Did You Know... Minnesota Has a Noxious Weed Law?

July 2, 2024 by Alyson Levig

            What plant comes to mind when you hear the word ‘weed’? Canadian Thistle? Crown Vetch? Amur Maple? Maybe even Wild Parsnip? Well, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture has these, as well as fifty-three other species listed on their official Noxious Weed List under the state’s Noxious Weed Law. The law, whose legal terms can be found in Minnesota Statutes 18.76-18.91, states that landowners are expected to control or eradicate all noxious weeds on their land, using either mechanical, chemical, or biological efforts. Moreover, to comply with this law, individuals need to be continuously controlling the noxious weed populations found on their property.

            Why? The law’s purpose is to protect Minnesotans from injurious effects noxious weeds can have on the environment, crops, livestock, and public health. This is because weeds are highly adaptable to disturbed areas and can spread at alarming speeds, which can outcompete native species and cause economic damage by eroding soils and dimmish forage production lands. 

            What plants are noxious weeds?  To view the complete list, visit the MDA’s website: Minnesota Noxious Weed List | Minnesota Department of Agriculture (state.mn.us). The list is divided into five categories (Prohibited-Eradicate, Prohibited-Control, Restricted, Specially Regulated, and County noxious weeds) with different definitions.

            How can I control my noxious weeds? Again, the MDA website contains a lot of resources to help landowners both identify and control noxious weed populations they may find on their property. Additionally, each county in Minnesota has an appointed county ag inspector whose purpose is to aid individuals in positively identifying noxious weeds and provide support in their controlment methods and efforts.

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Posted In: Did You Know Series