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Task force debates and largely moves to drop recommendation on changing noxious weed law
Summary
Members questioned the need to change Minnesota's noxious weed law and several technical experts urged removing recommendation 8 because the current statute already allows transport of non‑propagating plant parts; some members suggested DNR should instead coordinate informally with MDA.
During the Jan. 13 working session the group discussed recommendation 8, which proposed directing the DNR to work with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on potential changes to the state's noxious weed law to enable safe transport of harvested plants. Extension forester Angie Gupta said she was confused by the proposal because the noxious weed statute already allows transport of non‑propagating plant parts, so many common foraged items (for example, garlic mustard leaves) are legally transportable.
"I do not think there's anything in it today that prohibits foraging on, period," Angie Gupta said, urging removal of the recommendation to avoid jurisdictional confusion. Several members, including Nibi Ogitchida Ekle and Greg, supported removing recommendation 8; DNR speakers suggested a softer, partnership approach with MDA rather than statutory changes.
Task force members asked staff to remove or reframe recommendation 8 in the next draft and to focus instead on clarifying statutory changes and creating an evidence‑based pathway for permits and protected‑species lists where necessary. Staff will circulate a revised draft Jan. 23 and the task force will vote on Jan. 27.
