By Wayne Zimmerman,

Barsness Buckthorn Brigade

The Barsness Buckthorn Brigade has been taking advantage of our mild winter and absence of snow. We have spent much of our time near various springs and creek areas. Boots and waterproof shoes were part of the needed equipment. These areas prohibited the use of heavy equipment  and use of chemicals was avoided.  In many of these areas the buckthorn has overtaken the native plants leaving the exposed ground vulnerable to erosion. Eradicating the buckthorn from these areas protects the park’s ecosystem as well as Lake Minnewaska. Plus, park users will now be able to see our beautiful creeks and in many areas be able to walk along the streams. This is much like it was 50 years ago when the parks ecosystem had not been overtaken by the buckthorn.

 Volunteers have a variety of strategies for working in these areas. All are labor intensive. Cutting buckthorn too big to pull by hand at about 12” and then covering the stump with a black plastic bag for several years is one method. Another method consists of cutting the buckthorn at 3 to 4 feet with the plan to recut the tops as it resprouts. A third method is to cut at ground level and repeat mowing for 3 to 5 years. These methods kill the buckthorn by starving the roots. Removal of the berry producing trees is a vital first step. The upper portion of the tree than needs to be dragged to a burn pile which is done by hand or if conditions permit using a four wheeler with a rope or chain. It is not uncommon to remove buckthorn trees larger than 5 inches in diameter, 2-to-4-inch diameter is typical. In wet soil smaller trees can be pulled by hand. Lots of our volunteers enjoy pulling saplings which is similar to weeding in a garden. A sapling can be producing berries in 5 years depending on light and moisture.

Goats tend to avoid water and boggy wet areas. They will be busy grazing in areas adjacent to those wet areas targeted by the Buckthorn Brigade. 

Having a strong volunteer work force is an important part of maintaining and preserving Barsness Park. Future generations are depending on us to be good caretakers of the park. If you are interested in volunteering, please call Glenwood City Hall/Office (320-634-5433) and leave your name and contact information.  You will than be contacted by a volunteer coordinator.