The battle plan is simple. MN DNR takes a leadership role to recruit volunteers and team leaders. Team leaders are trained by MN DNR and then assemble teams of 3 to 6 volunteers for cutting with hand tools like loppers and hand saws, treating stumps and piling. Hopefully at some point power tools can also be used.

The MN DNR Response for managing invasive species makes it clear they concede defeat and will do nothing to control buckthorn and honeysuckle. Fortunately other organizations are not giving up so easily. On 2/24/2024 I joined a group of volunteers to help Jason Ludwigson, Sustainability Coordinator and SRTS Coordinator for the city of La Crescent, clear more buckthorn, honeysuckle, vines and cedar trees from a couple of great lookouts in Eagles Bluff Park. Volunteers brought liability waivers and all kinds of hand and power tools. The result was a lot of cut and piled brush! La Crescent MN and Chester Woods Park in Olmsted county are two examples of how cities and counties are allowing volunteers with power tools and herbicide sprayers to help battle invasive species.

The WI DNR has a more proactive model for volunteers. In Wisconsin volunteers are recruited by property managers and trained at WI DNR events to provide skills and certification. This includes chainsaw training and herbicide application that is often needed when fighting buckthorn, honeysuckle and wild parsnip. Minnesota volunteers will be more effective if MN DNR implements the WI DNR model.

Eagles Bluff Volunteers