Noxious Weed Law

Noxious Weed Management and Early Detection Program 

In 2017, the County Ag. Inspector (CAI) implemented the beginning stages of an early detection program utilizing the Great Lakes Early Detection Network (GLEDN) Application and mapping system which makes reports to the EddMaps website. This site is utilized by land managers and government agencies all across the country to map, monitor, and track treatments to invasive plants, noxious weeds, insects, and other pests. Over the past two years, the CAI has partnered with other local weed inspectors and documented over 58 reports. Several of these locations have been treated with biocontrol or herbicide spot treatments. The following three handouts were created as noxious weed species have been prioritized in the County or to see the full list at 2023 Noxious Weed List Fact Sheet (PDF): 

Isanti County Invasive Phragmites (PDF)

Isanti County Noxious Weed Hit List (PDF)

Isanti County Noxious Weed Neighborhood Watch List (PDF) 

2023 General Weed Notice (PDF)

Plant biodiversity is critical in native habitats and roadsides to provide natural weed control and pollinator corridors as prairie plants put down deep root systems and break up soil compaction. Local road supervisors and weed inspectors interested in learning more about plant competition for weed control should view this “Put Down Some Roots” (PDF). Additionally, click on the MNDOT Noxious Weed Handbook (PDF) to download a full copy of identification sheets and management charts for individual species on the eradicate, control, and specially regulated lists. 

Landowners should click on the guide to removals and disposal of noxious weeds for a handout explaining how to dispose of noxious weeds. 

Biocontrol Implementation 

The CAI also coordinates and partners with landowners willing to implement biocontrol management options for leafy spurge, spotted knapweed, and purple loosestrife. The County recommends the use of this control measure if the infestation is larger than ½ acre in size, the area will not see active mowing or disturbances, and if the owner does not want to use any chemical means to control the spread of propagating parts. To date 3 locations within the County have had bio-agents released for spotted knapweed and 3 for leafy spurge. Additional locations have been identified and landowner support is being developed. For more information contact CAI or Monika Chandler from MDA or visit Biological Control of Weeds. 

If you would like to view a video of a Leafy Spurge Biocontrol Release in Isanti County to see conditions of a pasture/prairie that met the qualifications for an affective beetle release, please view the Isanti County Leafy Spurge Biocontrol Release video.