Himalayan balsam

Project Description

In 2024, Himalayan balsam, a weed designated as Prohibited Noxious under the Alberta Weed Control Act, and classified as a Freshwater Dwelling Invasive Plant under the Fisheries (Alberta) Act, was found in the Silver Chief, Fairhaven, and West Fairhaven neighbourhoods.

What is Himalayan balsam?

It is an annual weed, that grows in moist, nutrient rich soil and thrives in disturbed riparian areas and wet woodlands. It has the potential to reduce habitat for both native plant and animal species along all Alberta waterbodies.

The scope

Sturgeon County Agricultural Inspectors performed inspections for Himalayan Balsam on all County Municipal Reserve lands in the area. Mapping tools have been used to identify precisely where the weeds are actively growing. Native plants closely resembling Himalayan balsam were identified within the same area as the Prohibited Noxious weed.

Eradication efforts

Sturgeon County staff and contracted services picked, bagged and disposed of Himalayan Balsam on the County Municipal Reserves in the month of July and August.

Future control efforts

Sturgeon County Agricultural Inspectors will inspect and monitor the County Municipal Reserves during the 2025 growing season. If required, control measures will be implemented to address this Prohibited Noxious plant.

What this means to you

All property owners have the responsibility to help stop the spread of weeds that can be harmful to the environment, public, and private property. If you would like to report a weed concern, please submit a service request https://srportal.sturgeoncounty.ca/2

Related documents

Alberta Invasive Species Council – Himalayan balsam fact sheet

 

Updates

  • August 26, 2024: Silver Chief neighbourhood
    August 26, 2024

    A Sturgeon County contractor handpicked, bagged, and disposed of Himalayan balsam plants in the Silver Chief neighbourhood.

  • August 6, 2024: Sturgeon County's removal efforts
    August 6, 2024

    Sturgeon County crews handpicked, bagged, and disposed of Himalayan balsam plants in the West Fairhaven neighbourhood.

  • July 16, 2024: Provincial Government's work
    July 16, 2024

    Alberta Environment and Parks staff joined a Sturgeon County contractor to pick, bag, and dispose of Himalayan balsam. This work was done along the Sturgeon River on Municipal County Reserve in the Silver Chief neighbourhood.

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