HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-09-04 Council Minutesa
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Council Agenda Item # 5(1)
To Gene Kiviaho
Reeve Hoppms
Members of Council
From. Bruce Sommerville
Date September 4, 2003
Issue
2003 Grasshopper infestation
Background
On May 29 2003 Council representatives and the local MLA met with concerned
producers to inspect the grasshopper infestation occurring on County road allowances
and adjacent fields
May 31 2003 Council held an emergency meeting to deal with the escalating infestation
of grasshoppers on Kneehill County road allowances Council directed the ASB staff to
assist producers in their control of the infestation on County owned property with a
maximum budget of $40 000 00
Two bran bait blowers were purchased and mounted on County trucks for application
Eco Bran Bait was selected for control due to its residual capacity and environmental
safety Two part time additional personnel were hired for the operation of the equipment
June 24, 2003 Council passed a motion that up to $40,000 00 for grasshopper control be
withdrawn from contingency reserves and that the amount be replaced at year end if
operations of the County result in a surplus position
Discussion
On the first and complete application 964 one sided miles were covered along with
application on three cemeteries An additional 78 one sided miles were covered on
request with adjacent field application for a total of 1,042 miles
There were four primary issues in attempting to control the infestation One there was a
narrow window for timely application for all producers when requested Two, a loss of
residual or bait consumption occurred without complete control after one application
Three, weather conditions hindered application procedures and bait residual Four many
adjacent land owners did not take control measures
Kneehill County was finally rated as severe and producers are encouraged to obtain
applications for grasshopper control assistance and submit by November 30 2003
The ASB has completed the 2003 grasshopper count for the 2004 forecast The outlook
indicates a very severe infestation under perfect conditions for 2004
Financial Implications
To date Equipment and mileage $5 636 40
Control Product $8 845 00
Labor $3,917.98
Total $18,39938
Recommendation
1) That ASB prepare a contingency plan for 2004
2) That Council receive this report as information
-�Zommervilie
Agricultural Fieldman