MAT Information Library:

Noxious Weeds

Townships play an important role in identifying and managing noxious weeds in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), local University of Minnesota Extension offices and County Agricultural Inspectors are the best sources for current information about Minnesota’s Noxious Weed Law, identification and control requirements.

Noxious Weed Resources

Minnesota Noxious Weed List – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
The official and current Minnesota Noxious Weed List, including prohibited eradicate, prohibited control, restricted and specially regulated plants. The list includes identification information and management requirements for individual species.

MDA Noxious and Invasive Weed Program
Information from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture about the state’s Noxious and Invasive Weed Program, including weed identification, management, enforcement and resources for local governments and landowners.

Minnesota Noxious Weeds – MnDOT Identification Booklet
Minnesota Department of Transportation booklet with photographs and identification information for noxious weeds found in Minnesota.

Weeds of the Great Plains – Order Information
Information for ordering Weeds of the Great Plains, a reference book containing photographs and information about weed species found throughout the Great Plains, including many species encountered in Minnesota.

Training and Guidance

Noxious Weed Training for Townships – Part 1: Biology and Treatment Timing
Training for township officials covering noxious weed biology and the importance of proper treatment timing when managing noxious weeds.

Local Weed Inspector Handbook 2020
Handbook providing guidance for local weed inspectors on Minnesota’s Noxious Weed Law, inspector responsibilities, enforcement procedures and weed management.

A Guide to Removal and Disposal of Noxious Weeds in Minnesota
Minnesota Department of Agriculture guidance on the proper removal, handling and disposal of noxious weeds and invasive plant material. (2014)

2018 Elimination of Target Invasive Plant Species
Information and guidance related to the identification, management and elimination of targeted invasive plant species. (2018)

Additional Resources

2019 Noxious Weed Program Annual Report
Minnesota Department of Agriculture report providing information about the state’s Noxious Weed Program and program activities during 2019.

Map of Compost Sites in Minnesota

MDA Newsletter Sign-Up
Sign up to receive Minnesota Department of Agriculture communications about noxious weeds, invasive plants and other plant pests, including the Plant Pest Insider newsletter and information about upcoming learning opportunities.

Commissioner’s Signed Order – Additional Noxious Weed Species
Commissioner’s order adding additional species to Minnesota’s Prohibited and Restricted Noxious Weed lists.

Township Case Study: Wild Parsnip

The Township vs. Wild Parsnip – Cannon Valley Noxious Weed Collaboration
Learn how four townships in Rice and Dakota counties worked together to control wild parsnip through the Cannon Valley Noxious Weed Collaboration, using coordinated treatment, education and outreach to landowners and local and state road authorities.