Laserfiche WebLink
To: Neighborhoods and Individuals who requested buckthorn information <br /> From: Mary Maguire Lerman, St. Anthony Park Buckthorn Roundup Organizer <br /> 2-12-2001 <br /> I'm sorry this information is late. I had promised in the November newspaper article that this packet would <br /> be mailed in January, but I wanted to make sure that information was included about an interesting <br /> development. The DNB's Invasive Species Coordinator is seeking donations to supplement the$20,000.00 <br /> that the DNR has committed to biocontrol research for an effective control of buckthom. The estimate for <br /> the total research package is near$120,000.00 but the DNR wanted to get the first phase of the research <br /> (January 1-June 30, 2001) started with the initial $20,0000. They are looking to organizations, communities <br /> and individuals for support to help raise the remainder so that the full research can be continued. <br /> What is a biocontrol agent? It is a naturally occurring disease, insect or other biological predator that exists <br /> in the invasive plant's native community. The research will be done by the International Institute of <br /> Biological Control (known as CABI) in Europe as Eurasia is where buckthorn is a native plant. They plan to <br /> • investigate areas in Europe, China and Russ«. <br /> That is why buckthorn has become such a pest- it has no natural predators in North America. Does <br /> biocontrol research work?Yes, but it takes time and that is why the cost is high. Similar research a few <br /> years ago provided us with the beetles that have been released statewide that are effectively reducing the <br /> Purple Loosestrife population. I want to encourage all communities, businesses and individuals to make a <br /> donation to this research project. The DNR staff has indicated that all donations are fully tax deductible. So <br /> please give it your consideration and encourage your community to donate to this research. <br /> This is how to donate to the Buckthorn Biocontrol Research Project: <br /> Make checks payable to: DNR Buckthorn Research <br /> Mail to: DNR Exotic Species Program <br /> 500 Lafayette Road <br /> St. Paul, Minnesota 55155-4025 <br /> • <br />