Buckthorn Removal Guidelines

Please adhere to the following guidelines when removing buckthorn. There may be instances when deviation from the guidelines below is possible. We are here to assist and want to work with you to achieve your stewardship goals.

Contact amarotz@minneapolisparks.org to set up an onsite discussion prior to guideline deviation.    

Buckthorn Removal Guidelines:

• Any root mass removals must have prior approval by the MPRB Natural Resources Department. (Contact listed above.)
• Root mass removal requires approval due to erosion concerns regarding the destabilization of shorelines, hillsides, and slopes, and to alleviate the potential introduction of additional invasive species. Soil disturbance facilitates the spread of invasive species. Invasive species are opportunistic, always looking for places to establish and gain the upper hand in our natural landscapes.
• Due to safety concerns no cutting or removal of any specimen over 2 inches in diameter without prior approval.
• Please do not use buckthorn baggies, plastic bags, tarps, or cans to kill stumps without prior MPRB approval. Methods such as these need constant monitoring to prevent them from becoming a potential source of litter.
• Volunteers are not allowed to use chemicals or power equipment, hand tools only. This includes the use of pesticides and herbicides.
• Any deviation from the above guidelines must be approved by the MPRB prior to implementation. (Contact listed above.)

Volunteer Safety Guidelines

The safety of volunteers and park users is of primary concern to the MPRB. All volunteers who participate in park stewardship or volunteer activities must review these guidelines prior to volunteer service. Adherence to these safety guidelines is of utmost importance and failure to abide by these safety precautions could result in the cancellation of the volunteer or stewardship agreement.
1. Complete volunteer tasks only during daylight hours and in appropriate weather for the task.
2. Dress in protective clothing including work gloves, sturdy shoes, long-sleeved shirts, and pants to prevent injury from sharp objects, thorns, sunburn, and poison ivy.
3. Avoid over-exertion. Take breaks and drink plenty of water on warm days.
4. Be aware of your surroundings to ensure your safety and the safety of others, particularly when using tools.
5. Do not wear headsets or engage in conduct which would divert your attention from your work and/or impair your ability to perceive dangerous situations.
6. Use caution in areas where hazardous conditions exist including, but not limited to: roads, parking lots, bridges, construction sites and open water. Volunteers are not to work while mowing, tree trimming, or pest control is in progress. Report hazardous situations (ex. loose plank on foot bridge) immediately to your MPRB contact.
7. Exercise caution when picking up litter. Do not crush collected items and beware that broken or jagged objects could cause injury. Do not try to pick up heavy, large, or hazardous materials. Notify your MPRB contact for pick-up of these materials.
8. Volunteers are prohibited from using herbicides and pesticides of any kind.
9. Volunteers are prohibited from using power tools of any kind.

Park Stewardship Agreement Links

Please share the following links with your volunteers. Paper copies available upon request.

Adult Volunteer Waiver 

Volunteer Handbook