Non-native species of plants can be very invasive and damage ecosystems, and in Edmonton, it was recently announced that city by-law enforcement officers will be out in full force this summer in a campaign of education and eradication.
While 29 species are listed as noxious weeds under Alberta’s Weed Control Act, five will be the main focus of the efforts.
The campaign, named ‘Noxious Weeds: Pursue, Capture, Destroy’ is designed to let the public know about these five offenders. They are Canada thistle, creeping bellflower, Himalayan balsam, yellow toadflax, and scentless chamomile.
While many of the plants can be very pretty to look at, the problem is that they can become invasive and spread rapidly, choking out native species and reducing biodiversity. Many of them have no natural controls, so their growth can soon get out of hand.
It was announced that last year, 7,500 warnings were given to property owners, letting them know that they needed to remove these weeds form their yards or vacant lots.
The procedure is for an owner to receive a written warning, after which city officials can inspect to make sure they were removed. If they were not, they will be removed by the city, with the cost being added to the person’s next tax bill. There may also be a fine, starting at $50.00.
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