ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) awarded $537,000 in 2020 noxious weed and invasive plant grants to 35 state projects.

Nicollet County Public Works was awarded $10,000 for a noxious weed management program. The Renville County Soil & Water Conservation District was awarded a $7,515 grant for wild parsnip.

Funding awarded to cities, counties, townships, conservation districts and tribal nations, will be used to purchase equipment and supplies, conduct mapping and outreach activities, and hire private applicators to manage noxious weeds that have the potential to harm human or animal health, the environment, public roads, crops, livestock, or other property.

The MDA anticipates another $100,000 will be available through noxious and invasive plant grants for fiscal year 2021 (July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021).

The request for proposals (RFP) will be released by September 2020. Grants will be awarded in 2021.

There are now 48 plants on Minnesota’s Noxious Weed List. For more information, visit the MDA website: //plants-insects/minnesota-noxious-weed-list.