| | Return to the ASB Home Page
Parkland County "Door Hangers"
We started using door hangers as a method to notify landowners that they have prohibited noxious or noxious weeds on their property. We started using them to replace letters we used to send out that were not well received by the public because they were often confused as Weed Notices. The door hangers are nice because we try to attempt to contact landowners before issuing notices, however, it is not always easy to get in touch with landowners. With the door hangers landowners are more receptive to calling us, at which point we can walk them through the steps to effectively controlling weeds and provide them with more information as necessary.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Strathcona County Noxious Weed Communication Tools
“Not all flowers are friendly” in Strathcona County!
The theme/concept of “not all flowers are friendly” was created by Strathcona County’s Transportation and Agriculture Services department in 2007. The theme was utilized for educational purposes that “not all attractive flowers are good flowers” for trade fairs and open houses.
In 2008, Transportation and Agriculture Services incorporated a Communications Plan to better educate Strathcona County residents on the importance of noxious weed control. The theme was incorporated into a colourful flower petal logo with various pictures of noxious weeds throughout the petals which is now the brand on all of our weed communication tools. In the past, the weed inspection program was using a ‘friendly’ letter or pre-weed notification to inform residents of noxious weed problems on their property.
The door hanger, with a removable magnet was created to soften the approach of informing residents of weed problems on their property and encourage residents to contact Strathcona County for additional information or individual consultation.
Picture of Door Hanger
To date many other municipalities have utilized this communication tool to educate residents on noxious weed control.
Other noxious weed communication tools provided to our residents:
Colourful newspaper advertisements on the various noxious weeds in our area.
Picture of ad
Double-sided information card to hand out at trade fairs, open houses and work shops.
Picture of card
Bus benches throughout the County
Picture of bench
Banner stands used for open houses and trade fairs
Picture of stand
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Clearwater County- Priority Area Weed Control
Clearwater County - Eradicable Weed Program
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Yellowhead County Clean An Acre Pilot Program
Yellowhead County Agricultural Services Board has approved “Clean an Acre” Program to control Noxious and Prohibited Noxious weeds on private properties that have been inspected by Yellowhead County Agricultural Services Weed Inspection staff.
The “Clean an Acre” Program is a pilot project for 2011. This elective pilot will allow Yellowhead County residents the opportunity to become familiar with selected herbicides and the use of backpack sprayers. Landowners will be given a coupon for a pre mixed backpack of herbicide with their weed information package and compliance letter. All inspected landowners will be given one coupon regardless of the amount of land owned. Herbicide will be selected based on the weed inspection report. The landowner can make an appointment with the Agricultural Services staff in Wildwood and after a short demonstration on calibration, product information and herbicide safety, will receive a backpack sprayer with the mixed product and safety equipment to take home. The landowner will be asked to sign a release acknowledging the training they have received and will be asked to return the backpack upon completion of application. This program will be offered on a first come first served basis to landowners who have had weed inspections done on their property in the 2011 season at no charge.
The County has added the “Clean an Acre” Pilot Program to enhance services to the residents of Yellowhead County in addition to the existing Weed Inspection Program. Agricultural Services staff hopes that this program will offer residents the opportunity to learn more about herbicides, application methods and safe use of herbicides.
Please contact Yellowhead County Agriculture Services in Wildwood to register for the “Clean an Acre” Program 1-800-814-3935.
Letter to ratepayers
________________________________________________________________________________________________
M.D. of Ranchland Weed Bounty Program
The Agricultural Service Board believed it would be an added incentive for citizens using the landscape to keep an eye out for certain invasive plant species. A reward of $100/site will be given to anybody that finds any one of these 6 identified weeds within the M.D. of Ranchland boundaries. The weed must be left in the ground until inspected and confirmed by the Agriculture Fieldman
M.D. of Ranchland Gravel Pit Inspection Program
It is a known fact that the movement of aggregate can cause the spread of invasive plants. The "Gravel Pit Inspection Program" has been in place for several years now. Each year the Agricultural Fieldman or Assistant Fieldman inspect pits that are utilized in the area. At our annual industry meeting we go over the pits that have been inspected and provide a map to the members at the meeting of the pits that have been inspected. We are always willing to look at new pits, and so far have not set any parameters on how far we will travel to inspect a pit if it is requested for specific material. The program is not completely bullet proof as it is a constant battle to keep people informed of the policies in the MD. However, it is a step towards stopping the spread of invasive plants.
M.D. of Ranchland Riparian Program
The MD will cost share 50/50 up to $1000.00 with ratepayers on approved riparian projects in the municipality.
M.D. of Ranchland Weed Assistance Program
The MD will cost share 50/50 up to $500.00 with ratepayers on approved weed control work in the municipality.
M.D. of Ranchland Native Grass Harvesting Project
This project was selected because we believe restoring native grasses is imperative to the future of the Southern Rockies and Foothills as we know it. Native grass is a key element in regards to the livelihood of ranchers/producers, wildlife, and the integrity of our landscapes. As industry and population encroaches on our native grass ranges there is a need to learn more about the harvesting and reclamation of native grasses. On the years there is native grass seed to harvest (native grass doesn’t go to seed every year) we have collected several hundred pounds of mainly Rough Fescue or Parry Oat Grass. Our seed can be added to native grass mixtures that seed companies are putting together for reclamation projects in the area.
M.D. of Ranchland Dead Stock Pick-up Pilot Project
The Agricultural Service Board for the M.D. of Ranchland has decided to cover 100% of dead stock pickup costs from West Coast Reductions. Reimbursement will be available to residents and ratepayers if the livestock died within the Municipal District of Ranchland boundaries and they can provide a receipt. This project has been running for a little less than a year and at this point there is no cap but it is a possibility each year. We have been receiving excellent feedback from the producer’s on this project. It is important to keep in mind we are a small Municipal District and we do not have any intensive livestock operations in the M.D. boundaries.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Crowsnest Pass "Weed Warriors" Door Hangers
The use of the Door Hangers have proven to be a useful tool in other Counties and Municipal Districts, so our municipality has produced this tool for use in the Crowsnest Pass in our effort to wipe out invasive plant species.
Riparian Area Health
The following brochure and newsletter on Riparian Area Health in the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass is a guide for residents on the importance of protecting riparian areas and working to improve them along the shoreline of streams, creeks, and the Crowsnest River. Removing invasive species is one way the program is working to improve riparian health and also planting native vegetation. Riparian areas are important to the local watershed as it provides aquatic habitat for fish and wildlife, and protects neighboring lands from flood damage. To learn more click the links below.
Riparian areas brochure
Riparian newsletter
Be On The Lookout For Weeds Brochure
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sturgeon County
As part of Sturgeon County's website, they highlite weekly a different weed species regulated under the Weed Control Act. http://www.sturgeoncounty.ca/community/AgricultureServices/WeedPestControl/tabid/671/Default.aspx
_______________________________________________________________________________________________ |
|