education Campaign

https://weedawareness.org/ In addition to the resources above, county weed districts and Extension offices often publish county-specific guides to weed identification. For more help with weed identification, visit your local weed district or Extension office with a fresh plant sample or good digital photos, or call your local Extension agent to do a property site visit if you have multiple weeds to identify.

If you have a question for Ask Steward, please email it to: extensionmagazine@ montana.edu

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https://store.msuextension.org/publications/ AgandNaturalResources/EB0159.pdf Published by Montana State University Extension, available for purchase at the Montana State University Extension store or at your local Extension office, and online as a PDF or flipbook.

Tidying up your greenery

Barbara Andreozzi explains how and when to prune deciduous and evergreen trees.

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inter, when trees are dormant, is the best time to prune, especially deciduous trees.

A tree is dormant from the time their leaves drop until buds break in the spring. During this dormant period in Montana, few insects or diseases threaten to infect pruning cuts.

Late winter pruning, just before spring, keeps fresh cuts exposed to the elements for only a short time. After the late winter period, a tree puts out new growth and seals the pruned cuts. Another advantage to late winter pruning is the ease of seeing the woody structure without leaves obstructing the view.

Most deciduous trees benefit from winter pruning to get rid of deadwood, poorly placed branches that may rub against others or branches that interfere with pedestrians ability to walk safely under the tree. Always remember you are trying to develop a strong

Always remember you are trying to develop a strong tree structure when pruning tree structure when pruning. It is critical to cut close to the branch collar but not into the branch collar (at the base of the branch), or leave a stub. Making the proper cut and leaving the branch collar allows the cut to seal, which will protect tissue from decay.

Evaluate a tree and plan each pruning cut carefully.

• First remove dead or diseased branches and any branch stubs.

• Remove branches that rub on others which can cause branch wounds.

• Look at the shape of the tree and evaluate if a good leader branch is growing through the center of the entire tree.

• All branches should angle off the leader, forming a strong union. Branches forming a narrow v-shape at the trunk are weaker than those forming a wider-angle crotch. Larger pruning cuts should follow a three-cut rule to protect branches from tearing below the cut. The idea is to reduce the limb length before making the final cut.

• Make a first cut on the underside of the branch about 18 inches above where the final cut will be. Cut 1/3 of the way through the branch.

• Make a second cut about an inch above the first cut on top of the branch until the branch breaks free. The first undercut will prevent the branch from tearing down through the branch collar.

• Once the larger portion of the branch is removed, make a third and final cut just above the branch collar (remember not to leave a stub).

• Disinfect pruning tools with alcohol between each cut to avoid spreading disease.

For trees that ‘bleed’ or have free-flowing sap – maples and birch trees – it is better to prune in late spring or early summer.

Also, early spring blooming trees and shrubs – lilac and chokecherry – set flower buds in the summer for the following year. These early bloomers should only be pruned just after they have bloomed to avoid cutting off next year’s flower buds.

WINTER PRUNING OF EVERGREENS

Most evergreens require little pruning.

To shape evergreens, keep the following in mind.

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Spruce, Douglas fir and other fir trees have lateral or side branches that will sprout if the tips are removed.

Late winter is a perfect time to prune, before new growth begins in the spring.

Pines are a little more particular. Pine trees put on a single growth at the branch tips and do not have lateral or side buds. If pines are pruned in late winter or early spring before the pine puts on new growth, you will eventually be left with dead stubs, making the pine very unsightly. Pines should only be pruned in spring after the flush of new growth and before needles have fully matured. Only prune approximately half of this year’s new growth, also known as the candle of the pine, to encourage density. Don’t prune farther back than the current year’s growth unless the plan is to completely remove the branch.

for cuts ½ inch diameter and smaller. Lopping shears provide greater leverage which is needed on branch cuts from ½ inch to about 1 ½ inches diameter. Hand saws or pruning saws are best on branch cuts over 1 inch diameter. Pole saws are handy to extend the reach to higher branches. Be careful to achieve clean cuts that will not allow water snow to linger, causing mold and decay.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Left: Narrow angle crotches of less than 40 degrees are weak and subject to breaking.

Right: It is critical

Many local MSU Extension offices offer free tree pruning workshops. There is also a free MontGuide publication called Pruning Fruit Trees in Montana, which illustrates branch growth and the methods of pruning. Order the guide through your local MSU Extension office, download online at (https://store. msuextension.org/Products/Pruning-Fruit-Trees-inMontana-MT199215AG__MT199215AG.aspx), or call MSU Extension Publications at (406) 994-3273.

to cut close to the

Tree pruning requires the right tools for cuts. A good pair of pruning shears may be all that is needed

branch collar but

Barbara Andreozzi is a former MSU Extension Agent in

not into it.

Deer Lodge County.

Barbara Andreozzi

TOOLS

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Featured photo: Sunset frames the Highwood Mountains in Judith Basin County.

Taken by Katie Hatlelid.

MSU Extension discusses transfer on death deeds in new MontGuide Sara Adlington reports on a new MontGuide which describes how Montanans can leave property to loved ones without going through probate.

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MORE NEW MONTGUIDES FROM

home as collateral for a loan,” said Goetting.

Montanans can record a TODD with the clerk and recorder in the county where a person’s property is located. All TODDs must include the mailing address of the designated beneficiary.

Wendy Wedum, MSU Extension Pondera County agent, added that the deed must have a complete legal description of the Montana property that will transfer after death, not the description appearing on the property tax bill sent by the county treasurer.

If an owner does not have a deed with this description, contact the clerk and recorder’s office where the property is located.

After a TODD has been signed and recorded, it cannot be revoked by a provision in a person’s will, Goetting and Wedum said.

For example, if a parent records a TODD naming a daughter as the designated beneficiary of real property in Gallatin County and later writes a will that leaves that same property to their son, the real property

MSU EXTENSION

MSU Extension specialists and agents publish information gathered during research and outreach work that is summarized in factsheets for all Montanans, including agriculture producers, home gardeners, families, landowners and other groups. In the winter of 2020, six new MontGuides were published that illustrate the variety of topics MSU Extension works on to provide valuable, unbiased information to help improve lives. Find these and many more resources online at msuextension.org/ store, where they can be downloaded for free or printed copies can be ordered.

Growing Cold-Hardy Berries and Small Fruits in Montana

https://store.msuextension.org/Products/ Growing-Cold-Hardy-Berries-and-SmallFruits-in-Montana-MT202101AG__ MT202101AG.aspx This 8-page MontGuide highlights currants, gooseberries, dwarf sour cherries,

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ccording to a newly published MontGuide by MSU Extension, individuals can leave their Montana real property to a designated beneficiary with a transfer on death deed, or TODD, however the deed is only effective upon their death. A TODD allows Montanans to leave real property to loved ones without going through a probate process.

Since Oct. 1, 2019, Montana residents have been able to file a TODD on real property, according to Marsha Goetting, Extension family economics specialist. Prior to that date, a beneficiary deed was used for this purpose. Beneficiary deeds filed prior to this date are still effective upon death.

“Designated beneficiaries may be your spouse, children, relatives, friends, or nonprofit or charitable organizations. A designated beneficiary has absolutely no ownership rights in your Montana real property until you die. Your beneficiaries cannot use your

passes to the daughter under the terms of the TODD. Goetting said if the parent wanted the property to pass to the son, the parent would need to revoke the TODD or record a new one.

“A TODD is a contract — like payable on death beneficiary designations on financial accounts and transfer on death registrations on stocks, bonds and mutual funds,” Goetting added.

Whether a TODD, will or trust is best depends on an individual’s circumstances.

“Some families may find all three estate planning tools would best meet their estate planning goals,” Wedum said. “Discuss your goals with an attorney to assure you are using the appropriate legal tools for your circumstances. No two families are alike.”

More information on TODDs can be found in the new MontGuide from MSU Extension at https://store.msuextension.org/ publications/FamilyFinancialManagement/ MT202010HR.pdf.

aronia, and haskaps (or honeyberries), which are hardy fruits that can be grown almost anywhere in Montana.

Animal Unit Month (AUM) Lease Rates

https://store.msuextension.org/Products/AnimalUnit-Month-(AUM)-Lease-Rates-MT202103AG__ MT202103AG.aspx This 2-page MontGuide is for livestock producers and landowners alike, who are frequently interested in simple ways to determine rental rates for grazing lands, including rangelands, forest lands, and dryland and irrigated seeded pastures. This document provides an overview and examples of how to compute AUM rental rates for Montana grazing lands.

Montana State University Extension Store

Stigma Free Addictions Terminology for Montanans

https://store.msuextension.org/Products/StigmaFree-Addictions-Terminology-for-MontanansMT202013HR__MT202013HR.aspx This 4-page MontGuide addresses terms used surrounding addiction, which is an umbrella term for both substance use (e.g., alcohol and other drugs) and behavioral addictions (e.g., gambling or sex addiction).

It gives an overview of substance use in Montana and identifies language that can cause stigmas toward people with substance use issues.

Quitclaim Deeds in Montana

https://store.msuextension.org/Products/QuitclaimDeeds-in-Montana-MT202102HR__MT202102HR. aspx This 4-page Montguide explains Quitclaim Deeds, including what they are, when they are used, what the risks are, and what some of the unintended tax consequences might be.

Fire-Resistant Landscaping Considerations for

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Montana’s Wildland Urban Interface

https://store.msuextension.org/Products/ Fire-Resistant-Landscaping-Considerations-forMontana%e2%80%99s-Wildland-Urban-Interface(WUI)-MT202104AG__MT202104AG.aspx This 4-page MontGuide describes the Wildland Urban Interface and how many plants have developed fire-resilient adaptations, and how to create fire-resistant landscapes, which is an important component in reducing wildfire risk.

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