Jon Straughn

This biennial Noxious Weed Management Plan outlines strategies for the Montana Correctional Enterprises (MCE) Ranch. Its primary goal is to control the spread and eradicate noxious weeds on MCE-owned and leased ranch lands, with a vision to identify and eradicate all such weeds. Key strategies include early identification and treatment of infestations, collaboration with neighboring landowners and county weed boards, responsible pesticide application and storage, and continuous monitoring and evaluation of efforts. The plan details budget allocations and specific actions for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026, aiming to maintain and increase acres controlled.

The Montana Department of Corrections' Annual Plan for FY2026 outlines a commitment to creating a safer Montana through accountability, rehabilitation, and empowerment. It focuses on enhancing public safety and community well-being by pursuing three core priorities: building institutional and community capacity, improving desistance outcomes, and supporting successful reentry. The plan details strategic outcomes including expanding correctional infrastructure, enhancing educational and rehabilitative programs, fostering employee wellness, and adjusting parole guidelines to meet defined standards.

The Montana Department of Corrections' annual plan aims to create a safer Montana through accountability, rehabilitation, and empowerment. It focuses on three core priorities: building institutional and community capacity, improving desistance outcomes, and supporting successful reentry. The plan seeks to reduce recidivism, foster long-term behavioral change, and equip individuals transitioning from incarceration with necessary tools and opportunities to thrive.

The meeting's purpose was to seek public input on the Elkhorn Treatment Center's proposal to add 10 additional beds, increasing the total number of beds under contract with the Department of Corrections (DOC) from 46 to 56. The proposal does not require any physical expansion, as there is existing unused bedspace available.

The strategic plan for Montana Department of Corrections focuses on improving physical and IT infrastructure to enhance staff safety and efficiency, modernizing the Offender Management System for improved data collection, and enhancing the department's culture to recruit and retain qualified staff through adequate training. It also emphasizes strategic communication, goal-setting, outcome measurement, and establishing a culture rooted in safety science and systems improvement training. The plan aims to reduce recidivism by improving and expanding correctional programming, implementing a two-year education plan, and utilizing comprehensive assessment tools and evidence-based practices.