Last Reviewed by MLTC: 03/31/2026.
A variety of resources on invasive plant management in Massachusetts, including planning frameworks, species classification systems, regulatory lists, detection and reporting tools, and field identification resources.
Management Guidance:
- Strategic Recommendations for Managing Invasive Plants in Massachusetts (Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group, 2005)
Defines statewide priorities and strategies for prevention, early detection, and coordinated invasive plant management.
Document: here - Guidance for the Effective Management of Invasive Plants (Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group, 2012)
Provides a framework for developing invasive plant management plans, including prioritization, control methods, and monitoring.
Document: here
Regulatory & Classification Tools:
- Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group (Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group)
Provides definitions, standardized assessment criteria, and species classifications used to evaluate invasive plants in Massachusetts.
Resource: https://massnrc.org/mipag/ - Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List (Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources)
Lists plant species prohibited from importation, sale, or propagation in Massachusetts.
Resource: https://www.mass.gov/massachusetts-prohibited-plant-list
Detection & Reporting:
- Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS)
Online mapping and reporting system used to document and track invasive species occurrences.
Resource: https://www.eddmaps.org/distribution/
Species Identification & Field Resources:
- Check Early and Often: Three Invasive Plants You Need to Know (Jennifer Orth & Chris Polatin, 2018)
Presentation describing invasive plant identification, classification, and management context using Massachusetts examples.
Document: mdarmlccinvasiveplanttalk032018.pdf - Kudzu Flyer (Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources)
Provides identification characteristics, spread information, and reporting guidance for kudzu.
Document: kudzuflyer_mass.pdf - Mile-a-minute Flyer (Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources)
Provides identification features, spread mechanisms, and reporting guidance.
Document: mamflyer_mass.pdf - Giant Hogweed Fact Sheet (Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources)
Provides identification characteristics, habitat information, health risks, and reporting instructions.
Document: gianthogweedfactsheet.pdf