Cardston County is committed to preventing the spread of harmful weeds to protect our agricultural land, environment, and road safety. Our comprehensive Weed Control Program is led by a dedicated team of professionals who work together to monitor, manage, and control noxious and prohibited noxious weeds throughout the County.

Our Weed Control Team

The County’s weed control team includes:

• 1 Weed Inspector
• Agricultural Fieldman & Assistant Agricultural Fieldman
• 5 River Valley Spraying Operators
• 4 Roadside Spraying Operators

This team uses a web-based mapping system called EDDMapS to track infestations and monitor weed populations over time. This allows us to evaluate the success of our control strategies and adjust our approach as needed.

Roadside & Municipal Weed Control

ASB staff are responsible for controlling weeds along County roadsides and on municipal-owned properties. Maintaining clear, weed-free roadsides is critical for several reasons:
✅ Ensuring clear sight lines for signs, intersections, and traffic safety
✅ Improving visibility of wildlife crossing roadways
✅ Reducing snow accumulation and promoting better drainage and drying of roads
✅ Controlling the spread of noxious and prohibited noxious weeds that threaten agriculture

Methods of Control

To manage weed populations effectively, Cardston County uses a combination of control methods:

• Biological control – using natural enemies to suppress weed populations
• Mechanical control – mowing or removing weeds manually
• Chemical control – targeted herbicide spraying

The goal is to eliminate problem trees, shrubs, and weeds, while preserving beneficial vegetation to prevent erosion and enhance the natural landscape.

Resident Responsibility & Enforcement

Landowners are encouraged to manage weeds on their own properties. When necessary, the County enforces the Weed Control Act of Alberta to ensure compliance.

Understanding Noxious vs. Prohibited Noxious Weeds

Noxious Weeds

Noxious weeds are widespread invasive species that are difficult to eradicate entirely. Landowners are responsible for controlling these weeds to prevent further spread.

Our team:

• Inventories and maps the locations of noxious weeds
• Works with landowners to develop a control plan
• May issue a Weed Notice if necessary, requiring the landowner to take specific actions

Prohibited Noxious Weeds

Prohibited noxious weeds pose a serious economic and environmental threat, but infestations are typically smaller and containable if action is taken quickly.

When prohibited noxious weeds are found, our team:

• Inventories and maps the infestation
• Issues a Weed Notice to Destroy, requiring immediate action
• If the landowner does not comply, the County may initiate legal action or complete the work and bill the costs to the property
• Ongoing monitoring will take place for several years to ensure the weed does not return

Common Weeds of Concern in Cardston County

For more information on these species, visit the Alberta Invasive Plants Network.

Report a Weed or Request Assistance

If you believe you’ve found a noxious or prohibited noxious weed, or if you need advice on controlling weeds on your property, contact:
Cardston County Agricultural Services
📞 403-653-4977