Noxious Weeds in YMM
It may be beautiful, it may be a conversation piece with your neighbours but it could be a prohibited noxious or noxious weed. Alberta has over 75 legislated weeds that have been deemed prohibited noxious or noxious for very good reason; they change the diversity of the land, impact agricultural production, competes with and displaces native vegetation.
Prohibited Noxious Weed
‘Means a plant designated in accordance with the Weed Control Act regulations as a prohibited noxious weed and includes the plant's seeds. This weed designation can be seen as regulatory support for an "Early Detection, Rapid Response" stage of invasive plant management. Plants in this category are either not currently found in Alberta or are found in few locations such that eradication could be possible.'
Noxious Weed
'Means a plant designated in accordance with the Weed Control Act regulations as a noxious weed and includes the plants seeds. This weed designation can be seen as a regulatory support for a "containment" stage of invasive plant management. Plants listed in this category are considered too widely distributed to eradicate. Local authorities shall conduct control programs for these weeds as they have significant ecological or economic impact on lands within their municipality.'
- Himalayan Balsam(prohibited noxious)
- Canada Thistle (noxious)
- Common Tansy (noxious)
- Great Burdock (noxious)
- Oxeye Daisy (Noxious)
- Perennial Sow Thistle (noxious)
- Scentless Chamomile (noxious)
- White Cockle (noxious)
- Yellow Clematis (noxious)
- Yellow Toadflax (noxious)
Listed above are 10 of the most common species found in the Wood Buffalo area. Education, identification and control are all important factors to keeping our city free of prohibited noxious and noxious weeds.
If you think you have one or more of the above legislated weeds at your home or business you can reference the Alberta Weed Control Act for information including pictures, identification techniques and control methods. You can also contact our Parks department at 780-799-5832.
The Weed Control Act is available on line at the Alberta Queen's Printer Website or from www.agriculture.alberta.ca.
