The Noxious Weed Law affects growing plants. Some plants are noxious because they can harm people, animals, the food we eat, and nature. County, city, and township officials inspect land and ask owners to destroy their noxious weeds. Destroying them stops them from spreading and harming neighbors. Land owners that refuse to destroy their noxious weeds can be forced to do so.

Laws & Rules:

• Understanding the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law, Minnesota Statutes, sections 18.75 to 18.88 (PDF: 1.67 MB / 16 pages) 

Noxious Weeds:

• 12 species are on the prohibited noxious weed list – 3 on the eradicate list and 9 on the control list. These species must be eradicated or controlled on all lands within the state;
• 2 species are on the restricted noxious weed list that cannot be sold or transported in the state; and,
• 1 species is on the specially regulated plants list and eradication or control can be enforced under specific conditions.
• Identification of noxious weeds in Minnesota

County, City &Township Officials:

• A County Agricultural Inspector/County Designated Employee must be appointed by law for each of the states’ 87 counties by the board of commissioners. These inspectors also assist the Minnesota Department of Agriculture with laws regarding seeds, feeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and plant pests.
• Local Weed Inspectors are the mayors in the states’ 860 cities and the supervisors on the states’ 1830 township boards. An assistant weed inspector may be appointed by the city mayor or the township board to act in their behalf as local weed inspectors.

Permit to Transport Noxious Weed Propagating Parts in Infested Material or Equipment:

• This permit is issued by local weed inspectors or county agricultural inspectors.
• Condition of Permit Issuance include the prevention of spread during transport of noxious weed propagating parts in material or equipment and the control or destruction of propagating parts at the destination to prevent spread.
• A permit can be valid for a year or more after the date issued.
• A permit can be revoked if an inspector determines noncompliance by permit holder.

Federal Noxious Weed Program and Lists

• If you find any federally listed terrestrial or parasitic noxious weeds, please contact USDA/APHIS 

Contact

Anthony Cortilet
Anthony.Cortilet@state.mn.us
651-201-6538