Not all plants are good.  There are specific weeds you cannot leave unmanaged on your property.  These weeds, designated as "prohibited noxious and noxious" under the Alberta Weed Control Act, are invasive and can spread rapidly causing serious problems. Loss of biodiversity is directly linked to invasive species and they have played a key role in 60% of global plant and animal extinctions.

As shown in the image below, we have selected areas of the County where we will focus our resources for 2024.  We will start by controlling weeds on County lands and then begin assessing private properties.  Properties with noxious and prohibited noxious weeds will be inspected with weed control being the responsibility of the owner or occupant.


Have you spotted a noxious weed? Is there a concern about the roadside mowing or vegetation management program? Help us identify these issues so we can follow up on your County Concerns.

Weeds on County Property
Biological Control

  • Biological control is the deliberate use of a weed's "natural enemies" to suppress its population. Their natural enemies feed upon or cause disease in the weed, thereby limiting its growth, reproduction and spread over time.

  • We currently have 8 sites in the County that are using biological control for Canada thistle, toadflax, and leafy spurge. 

  • Species currently being used in these efforts are Canada thistle stem weevils, stem gall flies, black spurge beetles, and yellow toadflax stem-miner.

  • Parkland County only uses approved biological control agent under the Plant Protection Act or the Pest Control Products Act and CFIA's requirements for importation, handling and release in Canada under the policy Directive D-12-02: Import Requirements for Potentially Injurious Organisms (Other than Plants) to Prevent the Importation of Plant Pests in Canada. 

  • Following Federal approval, the classic biological control agents (arthropods) are released on their target weeds at selected experimental sites, which are closely monitored. Data from these sites help to assess both the natural enemies' potential for survival under field conditions in western Canada and their potential to cause damage to the target weed. 
Roadside Vegetation Control

Parkland County spot sprays roadsides and subdivisions between June and September. Spot herbicide applications and other integrated management practices will be used throughout the County to control weeds and brush.

Selective herbicide application on roadsides is done to control the spread of noxious and prohibited noxious weeds and re-growth of small brush. The Provincial Weed Control Act dictates which species of weeds are to be controlled by the municipality and on private property.
The herbicides that could potentially be used are:

  • Clearview PCP #29752,
  • Truvist PCP #30920,
  • Lontrel 360 PCP #23545,
  • Milestone PCP #28517,
  • Navius VM PCP #31382

Some of these herbicides have residual characteristics and it is advised against the use on any soil or plant material from the ditches or any County owned property.
Subdivision Ditch and Reserve Weed Control
Agricultural Services will spot spray ditches or reserves with a selective herbicide for species designated as prohibited noxious and noxious under the Weed Control Act. Signs will be used when weed control is taking place and removed when it is safe to re-enter.

The County uses an integrated approach which includes, chemical, mechanical, biological and hand removal control methods for invasive species.
No Spray Agreement Program
 A no spray area is a section of municipal road which would normally be maintained under the regular Roadside Vegetation Management Program, but it has been requested by the immediately adjacent landowner to not be sprayed. Once the Agreement is signed and in place, the County provides the owner with two signs to be mounted on stakes which are a minimum of five feet tall. These signs must be placed in a highly visible area as close as possible to the property line.

Participation (Before May 1)

The no spray agreement is on an annual basis and must be completed each spring and returned, prior to May 1. By signing the agreement, you assume responsibility for all vegetation control in the designated area, including prohibited noxious and noxious weeds as listed in the Alberta Weed Control Act, along with grass, brush and sweet clover.
Inspection
If an inspection by County staff is completed and the vegetation is found to be improperly managed by non-chemical means, we reserve the right to spray the affected area. The area requested not to be sprayed will be returned to the regular Roadside Vegetation Management Program.
Roadside Mowing Program
Roadside mowing commences in June, weather permitting. For more information, visit our Roadside Mowing page.


Weeds on Private Property

Weed control on private property is the responsibility of the owner or occupant. Some weeds to watch for on your property include:

More information can be found on:

 Weed Inspectors
 

Weed inspectors work in focus areas to conduct inspections but will also investigate complaints. Weed inspectors have the authority to enter private property without a landowner's permission to conduct inspections for prohibited noxious and noxious weeds. A weed notice can be issued where no effort is made to prevent the spread of noxious weeds or destroy prohibited noxious weeds.

County weed inspectors drive trucks with the Parkland County Logo on the side.  They will be wearing blue reflective vests or coveralls.  They will also be able to provide identification upon request.  They will make every effort to make contact with someone on site when they arrive to conduct an inspection but it is not common practice to call ahead of time. 

Feel free to ask our weed inspectors questions but remember to treat them with respect.

Weed Inspector Uniform and Truck
 Weed Control Contractors
 Please contact us if you would like a list of contractors that may provide mowing, spraying, and picking services.  The list is not all-inclusive, and does not imply any recommendation by Parkland County.  Consumers are responsible for verification of all credentials, certifications, and claims made by the contractors.
Rental Equipment

 The county has two 300 gallon boomless sprayers available for residents to rent.  These sprayers have two nozzles, each spraying 15 to 20 feet for a total width of 30 to 40 feet.  There is 100 feet of hose on a reel and handgun.  The sprayer is run off of a gas powered pump and you do not need a tractor to operate it.

Boomless Sprayers