Please be advised that the herbicide vegetation control program for Athabasca County will begin June 1 and will continue until about September 1, 2015. The objective of the program is to control unwanted weeds, brush and trees in County right-of-ways.
The County does not use herbicides within 30 meters on either side of a farmstead or residential parcel; herbicide is not used adjacent to shelterbelts or sensitive crops – canola, potatoes, alfalfa, clover, and peas – if the wind conditions are not favorable. Herbicides are not utilized for vegetation management alongside greenhouse operations, tree nurseries or gardens, or with 30 meters of a water body.
Athabasca County has a “no-spray” policy for landowners which allow residents to opt-out of the roadside spray program. To be eligible for the spray exemption landowners must enter into an agreement with the County by June 5, 2015.
There is a one-time $100 application fee which provides the applicant with two “Restricted Herbicide Use Area” placards that shall be posted at each end of the parcel of property requested to be designated a restricted herbicide use area. Additional or replacement placards are available at a cost of $20 a set (2 signs).
It is the responsibility of the land owner/occupant to ensure the signs are visible and well maintained.
Should you have further questions, please call Trent or Roxanne in the Agriculture Service Department at (780) 675-2273.
