source: Farm and Food Report
It may not be the most glamorous job in the province, but weed inspectors are really the first line of defence in preventing noxious weed invasions from gaining new ground.
Noxious and other invasive weeds are, in essence, biological pollution that has been introduced to the province, either intentionally or accidentally, that have the potential to spread quickly while competing aggressively with agricultural crops, forages and native vegetation.
To help weed inspectors in the battle for the preservation of the economic and ecological integrity of Saskatchewan land, each year, the provincial government organizes a series of training clinics featuring the latest developments and tips to success.
Clark Brenzil is the Weed Control Specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food.
“This is the fifth year we have offered the Weed Inspector Training Clinics, and they have grown in popularity each year,” says Brenzil. “Talking with the weed inspectors who attend, they get something new out of it each year. This builds their motivation to protect their community from the negative economic and environmental impacts of these plants.
“The number of rural municipalities appointing a weed inspector has gone from less than 70 to over half of the 296 rural municipalities since we started these clinics.”
The Noxious Weeds Act is provincial legislation that gives authority to municipalities to enforce control of noxious weeds — for instance, plants like leafy spurge, scentless chamomile and purple loosestrife. Weed inspectors are appointed by municipalities as the enforcement agents for the Act.
Brenzil explains that the role of a weed inspector is not necessarily to spray the weeds, but rather to monitor and enforce the provisions of the legislation in a fast changing environment. Many times, though, the weed inspector might also be the municipal pesticide applicator or pest control officer, to allow for the efficient use of available people and skills at the local level.
“In the past, there was not a lot of information available specifically for weed inspectors on how to coordinate municipal weed control programs. When we began the clinics, municipalities didn’t know where to begin to control noxious weeds. Now we have a wide range of experience, from beginners to seasoned veterans who have attended every year.
“The day-long sessions we offer at three different locations across the province during the second week of April are a good way to kick off the season before weeds start growing in May.”
There are always new aspects to explore, explains Brenzil. The agenda deals with integrated control methods on noxious weeds, and there is a refresher on how to go about enforcing the Act. Displays of live weeds are also available to help with identification.
“Because weed inspectors are not necessarily agriculture professionals, we encourage them to contact us and seek assistance when in doubt about weed control strategies. What we promote in our clinics is the use of integrated weed management.”
Integrated weed management entails making use of a variety of non-conflicting methods, including physical, chemical, biological and ecological methods. “Relying only on chemical control of noxious weeds can be expensive and less effective in the long term,” says Brenzil. “By integrating several complimentary strategies, the noxious weed manager can cut costs and improve long term control, while minimizing the impact on the environment.”
Proactive enforcement involves weed inspectors actively monitoring their municipality with the goal of locating noxious weeds early, when they are easier to control, and to detect any new weed entering their territory. In the event they find an undesirable weed, they are to document where the weed is, then follow up with the landowner on its control.
“We suggest they make use of GPS technology, which allows the easy recording of the weed’s location so that it can be revisited over time to ensure that the weed has been eliminated or has not spread. Weed inspectors are encouraged to keep long term records of noxious weed populations, since many weeds can survive for decades as dormant seeds in the soil.”
The Weed Inspector Training Clinics feature a mini-trade show, where companies involved in industrial weed control activities - like spraying roadsides, rail beds and power line rights of way - get to show off their technology and, at the same time, help to support the clinics. Industrial weed control is critical to invasive and noxious weed control, since all these roadways and other rights of way act as corridors for the introduction of new noxious weeds.
The Weed Inspector Training Clinics take place on April 12 in Humboldt; April 13 in Rosetown; and April 14 in Indian Head.
Those planning on attending should pre-register by Friday, April 8, by calling (306) 787-9719.
For more information, contact:
Clark Brenzil
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306) 787-4673
It may not be the most glamorous job in the province, but weed inspectors are really the first line of defence in preventing noxious weed invasions from gaining new ground.
Noxious and other invasive weeds are, in essence, biological pollution that has been introduced to the province, either intentionally or accidentally, that have the potential to spread quickly while competing aggressively with agricultural crops, forages and native vegetation.
To help weed inspectors in the battle for the preservation of the economic and ecological integrity of Saskatchewan land, each year, the provincial government organizes a series of training clinics featuring the latest developments and tips to success.
Clark Brenzil is the Weed Control Specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food.
“This is the fifth year we have offered the Weed Inspector Training Clinics, and they have grown in popularity each year,” says Brenzil. “Talking with the weed inspectors who attend, they get something new out of it each year. This builds their motivation to protect their community from the negative economic and environmental impacts of these plants.
“The number of rural municipalities appointing a weed inspector has gone from less than 70 to over half of the 296 rural municipalities since we started these clinics.”
The Noxious Weeds Act is provincial legislation that gives authority to municipalities to enforce control of noxious weeds — for instance, plants like leafy spurge, scentless chamomile and purple loosestrife. Weed inspectors are appointed by municipalities as the enforcement agents for the Act.
Brenzil explains that the role of a weed inspector is not necessarily to spray the weeds, but rather to monitor and enforce the provisions of the legislation in a fast changing environment. Many times, though, the weed inspector might also be the municipal pesticide applicator or pest control officer, to allow for the efficient use of available people and skills at the local level.
“In the past, there was not a lot of information available specifically for weed inspectors on how to coordinate municipal weed control programs. When we began the clinics, municipalities didn’t know where to begin to control noxious weeds. Now we have a wide range of experience, from beginners to seasoned veterans who have attended every year.
“The day-long sessions we offer at three different locations across the province during the second week of April are a good way to kick off the season before weeds start growing in May.”
There are always new aspects to explore, explains Brenzil. The agenda deals with integrated control methods on noxious weeds, and there is a refresher on how to go about enforcing the Act. Displays of live weeds are also available to help with identification.
“Because weed inspectors are not necessarily agriculture professionals, we encourage them to contact us and seek assistance when in doubt about weed control strategies. What we promote in our clinics is the use of integrated weed management.”
Integrated weed management entails making use of a variety of non-conflicting methods, including physical, chemical, biological and ecological methods. “Relying only on chemical control of noxious weeds can be expensive and less effective in the long term,” says Brenzil. “By integrating several complimentary strategies, the noxious weed manager can cut costs and improve long term control, while minimizing the impact on the environment.”
Proactive enforcement involves weed inspectors actively monitoring their municipality with the goal of locating noxious weeds early, when they are easier to control, and to detect any new weed entering their territory. In the event they find an undesirable weed, they are to document where the weed is, then follow up with the landowner on its control.
“We suggest they make use of GPS technology, which allows the easy recording of the weed’s location so that it can be revisited over time to ensure that the weed has been eliminated or has not spread. Weed inspectors are encouraged to keep long term records of noxious weed populations, since many weeds can survive for decades as dormant seeds in the soil.”
The Weed Inspector Training Clinics feature a mini-trade show, where companies involved in industrial weed control activities - like spraying roadsides, rail beds and power line rights of way - get to show off their technology and, at the same time, help to support the clinics. Industrial weed control is critical to invasive and noxious weed control, since all these roadways and other rights of way act as corridors for the introduction of new noxious weeds.
The Weed Inspector Training Clinics take place on April 12 in Humboldt; April 13 in Rosetown; and April 14 in Indian Head.
Those planning on attending should pre-register by Friday, April 8, by calling (306) 787-9719.
For more information, contact:
Clark Brenzil
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306) 787-4673
Comments