Invasive Species Detection, Prevention, and Control on Lands Administered by the Division of Parks and Trails
2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount:$705,000
2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount:$472,773
2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount:$472,773
2011 Fiscal Year Funding Amount:$500,000
2010 Fiscal Year Funding Amount:$700,000
Source:Parks & Trails Fund
Project OverviewThis on-going program is for detecting, mapping and controlling invasive plant species and re-establishing native vegetation in their place on lands administered by the Division of Parks and Trails. Control of invasive plant species furthers progress to preserve and restore the quality of native plant communities on Parks and Trails lands as well as helps prevent the spread of invasives to new locations.
About the Issue
Invasives species are considered the second most significant threat to protection of biodiversity in the United States, affecting about half of all rare species. MNDNR has also identified invasive species as one of the greatest land and water challenges facing the state. PAT invasive species control efforts are largely focused on aggressive exotic plant species which are most likely to negatively impact state park lands such as buckthorn, Canada thistle and garlic mustard. Controlling invasive species helps the division to meet its statutory mandate to preserve, perpetuate. . .natural features that existed in the area of the park prior to European settlement (MS 86A.05).
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN