The battle against invasive plants in Minnesota takes center stage as the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) announces its call for grant applications. The Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Grant is open to a variety of entities, including counties, tribal governments, municipalities, and specialized weed management entities.
Since its inception in 2018, the program has made significant strides. Over $1.3 million has been allocated to different projects, with 126 projects reaping the benefits. The average funding per project stands at around $9,000. The funds are primarily utilized for tasks like equipment procurement, outreach, mapping activities, and hiring professionals to handle these aggressive weeds.
The impact is that certain invasive species like wild parsnip and poison hemlock have witnessed a reduction in regions where focused treatments occurred. Procuring the right equipment has led to long-lasting benefits and reduced infestations.
Prospective applicants can find the relevant forms and guidelines on the MDA website. There's a deadline, applications need to be in by 3 p.m. on September 22, 2023. For any queries, Emilie Justen, the MDA Noxious Weed Law Coordinator, is the point of contact. Her email is Emilie.Justen@state.mn.us.
The application process is competitive. Every application undergoes rigorous inspection by the MDA Noxious Weed Program and the Noxious Weed Advisory Committee. Successful applicants can expect to hear good news in early 2024.
Photo Credit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Categories: Minnesota, Crops