An invasive plant known as glossy buckthorn is taking over the 97-acre town forest Saint Johnsbury, crowding out other species and raising an alarm among some local residents.
Several members of the forest stewardship committee say it’s likely a chemical herbicide will have to be used to attack the plants, which can grow to 15 feet tall and 2 inches in diameter.
The plant has shown up in several areas around Vermont and has been put on a list of noxious weeds that the state has ordered quarantined. The movement or sale of the plant can be punished by fines of up to $1,000 per violation.