INVASIVE PLANTs & noxious WEEDS

• REMOVE plants, animals & mud from boots, gear, pets,& vehicle.

• CLEAN your gear before entering & leaving the recreation site.

• STAY on designated roads & trails.

• USE CERTIFIED or local firewood & hay

What Are Invasive Species?

Invasive species are those plants and animals that crowd out other species. "Weeds" are commonly explained as being plants growing where they aren't wanted. Sometimes, a species meets both conditions. The Washington Conservation District is interested in control of invasive species because of their potential to affect ecological relationships and ecosystem function, economic value of ecosystems, and human health.

The State of Minnesota has 11 plants named as Noxious Weeds. Some, like poison ivy, are health hazards to humans. Others, such as purple loosestrife, garlic mustard, and thistles threaten both natural and agricultural environmental stability. Under State Statute and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, these plants must be controlled or eradicated by landowners. Other invasive plants, such as common and glossy buckthorn, are controlled through restrictions on the propagation and sale of these plants. Responsibility for enforcing the regulations falls on local municipalities, and is often addressed on a local level through nuisance ordinances.

Invasive animals and some plants that extend beyond individual properties, such Eurasian water milfoil, zebra mussels, and gypsy moths are still prohibited through Statute but managed through other means including education and incentives. It is unlawful (a misdemeanor) to possess, import, purchase, transport, or introduce these species except under a permit for disposal, control, research, or education.

The links listed below will also direct you to information about invasive species and weeds. The WCD can help with identification of an unknown plant - email us a photo or request a site visit. We also have a "weed wrench" available to county residents to uproot buckthorn or other woody plants. Contact us at 651-330-8220 to check on its availability.

 Removing invasive species? Make sure you don’t spread them!

Watch this four part series produced by the MN-DNR on how to properly clean your tools, vehicle, and equipment in order to stop the spread of invasive terrestrial species:

• Part 1 of 4 - Cleaning To Avoid Spreading Terrestrial Invasive Species

  • Unwanted hitchhikers, requirement for preventing the spread, preventing the spread of invasive species

• Part 2 of 4 - Cleaning To Avoid Spreading Terrestrial Invasive Species

  • Cleaning tools, safety when cleaning, vehicle and equipment cleaning, cleaning all-terrain vehicles

• Part 3 of 4 - Cleaning to Avoid Spreading Terrestrial Invasive Species

  • Cleaning vehicles with wheels, cleaning movable equipment

• Part 4 of 4 - Cleaning to Avoid Spreading Terrestrial Invasive Species

  • Cleaning heavy equipment, cleaning other vehicles and equipment, cleaning personal equipment, review of cleaning guidelines, credits

More Links:

Got Buckthorn? - click here

Oriental Bittersweet Presentation (2019)

MN DNR Invasive Species Info

Trail Guide to Invasive Species Identification

Buckthorn MN DNR

Arrest the Pest (MDA) 

University of Minnesota Extension - Weeds

Clean Water fund Grant FY 16 - Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA)

NOXIOUS WEED ALERT!

Please contact the WCD to report new sightings in Washington County. Include an approximate address and description of the location where the plant is growing.

You should also contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at arrest.the.pest@state.mn.us or call 1-888-545-6684.