Chippewa NF Serves Up Garlic Mustard
By Melissa Rickers on Jun 6, 2011
Hand pulling is a painstaking process, and a job well done by MCC
MCC Crew members systematically search the forest for garlic mustard in a "grid" pattern
MCC Crew installing an interpretive sign to warn campground visitors to avoid inadvertent spread of garlic mustard
The Chippewa National Forest Invasive Plant Program implemented an agreement with the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa (MCC), to survey and hand pull Garlic Mustard.
In May 2011 the Chippewa National Forest Invasive Plant Program implemented an agreement with the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa (MCC), to survey and hand pull Garlic Mustard in the Stony Point Area on Leech Lake near Walker Minnesota. The crew spent a week on the "search and destroy" effort on approximately one hundred acres of forest land.
The Conservation Corps provides meaningful work for young people in conserving energy, managing natural resources, responding to disasters and leading volunteers. They help young people develop personal responsibility, a strong work ethic and greater awareness of environmental stewardship.
Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is an extremely destructive invasive plant that takes over the understory of hardwood forest, crowding out desirable native species like wild leek, Dutchman's breeches, starflower and bloodroot. It is also well adapted to open disturbed sites like roadsides, power lines and abandoned lots and uses these areas as corridors to spread from place to place.
The garlic mustard in the Stony Point area was discovered by Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Botanist Carol Mortensen in 2002. Carol passed away in 2004 after a battle with cancer, but cooperative efforts have continued since then, as we honor Carol's memory. It is the only known infestation within a hundred miles in any direction. Thousands of square miles of currently unoccupied habitat in Minnesota is at risk of invasion by garlic mustard. The effort to contain and control garlic mustard continues as we work with our partners such as CCMI, the Turtle Lake Township, and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.