The Pine County Planning and Zoning Office manages the County's Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program, made possible through DNR funding. The program has been active since 2014 and and works with a variety of state and local partners to implement help control and prevent the spread of AIS in Pine County.
Currently Pine County has the following confirmed AIS infestations:
Sturgeon Lake - Eurasian Watermilfoil
Sand Lake- Eurasian Watermilfoil
Pokegama Lake - Eurasian Water Milfoil, Curly-leaf pondweed
Snake River - Eurasian Water Milfoil
Cross Lake - Eurasian Water Milfoil, Curly-leaf pondweed
The Minnesota DNR Aquatic Invasive Species web page is loaded with helpful information regarding rules and regulations, species identification, and what individuals and groups can do to prevent the spread of AIS. Visit their website: MN DNR Aquatic Invasive Species Page
2018 AIS Plan
Pine County Aquatic Vegetation Management PlanPine County AIS Risk Assessment 2016 June 2016 Pokegama Lake Vegetation Survey
Noxious Weed Control
The Pine County Planning and Zoning Department enforces the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law. Landowners are required to eradicate or control weeds from the State Noxious Weed List. The MN Department of Transportation offers a great tool for identifying noxious weeds Here. Additionally, the Pine County Agricultural Inspector can be a resource by calling our office.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & LINKS TO VALUABLE INFORMATION:
Invasive Species
http://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/page/invasive-species
Learn how to identify, treat, and control invasive plants through a University of Wisconsin developed Invasive Plant Control Index at http://mipncontroldatabase.wisc.edu/ .
Access numerous invasive plant resources on prevention, early detection, resources, etc. at the Midwest Invasive Plant Network www.MIPN.org
Emerald Ash Borer
http://www.mda.state.mn.us/eab
www.saveourash.net
Wild Flowers
http://www.MinnesotaWildflowers.info
Weed District Technical Advisor (a monthly publication and resource on technical topics such as handling herbicide treated pastures, invasive plant management with herbicides, approaches for salt cedar and Russion olive, using herbicides to treat under trees, etc.)
April 2011 Weed District TechAdvisor
Noxious Weeds
Minnesota Department of Agriculture 2014 Commissioner's Order for Noxious Weed Listing and Approval
Noxious and Invasive Weed Program
A Guide to Removal and Disposal of Noxious Weeds in Minnesota
