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Since 1969, a different buckthorn has been planted in the midwest. It is called Tallhedge <br /> or Columnar Buckthorn.(Rhamnus frangula 'Columnaris'). Now that it has been planted <br /> for thirty years, we are seeing its effect on wetland communities. This species of <br /> buckthorn prefers moist soils and has found them with the help of songbirds. Also, in <br /> recent years, a finer-to=ured selection called Fernleaf Buckthorn(Rhamnus frangula <br /> 'Asplenifolia') has been available at nurseries. Later this year, a new addition to our state's <br /> Noxious Weed Law will place these buckthorns on the"Restricted Noxious Weed List" <br /> and by 2001 you will no longer be able to purchase and plant these shrubs in the state of <br /> Minnesota. <br /> Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board staff are asking for your help. We are working <br /> with many neighborhoods in the city to remove buckthorn in the woods and wetlands. <br /> Why? If we don't remove it now, our children and grandchildren will not have the <br /> opportunity to enjoy the flora and fauna of woodlands and wetlands. Why? The <br /> buckthorns suppress the native plants, so that replacement native trees and shrubs are not <br /> developing in these areas. When a severe windstorm or other disaster destroys the mature <br /> trees in these areas, all that will remain is buckthorn thickets. It is not only the issue of <br /> buckthorns destroying native plant communities, it is also a park safety/visibility issue. <br /> Buckthorn thickets are so dense that many park users do not feel comfortable walking in <br /> areas infested with these shrubs. <br /> How can you help? Please remove buckthorn from your property. Until buckthorn is <br /> removed from all residential and commercial properties, we will continue to have a fruit ' <br /> source for constant reinfestation of park lands by the songbirds. If you want information <br /> on how to effectively remove buckthorn, how to prevent the stumps from resprouting and <br /> how long you will need to monitor your yard for buckthorn seedlings, we can help. Send <br /> us a stamped, self-addressed envelope at: MPRB-Buckthorn Info, 3800 Bryant Avenue <br /> South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55409. We will forward you information on how you can <br /> help us in this alien battle. Thank you in advance for your support in helping to make <br /> Minneapolis a buckthorn-free community. <br /> If you live outside Minneapolis, call the Seed and Noxious Weed Unit at the Minnesota <br /> Department of Agriculture at 651-296-6123, 296-1234, or 296-8309 and they will <br /> forward you the information on buckthorn control. <br /> May 1999 <br />