The Minnesota Noxious Weed Advisory Committee (NWAC) was created by the state legislature in 2009 to advise the commissioner of agriculture regarding invasive plants and regulated noxious weeds. This committee has two basic functions:
- To review plant species that are either known to be or are potentially harmful to the state of Minnesota and recommend to the commissioner which species should be classified as noxious weeds and regulated under the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law.
- This is done through an extensive risk assessment process and review by all members of the committee. Completed risk assessment documents
- To advise the commissioner regarding policy and procedures to prevent the introduction of new noxious weed species into Minnesota and how to manage existing noxious weeds throughout the state.
- The committee accomplishes this function by making recommendations that incorporate implementation of the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law and development of management criteria for each noxious weed category.
The committee consists of a diversity of members who represent a variety of ecological, conservation, business, land ownership and government interests throughout the state. To become a member, a person must qualify under the conditions set by Minnesota Statute 18.91; Subdivision 2, and must apply when an open appointment for a membership position becomes available through the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office.
The Noxious Weed Advisory Committee accepts petitions to review terrestrial plant species for potential regulation. Please visit the Noxious Weed Petition page for instructions.
