Lanark Fall Adopt-a-Road program cancelled for 2015

Oct 01, 2015

Due to concerns over the potential risks for volunteers encountering the noxious wild parsnip weed, Lanark County Public Works has decided to cancel the Adopt-a-Road pick-up this autumn.

“This was a difficult decision,” said Terry McCann, public works director, “but this noxious weed poses several potential risks and we decided to ensure everyone’s safety by cancelling the fall program due for this year.”

The Adopt-a-Road initiative began in 1999 and is designed to encourage volunteers to complete a spring and fall litter pick-up on a section of road of their choosing. Each section is about two kilometres in length. Dozens of groups have participated over the years with tonnes of litter collected each year and hundreds of hours of volunteer labour contributed.

Wild parsnip is an invasive plant that is becoming more common in Lanark County and is found along road shoulders, in ditches, rail corridors, trails and on uncultivated land. Sap from the plant can cause skin and eye irritation and make skin prone to severe burning and blistering when exposed to sun, which can cause long-term scarring. It is important to know what the plant looks like and use proper handling techniques when dealing with it.

“We are currently reviewing changes to the process for the spring pick-up to ensure the actions taken by participating groups will create minimal to no exposure to this noxious weed,” Mr. McCann added.

“We appreciate the hard work and dedication each member and volunteer has shown to our program and we hope to continue working together to keep our county roads clean while ensuring the safety of all involved,” said County Warden Keith Kerr (Tay Valley Reeve).

For more information about the program or weed control in Lanark County, check http://www.lanarkcounty.ca/Page1872.aspx or call public works at 613-267-1353.