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1. How do I get rid of buckthorn? Does the City have programs to help?

The City has extensive information available on buckthorn control in the Natural Resources section of our website. You can find information on how to remove buckthorn and city programs that can assist residents in this effort.

For more information...

2. Is it illegal to have buckthorn on your property?

It is not illegal to have buckthorn on your property. Although the City encourages residents to remove buckthorn and offers programs to assist with the effort (www.burnsville.org/buckthorn), you are not required to remove it. Buckthorn is considered a “Restricted Noxious Weed” by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and cannot be sold in the nursery trade.

Information about restricted noxious weeds.

3. Can I feed deer or waterfowl in Burnsville?

Intentionally feeding deer or waterfowl is against City ordinance. Feeding deer and waterfowl can cause safety concerns, damage to landscaping and other issues. If you’d like to report feeding violations in your neighborhood or other issues related to deer or waterfowl, visit the wildlife section of our website.

Learn more about wildlife

4. Are there coyotes in Burnsville?

Coyotes are present in most areas of Burnsville. Coyotes are a part of the natural environment and the City does not control their population. In most situations, coyotes pose little risk to people but can be a concern for small pets.

For more information about coyotes...

5. Can I hunt within Burnsville?

Hunting is NOT allowed on City property unless conducted during a special hunt organized by the City and authorized by City Council. Gun hunting is not allowed on private property. Bowhunting is allowed on private property but all City bowhunting ordinances must be followed.

6. Does the City control the mosquito population?

All mosquito control conducted in the Twin Cities metro area is done by the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District. To report a mosquito problem or to find out which areas have been recently treated in Burnsville, visit www.mmcd.org.

To report a mosquito problem...

7. How can I protect my neighborhood pond?

Educate your neighbors by volunteering to stencil storm drains. Keep your driveway, sidewalk and street clean. Sweep up grass clippings and leaves, reduce/eliminate lawn fertilizer, clean up oil drips and other leaked automobile fluids, wash your car on the grass instead of the driveway (or go to a commercial carwash), and reduce/clean up ice melting products in winter. Attend a “Landscaping for Clean Water Workshop” and learn how you can build a rain garden or create a shoreline buffer.

How to stencil storm drains...

8. I live next to a pond. How can I make it look good?

Looking good is a subjective term when it comes to ponds. What you consider weeds may be part of a normal pond environment. Native aquatic plants (such as Duckweed, Water Lilies and Coontail) are good for pond health and provide food and shelter for aquatic wildlife. However, algae blooms can be a problem caused by too many nutrients in the pond. Invasive plants such as Eurasian Watermilfoil and Curlyleaf Pondweed can also overtake a pond. If you want to control algae or aquatic plants in your pond, you will first need to determine if the MN DNR considers your pond a “Public Water.” Aquatic plants growing in public waters are owned by the state and a permit may be required to control the plants. Generally, city ponds over 2.5 acres or more in size are considered public waters, but you should contact the MN DNR to check on your pond’s status. Learn more about the MN DNR Aquatic Plant Management Program through the link below. Learn more about the MN DNR Public Waters Inventory: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/pwi/maps.html Whether or not you need a permit, you should talk with neighbors that share the pond before proceeding with any pond treatments. The City also classifies some ponds as wetlands, which have ordinances in place to protect them. To find out if your pond is a wetland, visit the Lakes and Ponds section of our website or call 952-895-4550.

DNR Aquatic Management Program...

9. Does the City control the level of Crystal Lake (or any other lake/pond)?

No, the City does not control lake or pond levels. Water levels fluctuate due to rain, snowmelt, drought and evaporation. Underground storm water pipes carry storm water runoff into and out of lakes and ponds. However the storm water system is passive, which means that there are no control structures (such as gates) to control the flow of water through the system.

Learn more about storm water management...