County of Wetaskiwin Weed Inspectors have began their season. The Weed Inspectors conduct weed inspections and investigate complaints, all the while increasing awareness of invasive weed species and weed management in the County.

Weed Inspectors are in marked white County trucks and have County identification cards. They have the ability to enter onto land at a reasonable time to monitor compliance with the Weed Control Act. It is an offense to willfully obstruct or delay them while they are exercising their duties. Weed Inspectors are looking for noxious or prohibited noxious weeds as defined in the Weed Control Regulations. The goal is to create awareness about weed concerns and educate residents on why these weeds are of concern.

What are Prohibited Noxious and Noxious Weeds?

Prohibited Noxious Weeds and Noxious Weeds are plants designated in accordance with the Weed Control Act and includes the plant’s seeds. 

• Prohibited Noxious: A person shall destroy a prohibited noxious weed that is on land the person owns or occupies. 
• Noxious: A personal shall control a noxious weed that is on land the person owns or occupies.

What is the difference between a Weed Inspection Report and a Weed Notice?

A Weed Inspection Report is a document used by the County of Wetaskiwin to inform the landowner that they have Prohibited Noxious or Noxious Weeds on their property that should be eradicated or controlled. This report along with a weed fact sheet, herbicide application directory, herbicide controls for weeds and County equipment rental information sheets are sent to the landowner. 

A Weed Notice is a legal document that is issued to landowners when they do not control their Noxious or eradicate their Prohibited Noxious Weeds. When a Weed Notice is received the instructions of the Weed Notice must be followed by the date specified on the notice. Failure to comply with a Weed Notice by the specified date allows the County or its Contractor to perform the necessary control measures, at the landowner’s expense.