2002-05  CONTROL OF BUCKTHORN ON PUBLIC LANDS

European, or common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) is a species of non-native woody shrub or small tree which is found throughout the state of Minnesota and much of the United States.   It is spread vigorously through bird droppings from one land parcel to another.  It is extremely invasive, out-competing native plant species and can transform native woodlands into impenetrable bramble patches. While crowding out native flora, it provides poor habitat for native fauna, severely reducing the recreational and commercial value of woodlands and shorelands.

Many private land owners and also public land holders, are actively engaged in eradication of buckthorn but it will take the concerted participation of private owners and every governmental body including municipal, county, state and federal, to prevent the spread of this noxious shrub.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Minnesota Division of the Izaak Walton League in convention April 28, 2002, at Detroit Lakes, MN, urges all levels of government to join in the effort by eradicating buckthorn from parks, open spaces and other public lands such as road and other rights-of-way, until no seed stock survives to perpetuate this non-native plant scourge in our country.

Jaques Chapter
MN Division of the IWLA