Vernon

Photo: Contributed

Scotch Thistle

Bylaw Enforcement Officers would like to remind Vernon residents to try and do what they can to stop the spread of noxious weeds this spring. 

There are two weeds in particular that City of Vernon Bylaw Enforcement Officers would like you to pay attention to:

• Scotch Thistle
• Rush Skeletonweed

Clint Kanester, Manager of Bylaw Enforcement, says, “Scotch Thistle and Rush Skeletonweed can have a very negative effect on property values, recreational opportunities, wildlife and livestock if they are not controlled. 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.”

Photo: Contributed

Rush Skeletonweed

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.

A brochure listing the top 12 noxious weeds and invasive plants can be found here.