Minnesota Noxious Weed Law
Terrestrial invasive species are land-based plants, animals, insects, and diseases which are not native and cause harm to the environment, economy, and/or human health. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is tasked with developing and managing the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law and County Ag Inspectors are responsible for it’s enforcement. The objective of the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law is to prevent the spread and proliferation of undesirable plants in order to minimize the adverse effects on the State’s citizens. Adverse effects include illness in both humans and livestock; loss of crop due to competition; environmental degradation because the species is either nonnative or out of balance; and aesthetics.
The Noxious Weed Law categorizes each terrestrial invasive species as being Prohibited, Restricted, or Specially Regulated. County boards can add additional invasive species to the County Noxious Weeds list and local Townships and municipalities can utilize local ordinances to regulate plant species not listed by the county or state.
Prohibited Noxious Weeds are further defined as being either Prohibited Eradicate or Prohibited Control. Species identified as being Prohibited Eradicate must be eradicated by killing the above and below-ground parts of the plants. Prohibited Control species must be controlled to prevent the maturation and spread of propagating parts. Restricted Noxious Weeds may not be sold or transported illegally in Minnesota. Specially Regulated plants shall be handled, controlled or eradicated according to specified regulations.
