Posted on by asbexecassistant

Changes to the Weed Regulation – survey open for AAAF

Survey for ASB and AAAF open until April 26, 2024

From the government website:

“The Government of Alberta wants your input on weeds being considered for reclassification, removal or addition to the Weed Control Regulation.

This confidential survey is collecting feedback related to Schedules 1 and 2 of the Weed Control Regulation within the Weed Control Act (WCA). The Act protects Alberta’s agricultural, riparian, urban and rural land from invasive weedy species. The Weed Control Regulation outlines procedures and strategies to prevent and control the spread of weeds (including their seeds and plant parts).

Your input will be used to:

  • Inform recommendations for changes to the Alberta Weed Control Regulation
  • Help name unintended outcomes or concerns associated with these regulatory changes

This survey takes 10 to 30 minutes to complete and closes April 26, 2024.“

This survey is intended to get specific feedback on specific weeds. This is your opportunity to weigh in. This is only opportunity to have feedback. Results of this survey will be reviewed add discussed by committee of stakeholders

The Weed Review Committee has been reviewing every weed in the Weed Control Regulation list and making recommendations. This survey is for AAAF and ASB to weigh in on proposed weed list changes and contains questions specific to ASBs. Another survey will be made available to the broader public.

Proposed changes to the weed list are in the survey and participants have the opportunity to build cases for or against the proposed changes.

Results of the survey will be brought back to the Weed Review Committee.

Background

Review of the Weed Weed Control Regulation began with a kick off meeting in April 2021 attended by 4 AAAF representatives (one from each region) and representatives from a variety of ministries. The meeting was lead by Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation.

The Review Committee worked through the 75 regulated weeds on the list, and 15 non-regulated weeds. They reviewed 6 weeds per month.

Review Committee members were:

  • Krista Zuzak / Krista deMilliano;
  • Gayah Sieusahai
  • Will Schapp (AAAF South);
  • Cathie Erichsen-Arychuk(AAAF North);
  • Sonja Raven (AAAF Peace);
  • Jane Fulton / Jordon (AAAF Central)
  • Chris Neeser (AGI);
  • Doug Macaulay (AGI);
  • Marcia Hewitt-Fisher (AGI)
  • Devon Belanger (Lands)
  • Mike Undershultz (Forestry);
  • Nicole Kimmel (Aquatics)
  • Parks / Public Lands / Environment: Craig DeMaere / Tom
    Hutchison;

The Committee used a “Weed Risk Tool” that evaluated each weed based on standard criteria and highlighted the risks of introduction control and consequences. The resulting risk assessment provided a method for comparing weeds and was used as a starting point for the Committee discussion. Economic, Environmental, human/animal health, and market impacts were all factors assessed by the tool.

This survey gives participants the ability to make a case to keep a weed on the list or remove it. Results of the survey will be discussed and will impact final decisions.

This is a collaborative process and information from the review was shared and discussed with internal working groups.