The natural resources of Minneapolis parks are threatened by a number of invasive species.

The National Invasive Species Information Center defines an invasive species as a species that is:

  1. non-native (or non-indigenous) to the ecosystem under consideration and
  2. whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health (Executive Order 13112)

Invasive species can be plants, animals, and other organisms (e.g., microbes), and may occur on land or in the water. Human actions are the primary means of invasive species introduction and spread.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are the lead agencies for invasive species research, prevention and control strategies.

We’re concerned about invasive species in our park system and use recommendations provided by these agencies to manage invasive species to the best of our ability, taking into consideration available budget and staffing levels.

 Learn about invasive species:

Aquatic (Water-Based) Invasive Species

Terrestrial (Land-Based) Invasive Species