Year in Review - Weed and Pest Control program

In 2024, three areas were selected for focus with our weed inspection and control programs. These areas were adjacent to the previous focus areas selected in 2023. By selecting focus areas, we can reach many residents we have not before.

If you are in a focus area, you will receive a postcard notifying you of our upcoming arrival and you may have received one of two doorhangers as part of this program.

Our primary goal is to prevent the spread of invasive plants and to provide educational materials to help people identify and control these plants on their own properties. We were able to complete approximately 2000 inspections directly communicating to people through in person interactions, letters, door hangers, phone calls, and emails. Invasive species management is crucial to Parkland County because invasive species can: 

• Outcompete desired native vegetation and overtake landscapes. 
• Reduce yield in gardens, crops, forages, and pastures. 
• Provide a host for insects and diseases. 
• Affect what we can import and export. 
• Can affect human health and infrastructure. 

Negatively impact biodiversity; 60% of global plant and animal extinctions had invasive species linked as a key role. ^[1]

While we do attempt to let landowners know that we are coming, under section 12(1) of the Alberta Weed Control Act, inspectors can enter land or inspect land or personal property at a reasonable time.  Parkland County Weed Inspectors will always carry photo identification, and drive Parkland County labelled trucks.  You can ask for this identification and you are welcome to call our office to confirm their identify.  Inspectors will not enter any buildings unless the landowner consents or written notice has been given. 

For our weed control program, we mowed 4,300 km of county owned roadside, and we were able to complete weed control in all ditches and municipal reserves within the focus areas. 

Looking ahead, our focus areas for 2025 will be released in the early spring.  For more information, check out our website at www.parklandcounty.com/weeds.

In Parkland County, we participate in several insect monitoring surveys to contribute data to forecasting maps.

We set traps, do sweeps, or take soil samples for the following insects:

• Diamondback Moth
• Bertha Armyworm
• Grasshopper
• Wheat Midge

If you have a canola field you would like to volunteer to have as either diamondback moth or bertha armyworm monitoring sites, please call 780-968-8888 ext. 8467.

[1] https://www.ipbes.net/ias