Why Should I Care About Invasive Species?
- Health risks. Some invasive species pose health risks to humans or animals. Wild parsnip, for example, can cause severe burns on human skin.
- Agriculture. Species such as Canada thistle invade farm fields, lowering yields and requiring time and money to control.
- Range lands and grass lands. Species such as leafy spurge and spotted knapweed can wreak havoc on ranch lands and native prairie, out-competing desirable vegetation and reducing forage yields and quality.
- Natural areas. Species such as buckthorn and garlic mustard have spread aggressively in our native woodlands, crowding out native plants, leading to significant decreases in native shrubs and ground covers.
- Recreation. Invasive aquatic plants such as Eurasian water milfoil can impact fishing and boating by degrading fish habitat and clogging boat motors.
Invasive Species Rules & Regulations
Some invasive plants are considered noxious weeds, which state law and Maplewood ordinance (Section 18-31) require property owners to control.
Documents & Links
