Invasive species

Zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, ruffe, and other invasive species pose a severe threat to Minnesota waters and native aquatic plants and animals. These nonnative invaders also pose a threat to water-based recreation, including fishing. Currently, these invasive species are living in relatively few Minnesota lakes and rivers. But they could easily spread-and new invasive species could enter from other states-if citizens who use state waters don't take the necessary steps to contain them.

The State of Minnesota programs for control and prevention invasive species are administered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Agriculture. The DNR's Invasive Species Program within Ecological Resources is responsible for programs covering aquatic plant and wild animal species. DNR's Division of Forestry, working in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, is charged with surveying and controlling forest pests, including nonnative organisms such as gypsy moth and evergreen spruce bark beetle. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is responsible for the state's noxious weed and seed laws that apply primarily to terrestrial plants that harm agricultural crops.

Ecological Resources provides information about harmful exotic species through a variety of programs, publications, videos, and other resources.