In the Spring of 2021, the Koochiching County Cooperative Weed Management Area (KCCWMA) partnership saw another good year of progress targeting invasive terrestrial species on critical private properties in and around the International Falls and Ranier areas. The project was made possible through a Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) grant that funds terrestrial invasive weed control projects and the implementation of cooperative weed management area plans. 

In 2021 project managers again focused efforts on smaller private properties in residential areas with high concentrations of potentially hazardous invasive species like wild parsnip that could spread into neighboring residential or recreational zones. The project focused on a core area where private and city property was thoroughly infested, and control efforts could work with all the landowners to tackle the entire area.

In addition, grant funds were used to purchase and encourage the use of buckthorn herbicide stump applicators which are free for landowner checkout and use. This herbicide application strategy is a safe and strategic way to ensure that mature buckthorn shrubs do not stump sprout after cutting. These simple dabbers also alleviate the risk of herbicide affecting nearby native plants and the surrounding ecology of the site.

In late summer, KCCWMA partners from Koochiching County Lands and Forests and Highway departments, MNDOT, MN DNR Forestry, MN Department of Agriculture, and the SWCD met for a field meeting near Ericsburg (see photo on left). Several established invasive sites—like wild parsnip and Canada thistle—and emerging problem species—like leafy spurge, meadow and spotted knapweeds—were discussed. Biological control measures and traditional herbicide applications are being conducted on these sites and species. Field meetings like these are great ways to share successes and challenges between partners responsible for managing adjacent lands and infrastructure.

The KCCWMA and Koochiching SWCD are dedicated to controlling invasive species in our region to maintain the ecology and biodiversity of our private and public lands. If you have or need help identifying invasive species on your property, contact the Koochiching SWCD at 218-283-6742 or james.aasen@co.koochiching.mn.us for advice, we’re happy to help.