Invasive Plant Species

Terrestrial invasive plants have significant environmental, and economic impacts on natural areas, parks, and open spaces. Many invasive species can pose threat to the community directly through property destruction and may cause harm to the public's health. Ramsey County's efforts to manage and eradicate harmful invasive species include educational outreach, treatment, and restoration efforts to use native plants to prevent invasive establishment.

Economic impacts

Terrestrial invasive plants can decrease land availability for public, residential, and industry use causing economic strain on our community. Costs to consumers include the expense to manage invasive species, repairing the damage caused by them, and reducing productivity of industries indirectly impacted. Those most effected by these invasive plants include recreational outdoor sports, agriculture, and property owners. 

Environmental impacts

Terrestrial invasive species can leave a lasting impact on our native landscape including wetlands, prairies, forests, and waterbodies. Their ability to establish and expand populations rapidly results in choking out of native plant species, reducing habitat from native wildlife, and limiting forest regeneration. When left unchecked, invasive species can turn the landscape into a monoculture and alter the ecosystem.