Now that it’s made itself at home in Minnesota, it’s nearly impossible to get rid of the noxious weed called buckthorn. It invades everywhere it takes hold — out-competes native plants for light and moisture, threatens future forests and can harbor a pest harmful to soybean crops, according the Department of Natural Resources’ Web site.
North Oaks has had success in controlling other noxious weeds and diseases that strike trees. Now some residents want to try their hand at controlling the spread of buckthorn.
Rep. Paul Gardner (DFL-Shoreview) sponsors HF418 that would allow a municipality, by ordinance, to control buckthorn on all public and private property within its geographical boundaries. The bill has no Senate companion.
Joan Brainerd is a 30-year resident of the northern Twin Cities suburb, which is unique not only for its wooded acreage, but also because all land in the city is privately owned. She told the House Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veterans Affairs Committee Feb. 16 that buckthorn is spread by birds dropping seed berries. The bill would give jurisdictions, such as North Oaks, the ability to adopt an ordinance to place their own control measures on buckthorn.
Considered a “restricted noxious weed” by the Department of Agriculture, the government cannot require landowners to eradicate buckthorn. However, control measures are taken by prohibiting the import, sale and transportation of the weed.
Approved by the committee, it now moves to the House State and Local Government Operations Reform, Technology and Elections Committee.
Doling out resources
Omnibus environment and natural resources law also contains energy provisions
(view full story)
Published 6/1/2010
Definitions matter
Language for environment and energy spending called into question
(view full story)
Published 5/13/2010
Supplant or supplement?
Some think constitutionally dedicated funds may be filling traditional funding void
(view full story)
Published 4/29/2010
Sinking the law on sunken timber
DNR intends to let sleeping logs lie
(view full story)
Published 4/29/2010
Minnesota Index: Earth, wind and fire
Figures and statistics on Earth Day and the environment
(view full story)
Published 4/15/2010
Minnesota Index: Quality of life
Figures and statistics on Minnesota's quality of life
(view full story)
Published 3/25/2010
Talkin’ trash
PCA discovers interpreting the letter of the law isn’t easy
(view full story)
Published 3/18/2010
Land wHOa!
Audit suggests DNR has more land than they can manage
(view full story)
Published 3/11/2010
Safe Drug Disposal Act
Leftover drugs find their way to fish and teens
(view full story)
Published 2/11/2010
At Issue: Money for outdoors, arts gets green light
Legacy bill passes but still needs work
(view full story)
Published 5/29/2009
At Issue: Unearthing the state’s past
Legacy bill moves through final process quickly, awaits floor action
(view full story)
Published 5/8/2009
At Issue: Funding environment and energy
Conferees make additional spending cuts
(view full story)
Published 5/8/2009
First Reading: Wildfire in slow motion
Emerald ash borer ignites prevention policies
(view full story)
Published 5/1/2009
At Issue: Animal, vegetable, mineral … or chemical?
Toxic Free Kids Act survives House floor omnibus debate
(view full story)
Published 4/24/2009
At Issue: Control-alt-delete
Electronic waste collections called ‘too successful’
(view full story)
Published 4/10/2009
Minnesota Index: Extreme weather
Figures and statistics on weather records in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 4/10/2009
At Issue: Spending new proceeds
Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council considers projects for new tax receipts
(view full story)
Published 2/6/2009