Strategic Planning and Resource Assessment

Forest Service 2003 Success Stories

Success Stories: Montana Bug Ranching

What's that, you say? High schools raising bugs for profit? The Townsend Ranger District , Helena National Forest , assisted the local high school to set up an enterprise project in 2002 that involved raising insects that feed on the noxious weed, knapweed . The bug team -- some 10 students and two teachers -- planted a knapweed garden by the school, built an insectary (an insect hotel), purchased the appropriate insects, and started the business of selling the biocontrols to local ranchers. An insectary curriculum, completed by Montana Science Institute for grades 1-12, meets state standards so that Townsend and other schools with an itch for bug ranching can provide information to all students on the project.

Using GIS, which is a system of geographic mapping tools, the students on the team mapped areas of their county that have noxious weed infestations as basic data for their business. In 2003, the program retains its energy and momentum, thanks to the enthusiasm of staff, teachers, and partners.

USDA Forest Service - Strategic Planning and Resource Assessment
Last Modified: Tuesday, 18 May 2004 at 11:33:10 EDT