The City accepted a $42,500 grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the restoration of 28 acres of Alimagnet Park by removing invasive non-native trees and shrubs as well as some diseased trees. Buckthorn, a very aggressive non-native shrub, comprises a vast majority of the material to be cut and removed. Minnesota Native Landscapes, Inc. will be performing the work. The cut material will be collected in one area of the park during the cutting period; then, Ever Green Energy will chip and haul all of the material to District Energy St. Paul, a power plant that uses wood as fuel, where it will be converted into heat and electricity. The project is a win-win; the City receives assistance with its environmental restoration project and renewable energy—from biofuel—is produced. The project is scheduled to begin this winter and should be completed by late winter of 2010. Every effort will be made to reduce the impacts of noise and traffic on adjacent neighborhoods and roads. The woody biomass grant program was funded by the by a one-time appropriation from the State Legislature.

For more information about this grant, please visit the DNR's website


Buckthorn Removal in Your Backyard

Do you have buckthorn in your yard? You are not alone. Most shady areas in Burnsville that are not mowed or actively managed will eventually produce buckthorn. The invasive shrub is spread by birds that eat buckthorn berries. The berries of buckthorn (which only the females produce) act as a laxative in birds and are quickly deposited in new locations.
You might ask yourself why buckthorn is a problem. Buckthorn damages ecosystems by invading them and since done of the native animals or insects eat buckthorn, it quickly outcompetes native woodland species for light, water, and nutrients. Buckthorn prevents regeneration of native trees and, over time, can turn a healthy forest into a shrubby thicket of only buckthorn (see below). With little else that can grow beneath it, woodland soils are exposed and susceptible to erosion. The berries can also be very messy. 



You can help with the buckthorn problem by starting in your own backyard. To remove buckthorn, you will first need lots of energy and patience. Controlling buckthorn is a multi-year process as buckthorn seeds can germinate up to six years after they fell from their parent plant. These new plants will need to be controlled well after the initial removal is complete. However, buckthorn control on both public and private properties will benefit the entire urban community forest.

For a comprehensive description of many buckthorn control methods, click here. 
Two of the most common methods of backyard buckthorn removal are removing buckthorn by its roots; or, cutting and applying herbicide to the stumps. 
If you simply cut buckthorn and leave it be, it WILL re-sprout and it can grow back at a rate of up to 8 feet in one growing season! Be sure you control buckthorn roots and all!
If you choose to remove buckthorn by its roots, please note that any trunk larger than about a finger-width will be too difficult to remove by hand. The City rents a device (free for two weeks with a $150 deposit) called a Weed Wrench, which acts as a giant lever to assist with removing buckthorn by its roots. Do not use this method on areas with steep slopes as it causes soil disturbance and can lead to erosion. Call 952-895-4543 to rent  a Weed Wrench. 
Another method for buckthorn control is to cut the buckthorn near its base and treat the stump with an herbicide. For a document advising homeowners on this method, click here. One of the most commonly available effective herbicides is glyphosate (trade name RoundUp) at around 20% active ingredient. Ready-to-use spray forumlations of glyphosate are not strong enough to kill buckthorn. You will probably need to buy the concentrated formulation. Be sure to apply the herbicide to the stump as soon after cutting as possible to get the best control. This method works best in the fall, when buckthorn is transporting nutrients (and any applied herbicide) into its roots for the winter. 

Now I have this giant pile of brush. What do I do with it?
Buckthorn brush stacks up quickly and takes up a lot of space. Since brush piles consitute a Burnsville code violation, they should be removed. They can be placed in your yard waste bin to be collected with your regular garbage removal. If you do not have a yard waste bin, contact your garbage hauler to determine whether they offer one-time yard waste pickups. If you would like to take matters into your own hands, you can haul the brush to a private composting facility. The City hopes to offer a buckthorn brush pickup program for residents in the future. Stay tuned. 

What do I plant in place of buckthorn?
Once you remove buckthorn, you may be left with a giant bare spot. For a list of native shrubs and shade trees to plant in place of buckthorn, click here.
The City also sells native woodland plants and shrubs at-cost during its Annual Tree Salein April. 

What is the city doing about buckthorn?
The City sees buckthorn removal as an essential natural resource management action and has made it a priority for public forested areas. The City's Natural Resources Master Plan identifies key areas to focus buckthorn removal efforts.
Currently, the city is working with staff, contractors, and volunteers in many parks, such as Terrace Oaks Park, Kelleher Park, Alimagnet Park, Chateaulin Park, and Wood Park, to remove the invasive pest. Do you want to help remove buckthorn in your neighborhood park? Contact the Natural Resources Department at 952-895-4543 or email caleb.ashling(at) ci.burnsville.mn.us.  

Additional resources
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources buckthorn page
Document: Buckthorn:What you should know, what you can do