In Alberta, the responsibility for weed control lies with the landowner regardless of where the weeds originate. Administration of the Alberta Weed Control Act is a major program for Lacombe County's Agriculture Department. Weeds can out-compete native plant species. They are fast-growing, with a high seed dispersal rate, and can thrive/grow in most environmental conditions. To protect natural ecosystems and agriculture, it's important to eradicate or control these invasive species.
Here is a breakdown of weeds common to Lacombe County:
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To report a weed problem, contact the Agricultural Fieldman at 403-782-8959. All reported weed problems are kept confidential |
The role of a weed inspector is to increase public awareness and involvement to help reduce the introduction and spread of weeds. As well as to provide guidance and information to landowners regarding weed concerns, weed problems, invasive species, escaped ornamentals and their impacts on the environment. With increased awareness, it is the hope of Lacombe County that residents will find it more desirable to prevent and control weeds within the community. Weed inspectors are employed during the summer to:
Like Agricultural Fieldmen, Weed Inspectors are hired and appointed by Lacombe County under the Weed Control Act. They have the authority to enter private lands for inspection purposes A weed inspector may issue a weed notice to remedy a weed problem if the landowner has not made adequate attempts to control weeds. However, when a weed inspector finds a weed classified under the Prohibited Noxious (restricted) category in the Weed Control Regulations a notice has to be issued under the legislation under the Weed Control Act. If a landowner is not willing to work with the weed inspector, fails to comply with their request to control Prohibited noxious or noxious weeds, they will receive a weed notice. Which then the county will come in and spray the weed and bill the landowner. |
River Weed Control Program |
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A major transportation route for weeds is along waterways. A River Weed Control Program is run collaboratively between Lacombe County, Red Deer County, Ponoka County, Stettler County and the Public Lands Branch.
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As part of this program, staff take canoes onto the river systems to handpick weeds from sensitive areas along the riverbanks. This labour-intensive program has greatly reduced the spread of Scentless Chamomile, as well as many other potentially dangerous weeds.
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