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June 3, 2026 - Wanted: Have You Seen These Weeds?

Clearwater County’s Eradicable Weed Program destroying unwanted invaders.

Under the Alberta Weed Control Act, prohibited noxious weeds are weeds that pose a significant threat to agricultural production, soil erosion, native habitat, and natural biodiversity. Clearwater County’s Agricultural Service Board (ASB) created the Eradicable Program to combat these invasive species prevent them from causing extensive damage to agricultural land and natural areas. Each spring, the ASB reviews and establishes the list of eradicable weeds that will be covered by the program the following year. This program was intended to encourage voluntary reporting of weeds present in small infestations throughout Clearwater County, and to promote the eradication and prevention of further spread. 

Under the Alberta Weed Act, there are two categories of invasive weeds: noxious and prohibited noxious. While both noxious and prohibited noxious are invasive and dangerous to agricultural production, noxious weeds must be controlled by the landowners, and prohibited noxious must be destroyed. In Clearwater County, the eradicable program takes care of all prohibited noxious and some of the noxious weeds that are in low enough numbers to be completely eradicated. Weeds under the eradicable program are located, destroyed, documented, and monitored at no charge to the landowner. 

The Eradicable Weed Technicians use GPS technology to record the exact location of the infestation, the growth stage of the weeds, and discuss management strategies to coordinate eradication with the landowner. The eradicable program covers the entire County, including grazing leases and crown land to best control the spread of the eradicable weeds. 

Some of the most common eradicable weeds seen in Clearwater County are Meadow and Orange Hawkweed, Common Tansy, Field Scabious, Yellow Toadflax, Dames Rocket, Leafy Spurge, and Himalayan Balsam. Early identification of weeds is the best way to get control over the infestation and increase the chance of total eradication. Resources for identification of these weeds can be found at the Agricultural and Community Services office or by getting in contact with one of the Eradicable Weed Technicians. If you suspect that you might have an eradicable weed on your property, call the Agricultural and Community Services office or the Eradicable Weed Technicians at 403-845-4444 to have us come out and inspect for you.   

Some species require different management plans than others. Himalayan Balsam, for example, requires hand pulling. Due to its annual life cycle and shallow root system, this makes it the most efficient management strategy. Other sites in closer proximity to water or trees are also required to be handpicked to avoid adverse ecological impacts When we assess the location of the weed sites, ecologically sensitive areas are identified and noted. Landowners can also bring any concerns they have about control or management to the technicians, and we will work together to ensure that weeds are managed.  

The eradicable program got a few upgrades for the 2026 season. We now have a two-person team! This will make a considerable difference in controlling eradicable weeds across the entire County. Along with an extra staff member, we have also expanded the fleet to include two battery-powered backpack sprayers that utilize an electric water pump. These sprayers will make spraying faster and more efficient than using a traditional pump-up system. A side by side with a boomless sprayer is used to control larger infestations. 

Between a larger team and more modern equipment, we hope that our efforts to eradicate these small infestations of prohibited noxious and specific noxious weed species will become much more efficient.  

Clearwater County residents are encouraged to phone in and report any infestations on their land. The eradicable team will assess, control, and monitor these plants at no cost to the landowner. More resources regarding this program, and the full list of eradicable weeds can be found on the Clearwater County website at www.clearwatercounty.ca/p/weed-and-pest-control.