City taking aim at weeds
Bylaw enforcement officers would like to remind Vernon residents to stop the spread of noxious weeds this spring.
There are two weeds in particular that City of Vernon bylaw enforcement officers would like residents to pay attention to: Scotch Thistle and Rush Skeletonweed.
“Scotch Thistle and Rush Skeletonweed can have a very negative effect on property values, recreational opportunities, wildlife and livestock if they are not controlled,” said Clint Kanester, manager of bylaw enforcement. “Controlling these weeds can help biodiversity and prevent them from taking over our native plants.
“We can also help our crops produce better yields and have a more visually appealing community by stopping their spread.”
More information about these two weeds can be found at: Scotch Thistle: http://www.weedsbc.ca/pdf/scotch_thistle.pdf
Rush Skeletonweed: http://www.weedsbc.ca/pdf/rush_skeletonweed.pdf.
People are encouraged to pick, spray, or mechanically remove the weeds or bury or burn the plants or seed heads appropriately (permits may be required).
Please phone 250-550-3505 for information on which sprays bylaw enforcement officers recommend or to report weed infestations.
Property owners who do not remove these weeds from their properties or boulevard areas will receive a compliance letter under the Good Neighbour Bylaw and Provincial Weed Control Act instructing them when they must remove the weeds. If they don’t remove them by the compliance date, the City of Vernon’s contractor will remove them at a cost to the home owner, which depends on the scope of work.
The Regional District of North Okanagan has a very good information brochure about noxious weeds at www.rdno.ca/docs/noxious_weeds_prevention.pdf.
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