Rosemount Parks Invasive Species Management and Education Plan

Abstract

This project was completed as part of a year-long partnership between the City of Rosemount and the University of Minnesota’s Resilient Communities Project (http://www.rcp.umn.edu). Many communities throughout Minnesota are struggling to manage the growth of invasive species in their parks, open spaces, and on private property. Two invasive species on the rise in the City of Rosemount are emerald ash borer and common buckthorn. The goal of this project was to explore invasive species management options and examine how education can play a role in the management of invasive species in the community. In collaboration with city project lead Tom Schuster, Parks Supervisor for the City of Rosemount, a team of students in EnEd 5325: Sustainability Issues Investigation conducted a literature review, provided recommendations for the development of an invasive species and invasive pest management plan, and created a sustainability education plan for the management of emerald ash borer and common buckthorn in Carroll’s Woods and Schwarz Pond. A final report, presentation, and poster from the project are available.