New Grants Support Minnesota Weed Control Efforts

By Scout Nelson

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has announced the recipients of its 2025 Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Grant program. A total of thirteen projects across the state received funding amounting to $150,000. These grants support cities, counties, townships, conservation districts, and Tribal Nations in their efforts to manage noxious weeds and invasive plants.

Each recipient was awarded up to $15,000 to be used within one year. The funding helps cover expenses such as purchasing equipment and supplies, conducting mapping and outreach, and hiring private applicators to control invasive species.

Since 2017, the MDA has awarded more than $1.7 million through this grant program. This ongoing support allows local communities to carry out essential work in managing noxious weeds—work that might otherwise lack resources. The projects contribute to healthier local environments by preventing the spread of invasive plants that threaten native ecosystems and agricultural lands.

Among the 2025 recipients are conservation districts, soil and water districts, townships, counties, and tribal communities. Projects include efforts to manage weeds such as brown knapweed, knotweed, parsnip, and Palmer amaranth. Examples include Anoka County’s noxious weed management project and Scott County’s cooperative weed management area activities.

This grant program strengthens collaboration among local governments and Tribal Nations while protecting Minnesota’s natural resources and farmland. By investing in these projects, the MDA supports the prevention and control of invasive species, which benefits agriculture, wildlife habitats, and public lands statewide.

The 2025 grant awards represent a continued commitment to sustaining Minnesota’s environment through effective invasive species management. Local groups are encouraged to use the funds strategically to maximize impact within their communities.

This program highlights the importance of coordinated efforts to address invasive plant threats and maintain healthy ecosystems for future generations.

Photo Credit: minnesota-department-of-agriculture