The roadside brushing program in Mountain View County is well underway, enhancing public safety in the municipality by making roadways safer, said Chris Atchison, director of legislative, community and agricultural services.
In his monthly report to the policies and priorities committee presented at the recent committee report, Atchison highlighted activities of the department, including the roadside program.
“The roadside brushing program is underway, starting with the intersections on the collector roads,” he said. “The program involves the removal of brush from county ditches for the safety of the public. Brush and/or trees growing in the road allowance can cause many problems including reduced visibility of traffic, signs, vehicles and wildlife.
“Additionally, brush and trees can cause excess snow drifting and reduced drainage. Brush is controlled along roadsides to minimize drifting of snow, provide optimum drying/melting of the road surface, unimpeded drainage, and to protect the integrity of our road structures.”
The roadside grass-mowing program is also progressing, he said.
“The first cut on all hardtop and gravel roads has been completed,” he said. “The second cut on the hard top and gravel trial area is currently underway. The trial areas are in the extreme northeast and southeast corners of the county. Operational services will continue evaluating the success of the trial.”
The roadside vegetation control program was wrapped up for the season.
“The spot spray program is complete for the year with the primary target weed being toadflax in the southeast portion of the county. Through the program roughly 60 hectares were sprayed covering 200 road miles,” he said.
Clubroot inspections are also taking place in the district, he said.
“Clubroot inspections are underway with an estimated 50 canola fields to be tested,” he said. “Clubroot is a soil- borne disease that affects canola and other brassica crops. Fields are randomly selected throughout the county and landowners are contacted before entering the fields.
“Initial testing involves pulling plants and examining the roots for symptoms. If a field has suspect plants, a sample is sent to the lab for confirmation. If a positive lab test is received the farmer is then notified and a management strategy is implemented.”
A recent information session co-hosted by agricultural services was successful, he said.
“In partnership with Alberta Farm Animal Care and Red Deer County, agricultural services co-hosted an information session about the upcoming changes to the use of antimicrobials in livestock,” he said.
“This event was held on August 30th at the James River Community Hall. Dr. Duane Landals and Dr. Curtis Luzi spoke on the changes producers will be facing, including restrictions on the sale of pharmaceuticals and the impacts to producers and vets. About 30 people attended the event and it was a good evening of conversation.”
Agricultural services also participated in a recent youth learning opportunity.
“Agricultural services annually participates in the Aspen Ranch Farm Safety, Agricultural & Environmental Awareness Days where youth learn about environmental stewardship and farm safety,” he said.
This program is hosted at the Aspen Ranch Outdoor Education Facility near Bowden.
“Grade 4 students from surrounding towns including Olds and Sundre learn about farm safety, animals and environmental stewardship,” he said.
“Agricultural services’ staff present on environmental stewardship and farm safety along with interactive activities with the students.”
Committee members accepted the report as information.
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