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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1-28 Weed Control,Xneehill COUNTY Purpose: POLICY Section Policy No. Page ASB 1-28 1 of 2 Policy Title Date: Motion No. Weed Control Sept 22, 2020 375/2020 To establish a policy pursuant to the Alberta Weed Control Act, being Statutes of Alberta 2008 Chapter W-5.1 and the Alberta Weed Control Regulation (Alberta Regulation 19/2010) as amended, and in accordance with Bylaw #1619 as amended. Policy Statement: Weed Inspection & Enforcement Kneehill County ASB recognizes the need to control regulated invasive weeds. It is at the discretion of the County appointed Weed Inspector to determine if in accordance with all statutes and bylaws weed control action is required. Should control be necessary under the Alberta Weed Control Act, the Inspector shall contact the owner/occupant of the land to start control procedures. Private Land Weed Control Kneehill County ASB will assist where private operators are unable and when and where possible, with pesticide applications on agricultural production lands, to control all prohibited noxious weeds and small patches of selected noxious weeds, on a cost recovery basis. Public Land Weed Control Kneehill County ASB will utilize an integrated weed management approach through pesticide application, mechanical removal or biological control of weeds that have potential to create adverse effect on the agricultural industry, infrastructure, and public lands within Kneehill County. Policy Guidelines: Weed Inspection & Enforcement 1. Kneehill County, within its operational and fiscal capacity, shall conduct inspections of public and private lands as may be necessary to determine the presence of Prohibited Noxious and Noxious weeds. 2. Kneehill County shall appoint such designated "Inspectors" as required under the Alberta Weed Control Act. 3. The appointed Inspector shall have all the duties, rights and powers conferred by the Alberta Weed Control Act. 4. The appointed Inspector shall respond where possible and reasonable to weed complaints received by the County in a timely manner. 5. If Prohibited Noxious or Noxious weeds are found in sufficient quantity, that at the discretion of the Inspector requires control action, the Inspector shall make reasonable attempt to work with the owner/occupant in creating a plan for removal, using accepted integrated vegetation management practices. 6. In cases of non-compliance by the owner/occupant or where Prohibited Noxious weeds are found, a Weed Notice shall be issued pursuant to the Alberta Weed Control Act. section ASB Policy Title Weed Control POLICY Policy No. Page 1-28 2 of 2 Date: Motion No. Sept 22, 2020 375/2020 7. Kneehill County Council shall annually appoint an Agricultural Appeal Board to hear and determine appeals received by the municipality against notices issued by an Inspector under the Alberta Weed Control Act. 8. Kneehill County may offer weed inspection services to all Urban Municipalities within its boundary. Private Land Weed Control 1. Weeds designated for control on all lands within Kneehill County are those designated as Prohibited Noxious and Noxious under the Alberta Weed Control Act. 2. Maximum control area for Noxious weeds will be one hectare (3 acres) in non -cropland and field edges along cropland. 3. All pesticide applications shall only be carried out after a permission to enter agreement has been signed by the person in control of the land. 4. All pesticide applications will be done on a cost recovery basis. 5. All private land pesticide applications require approval from the Agriculture Fieldman or designate. Public Land Weed Control 1. All pesticide applications shall follow all statutes, regulations, guidelines, and the Alberta Environmental Code of Practices for pesticide application. 2. The ASB will budget for pesticide applicator training, certification and credits as required by Alberta Environment. 3. Upon approaching a farmstead or residence where buildings and trees are within thirty meters (30m) of the road allowance, spraying of pesticide will cease thirty meters (30m) prior to the farmstead or residence, buildings or trees, and resume thirty meters (30m) past said areas. 4. When applying pesticides, a one meter (1m) buffer strip will be left uncontrolled adjacent to any crops other than grass forage. In this instance a fence line pesticide application may be made available to the adjacent land manager or landowner free of charge. 5. All pesticide applications will be properly documented and filed as per the "Alberta Environmental Codes of Practice" requirements. *This Policy replaces policies 1-28-1, 1-28-2 Jerr ittstock, Reeve Approved: Sept 22, 2020 375/2020 Review Date: September 22, 2024 J&L - Mike Haugen, CAO