Buckthorn – Fall is the time to identify this aggressive, invasive forest pest!

Protect our forest resources by controlling this invasive species.

For more information call the Aitkin County SWCD at (218) 927-7284

Common Tansy is invading Aitkin County

Have you seen the tall fern-leafed plants with the button-like flowers along the road during the middle of summer? If you have noticed these, then you have likely seen the Common Tansy, an invasive species that is invading Aitkin County. Why are they bad for the environment? Why should you wear gloves before handling them? What can you do to slow the spread of this toxic species? This video has been developed to provide information regarding this invasive plant.

Sources of information:

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/herbaceous/commontansy.html
Minnesota Department of Agriculture: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/weedcontrol/noxiouslist/commontansy
Aitkin County Soil and Water Conservation District: https://aitkincountyswcd.wordpress.com/

Gravel Pit Certification Starts Making a Difference in Aitkin County

Many Aitkin County gravel pit owners have joined the fight against the spread of noxious weeds through gravel pit certification.

The goal of the Gravel Pit Certification Program is to certify gravel with a reduced seed bank, to reduce maintenance costs and the spread of Minnesota noxious weeds throughout the county. The most common noxious weeds that infest gravel pits in Aitkin County are Common Tansy, Spotted Knapweed and Canada Thistle.

Active gravel pits/owners in the program working toward reducing seed banks in Aitkin County gravel are:

Franklin Turnock

Allen Ammala Excavating