Prioritizing terrestrial invasive species threats in Minnesota

The Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants & Pests Center (MITPPC) is committed to fair, accurate and responsive assessment of the invasive species landscape in our state in determining where research can make a difference. A prioritized funding model helps make the greatest impact with finite resources. 

How species ranking works

To determine which pests posed immediate threats, MITPPC undertook an expansive evaluation process. It convened 15 expert panelists, who initially identified 124 significant invasive species threatening our state. This panel also identified 17 criteria that could be used to rate species in an objective, computerized ranking system. Criteria included factors like environmental and economic impact, ability to establish and spread and proximity to the state. The top 15 most highly rated pests in each category – insect, pathogen and plant – inform the MITPPC annual Request for Proposal process. Rankings are updated regularly, no later than every other year or as new threats emerge on a more urgent basis. 

The full whitepaper, "Minnesota's Top Terrestrial Invasive Plants and Pests for Research: An Expanded Prioritization," (.pdf) outlines all prioritization methods and results. (NOTE: the species prioritization list and whitepaper has been updated as of January 2020 to reflect new information.)