North Frontenac to cut and spot-spray invasive plant species

Craig Bakay | Jun 14, 2017

North Frontenac will tackle invasive plants with a cut and spot-spraying approach following a recommendation by Public Works Manager Jim Phillips at Council’s regular meeting last week in Harlowe.

In his report, Phillips said that in a series of meetings with his counterparts and CAOs in Frontenac County Townships, it was unlikely that there would be any joint tenders with other townships. He said the County’s only participation would be if invasive species affected the K & P Trail.

“On May 10, (we) met with Central Frontenac staff and received a presentation from Steve Ford, who represents a company that specializes in roadside invasive weed management,” Phillips said in his report. “Steve advised that based on our anticipated needs he would recommend selective spot spraying for wild parsnip and giant hogweed.

“We therefore recommend that any wild parsnip that is present along our roadsides that is impacting agricultural lands (as required under the Weeds Act) can be managed by cutting and selective spot spraying by a licensed weed management contractor.

“For a small patch of phragmites (on Road 506/509), Steve advised to simply cut the plants, below the waterline if possible, before the new seed heads develop. There is no herbicide currently approved for spraying phragmites if water is present (and) phragmites are not identified as a noxious weed under the Act.”

Coun. Vern Hermer suggested adding “cut and then unsuccessful, then as a last resort spray.”

Mayor Ron Higgins and Coun. John Inglis voted against the measure.

@NorthFrontenac - Facebook/North Frontenac. Socail media comes to the north
Council agreed to establish a policy regarding social media along with corresponding training for both staff and Council.

“Are we going to be trained then?” asked Coun. Gerry Martin.

“We held one training session but the only one who showed up was the Mayor,” said CAO Cheryl Robson.

No bus to Calabogie
Council decided against hiring a bus to take Council and staff to its scheduled meeting June 30 in the Township of Greater Madawaska’s Council Chambers in Calabogie.

A yes vote to county study after all
Council decided to get on board with Frontenac County’s plans for waste diversion after having voted against the plan at a previous meeting.
Coun. John Inglis said he had a change of heart and voted for the plan at County Council.
“We’re getting $50,000 in grant money but (the County contribution) of $44,000 is a big part of the funds we’d put away for the post-landfill world,” Inglis said. “(But) this is an opportunity and we don’t want to be left behind.”
“We’ve been told if it’s (the grant application) not regional it won’t looked at and it’s more regional if the North is part of it,” said CAO Cheryl Robson.