city of ottawa wild parsnip strategy 2016
TRANSCRIPT
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2015 Wild Parsnip GrowthProlifération du panais sauvage en 2015 Ü
0 6 12 18 243Kilometers
Public WorksI:\TUPW\Dept Business and Tech Serv\MMS\
GIS\Grass Cutting\2015 Wild Parsnip
Stratégie de 2015 sur le panais sauvage
LEGEND SYMBOLS HEAVY MEDIUM LIGHTPARKLAND AND PATHWAYS
Areas have full coverage. Areas have approximately 50% of coverage. Areas have minimal coverage.36 Parks 89 Parks 111 Parks
ROADSIDES Full coverage of growth, both slopes. Approximately half of ditch/shoulder covered in growth. Patchy growth, minimal coverage.437.25 Km 466.86 Km 936.34 Km
LÉGENDE SYMBOLES IMPORTANTE MODÉRÉE LÉGÈRE
Environ la moitié de la zone est couverte.36 parcs 89 parcs 111 parcs
BORDURES DE RUES Couverture totale, des deux côtés des fossés. La moitié environ des fossés et des accotements sont couverts. Croissance éparse, couverture minimale.437,25 km 466,86 km 936,34 km
PARCS ET SENTIERS Couverture totale. Croissance éparse.
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Report to:
Rapport au:
Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee
Comité de l'agriculture et des affaires rurales
3 March 2016 / 3 mars 2016
Submitted on February 24, 2016
Soumis le 24 février 2016
Submitted by
Soumis par:
Susan Jones
Acting Deputy City Manager/Directrice municipale adjointe par intérim,
City Operations/Opérations municipales
Contact Person
Personne ressource:
Kevin Wylie, General Manager, Public Works / directeur générale, Travaux publics
613-580-2424 x 19013, [email protected]
Ward: CITY WIDE / À L'ÉCHELLE DE LA VILLE
File Number: ACS2016-COS-PWS-0012
SUBJECT: 2016 Wild Parsnip Strategy
OBJET: Stratégie de 2016 sur le panais sauvage
REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS
That the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee receive this report for
information.
RECOMMANDATIONS DU RAPPORT
Que le Comité de l’agriculture et des affaires rurales prenne connaissance de ce rapport.
2
BACKGROUND
There has been an increase in the incidence of invasive plants in the City of Ottawa,
specifically weeds that may pose a public safety hazard and reduce biodiversity, like
Wild Parsnip. High concentrations of the plant have been identified in both eastern and
southern Ontario, and it is predicted that the plant is spreading across the province from
east to west. As of January 1, 2015, Wild Parsnip was identified as a noxious weed by
the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).
Wild Parsnip is known to slowly invade unmaintained areas in waves after initial
infestation; however, once it is well established it reproduces at a very rapid rate. The
seeds can also lie dormant for a period of time making it even more challenging to
contain. Although it is rarely found in regularly maintained urban environments, it is
prominent in rural areas and some suburban areas of the City where grass cutting is not
completed as frequently, and it can then be spread to adjacent maintained areas such
as parks, pathways and, in some cases, even residential properties. The seed is
typically spread with the wind and can also be spread during mowing practices if cutting
cycles are not adequately scheduled around the plants maturation process. Toxic sap
found in Wild Parsnip leaves, stems and flowers can cause severe skin rashes when it
comes into contact with the skin in the presence of sunlight. Wild Parsnip’s ability to
rapidly regenerate reduces native plants’ abilities to compete for space, which in turn
reduces biodiversity.
In 2014, the Public Works Department completed a mapping exercise to identify Wild
Parsnip infestation levels on City properties across the city. The mapping exercise
focused primarily on rural roadsides since those areas are more prone to infestation.
The extent of Wild Parsnip in the City of Ottawa was determined by the physical
inspections of roadside ditches and service requests received by the Public Works
Department and Ottawa Public Health. The mapping exercise was a critical first step in
the creation of the 2015 Wild Parsnip Management Strategy as it provided reliable
baseline data that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of any strategies going
forward.
The 2015 Wild Parsnip Strategy (ACS2015-COS-PWS-0011) was developed as a pilot
project with the goal to test the effectiveness of different methods of control, and was
presented to the Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee on May 7, 2015. The report
described in detail the goals and key activities put in place to reduce the growth of Wild
Parsnip in areas that are highly infested in order to reduce the spread of this noxious
weed. The 2015 Wild Parsnip strategy consisted of the following key activities:
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Accelerated grass cutting;
Applied the herbicide, Clearview, at different cycles in highly infested areas
along roadsides and parkland;
Evaluated the effectiveness of the two activities above, using an expert
agronomist to track infestation levels;
Remapped infestation showing spread level of Wild Parsnip (light, medium,
heavy); and
Conducted an education and public health awareness campaign about Wild
Parsnip.
DISCUSSION
2015 Wild Parsnip Strategy Results
In 2015, the Wild Parsnip Strategy involved herbicide application to over 260km of
roadsides and several selected areas of parkland as well as increased roadside mowing
cycles in selected infested areas. The Public Works Department contracted the services
of an agronomist (P.T. Sullivan Agro Inc) to assess the effectiveness of the strategy,
specifically whether herbicide application, accelerated grass cutting or a combination of
both is the most effective method to managing Wild Parsnip. The agronomist produced
a report outlining their assessment results. Their assessment, carried out on August 5,
2015, counted the number of wild parsnip plants in a 2 foot hoop area and assessed if
the plants were living (in a vegetative, reproductive or flowering state) or dead (visibly
cut-off, sprayed, or both). They found that the greatest number of living plants (primarily
in the vegetative state) were located in test areas that had been cut, and the greatest
number of dead plants were located in test areas that had been sprayed. Therefore,
grass cutting may control the spread of wild parsnip by diminishing the maturation
process, but it will not prevent the spread of the plant, which Clearview application
appears to do.
Accelerated Grass Cutting
As part of the 2015 Wild Parsnip Strategy, the Public Works Department increased the
grass cutting width along pathways and roadsides to cutback further to the fence lines in
areas highly infested with Wild Parsnip. The timing of the cuts was aligned to a full cut
at the beginning of the season (mid May to mid June). The assessments complete by
the P.T. Sullivan Agro Inc team in different areas demonstrated that the mowing of Wild
Parsnip, even when the timing of the cuts aligned with research recommendations,
controls the spread of the weed but does not decrease Wild Parsnip infestation levels.
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Regular mowing is shown to be effective in urban areas and active parkland as it
prevents Wild Parsnip growth and therefore decreases the spread of the weed.
Herbicide Application
The application of Clearview was piloted in 2015. The herbicide was applied at different
times throughout the season, to supplement accelerated mowing cycles. The targeted
areas were again chosen based on the 2014 infestation mapping and focussed on
highly infested areas, along pathway systems through passive parkland in and around
naturalized areas, and highly infested roadside ditches.
The Public Works Department piloted Clearview by applying the herbicide in early June
and end of July/early August to test the effectiveness as follows:
1. Application of herbicide to the plant before it flowers;
2. Application of herbicide after it has grown, and is in flower; and,
3. A small portion was also tested using a targeted spraying method.
Homeowners with property adjacent to roadsides identified for herbicide spraying were
provided with an information sheet and an option to opt out of the program.
The agronomist assessment of the test plots in the east, west and south zones
confirmed that herbicide application is more effective in the spring and in the fall on
juvenile plants. Therefore, it was determined that the best time to apply the herbicide to
control the level of infestation is from mid to late May or to target the new growth in the
fall.
To summarize, the 2015 Wild Parsnip Strategy results demonstrated that:
Mowing is not a successful strategy on its own to decrease Wild Parsnip
infestation levels;
Mowing alone only controls the spread of the weed when cut at the appropriate
times;
Herbicides are a useful tool to supplement existing strategies (eg. Mowing); and,
The best time to spray with herbicide to have optimal results is mid to end of May
before the plants has flowered or target the new growth in the fall.
Mapping Exercise
In 2015, a comprehensive mapping exercise was conducted with a more detailed and
holistic approach than was completed in 2014 as staff focused its 2014 mapping efforts
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on rural roadside ditches. However, between 2014 and 2015 Wild Parsnip had
expanded into newly identified high infestation areas. This expansion was determined
based on both the increase of service requests received from the public as well as on-
site/field observations and inspections from front-line staff in the Parks, Buildings and
Grounds Branch and the Roads Services Branch. The 2015 mapping exercise
categorized the infestation of Wild Parsnip into three groups: light, medium and heavy.
Education Strategy and Awareness Campaign
An education strategy was developed by the Public Works Department, Ottawa Public
Health and Corporate Communications to provide information to the public on the 2015
spraying locations along with information on how to identify Wild Parsnip. Given that the
plant seed life is three to five years, the best method is to identify the noxious weed
locations, and provide information to the public to avoid these areas.
The 2015 outreach and education program on invasive plants included the following;
Distribution of an awareness postcard shared with Councillors’ offices and at
community fairs and events to help people identify Wild Parsnip and avoid
exposure. This postcard was also shared electronically with parents of school
aged children when school resumed in the fall and also distributed to City
partners, such as school boards, Ottawa Public Health, and staff;
Frequent messages through social media to encourage residents to make
themselves aware of how to identify and avoid contact with Wild Parsnip;
Staff made updates to the City’s website throughout the pilot on its progress,
activities, and observations;
During the spraying period, signage was posted every 100 metres where
spraying was conducted and a targeted communications strategy was developed
to ensure residents were aware that they could opt out of any pesticide
application adjacent to their property; and,
Caution signs were installed by staff in areas of high infestation levels.
Throughout the pilot, Council received updates on the progress and activities of the pilot
and staff continued to map infestation levels. The 2015 Wild Parsnip Map is attached as
Document 1. Additionally, on November 2, 2015, the Public Works Department met with
various internal and external stakeholders to share the preliminary results of the pilot
and receive feedback on the overall 2015 Wild Parsnip Strategy. It was a great
opportunity to discuss ideas with the stakeholders on how to improve the Strategy and
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work collaboratively on public communication options. This meeting also helped to
inform the approach for the City’s 2016 Wild Parsnip Strategy, which is outlined below.
2016 Wild Parsnip Strategy
Through the 2015 and 2016 budget processes, the Public Works Department received
$100,000 and $98,000, respectively, to develop and expand the Wild Parsnip Strategy.
Based on the 2015 Wild Parsnip infestation mapping data, in 2016, the funds will be
utilized to extend test plots. This may also include further applications of different
herbicides, such as Truvist which was not previously tested.
Herbicide Application
Staff will continue with the application of Clearview in the areas identified in the 2015
Wild Parsnip Strategy and concentrate expansion to highly infested areas located on
the 2015 infestation map. The focus will be on pathway systems through passive
parkland areas, locations encroaching on high usage recreational space, in and around
naturalized areas, and on highly infested roadside ditches.
Once the list of locations is finalized, it will be circulated to the City’s partners, including
the National Capital Commission, the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change,
and the Ontario Invasive Plant Council to ensure that any potential concerns are
identified, and the proper course of action is taken.
The application of the herbicide Clearview will occur in the spring, which will increase its
effectiveness in managing Wild Parsnip growth. Early application of the herbicide will
also reduce any potential issues with crop seeding/germination in farmland areas.
The use of a second herbicide, Truvist, may be included on some areas to test its
effectiveness as compared to Clearview.
Grass Cutting
Mowing frequency and timing will be adjusted in 2016 to ensure the best use of staff
time and resources are coordinated with the herbicide applications.
Monitoring
The Public Works Department will again retain the services of an agronomist to assess
the same test plot locations from 2015 of highly infested roadside and passive parkland
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areas to analyze the effectiveness of herbicide application versus cutting cycles. A
report will be submitted with findings and recommendations in the fall 2016.
Communication, Education and Outreach Plan
The Public Works Department, in conjunction with Ottawa Public Health and Corporate
Communications, will work together to refresh the 2015 communication, education and
outreach plan. The list of locations identified for the 2016 Wild Parsnip Strategy will be
determined based on the 2015 infestation mapping. Once the locations are selected,
staff, in consultation with the contractor, will prepare a weekly schedule for the herbicide
application. Staff will prepare weekly updates to the Councillors on where the spraying
will occur. This information will also be available on Ottawa.ca.
Staff will also work with its partners to develop a consistent design for signage that will
be used by all organizations to indicate areas of high incidence of Wild Parsnip. The
signage will also provide links and contact information for residents who would like more
information on Wild Parsnip or have questions.
A requirement of the Ontario Pesticides Act is to ensure the public is notified in advance
of pesticide applications. The default notification is to place signs along the spray area
at every 100m. However, when spraying over 200km of roadsides, it was found that
placing and removing signs was not practical. There is an alternative to the default
posting of signs where the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) may
approve a different method of notification. Staff will work with the MOECC to agree on
the best alternative and standardize the content and wording of the notification to meet
MOECC requirements.
Again this year, rural residents who do not wish to have the roadside adjacent to their
property sprayed will be given the option of the “No Spray” sign and can opt out of the
Wild Parsnip program if they chose. Information will be shared on how to opt out as part
of the communications to residents on our website and in print materials.
The Public Works Department will continue to work diligently with its internal and
external stakeholders in promoting community awareness of the potential risks
associated with this plant. The 2016 communication, education and outreach program
will focus on awareness of the health risks related to exposure to Wild Parsnip and the
benefits of spraying to ensure continued biodiversity. In early spring, the information
postcard that was developed for the 2015 Strategy will be distributed widely to residents
and will also be shared electronically with schools and parents of school-aged children.
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The postcard is also available to Councillors for distribution in both hard copy and
electronic format.
The City website will continue to be updated with relevant information for residents
along with more visuals to assist them in identifying this plant from other less harmless
plants such as Queen Anne’s Lace or Ragweed.
Since the implementation of a Wild Parsnip Strategy, other municipalities and the
Province have reached out to the Public Works Department to understand its strategy
and recommendations on how to manage this noxious weed. The City of Ottawa is seen
as a leader in Wild Parsnip management, and staff will continue to initiate new
partnerships with experts in the field and/or interested parties, and also work closely
with their existing partners.
RURAL IMPLICATIONS
Wild Parsnip is mainly found along rural and suburban roadsides, especially in areas
with steep ditches.
CONSULTATION
In 2016, the Public Works Department will continue to work with its internal and external
stakeholders to explore ways to reduce the spread of Wild Parsnip in the City of Ottawa
and put in place strategies to educate the public on the health risks of Wild Parsnip.
The 2016 strategy was developed by the Public Works Department in consultation with
the following stakeholders:
Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, Province of Ontario Pesticides
Specialist (MOECC)
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)
Ontario Invasive Plant Council (OIPC)
National Capital Commission (NCC)
Hydro One
Hydro Ottawa
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA)
Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO)
United Counties of Leeds and Grenville
United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry
Planning and Growth Management Department
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o Development Review Services Branch
o Land Use and Natural System Unit
Emergency and Protective Services Department
o By-Law Services
Ottawa Public Health
Corporate Communications Department
COMMENTS BY THE WARD COUNCILLOR(S)
This is a City-wide report.
LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no legal implications with respect to receiving this report for information.
RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
There are risk implications. These risks have been identified and explained in the report
and are being managed by the appropriate staff. For example, there is the risk of a
potential herbicide spill impacting ground and surface water, agricultural resources and
non-target species of plants, insects and mammals. Mitigation strategies include hiring a
certified contractor who is well-aware of the risks and has the appropriate training in spill
management; also, working with subject matter experts, such as MOECC and the Land
Use and Natural System Unit to identify approved products, methods and locations for
the control of Wild Parsnip.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications with respect to the information in this report.
ACCESSIBILITY IMPACTS
Staff will ensure that any applicable accessibility standards are adhered to during the
execution of the projects and initiatives identified in this report. This will involve
consulting with the appropriate staff within the City.
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS
Wild Parsnip was declared as a noxious weed by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture,
Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). Wild Parsnip’s ability to rapidly regenerate reduces
native plants’ abilities to compete for space, which in turn reduces biodiversity.
Residents who do not wish to have herbicide sprayed along the roadside adjacent to
their property are able to opt out of the program by contacting the City of Ottawa.
TERM OF COUNCIL PRIORITIES
The 2015-2018 Term of Council Priority Sustainable Environmental Services includes a
Strategic Objective to support an environmentally sustainable Ottawa (ES1). Under this
objective, staff will work to control Wild Parsnip.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Document 1 – 2015 Wild Parsnip Infestation Map
DISPOSITION
The Public Works Department will work with the identified stakeholders to implement
the 2016 Wild Parsnip Strategy and will follow up with weekly updates on the spraying
locations with ward councillors.