Resident-led Innovation for Buckthorn Removal

If you’re a Minnetonka resident, you know what buckthorn is. This invasive tree has reshaped our landscape over the last few decades, crowding out all kinds of native trees and plants, spreading like wildfire and changing entire local ecosystems.

I live on one of Minnetonka’s marshes, and removing it from my backyard was a hellish project over an entire weekend. But the most difficult part was the transport and disposal at Minnetonka public works – most people don’t have a trailer or pickup, and managing that sharp brush is awful.

Bob Rezner, a regular Minnetonka resident, had an idea, and in retrospect it seems kind of obvious: ask individual homeowners to remove the buckthorn from their yards and leave it by the curb on a coordinated day, to be picked up by the city. This would remove a significant barrier from resident buckthorn removal, efficiently using a city resource to reinforce the existing Minnetonka natural resource plan and benefit everyone.

Bob approached his council member, Bradley Schaeppi, who told him to share his idea at a city council meeting. Bob prepared and presented an overview of his idea, did additional research that identified two other cities doing similar projects to estimate a realistic cost, and continued to engage council members and city staff. After several meetings and many emails, the council agreed to fund a pilot project to test this approach.

I love everything about this: An individual in our community sees a problem and identifies a solution, backed by logic and data. They work through the proper channels, staying patient and positive, because things are never as simple as they seem to be. Eventually, the idea is tested in the real world – a small calculated bet with a potentially big upside.

How can we get more of this?
First, expand the “culture of possibility”, that we collectively believe good ideas are out there, there is always opportunity to improve.
Second, create a formal structure that guides residents who have ideas and feedback, to help them communicate in a logical and motivating way.
Third, recognize those that do contribute in a way that validates their work and showcases them as an example to the rest of our city.

I’m amazed at the depth of social and intellectual capital in our city, and I believe we’re just scratching the surface of its full potential.