County to discontinue use of Roundup in road and forest maintenance for 2019

Cobourg, ON – June 7, 2019 –  County Council voted today to discontinue the use of Roundup for vegetation control along County road guide rails and within the County Forest, for 2019. Following a careful review of information presented by staff and community delegations, Council directed staff to acquire the specialized equipment and human resources necessary to manage this year’s vegetation control processes by mechanical means. Staff will return to Council this fall with a report outlining more extensive options for vegetation control for future years.  

“Important points were put forward by both staff and members of the public on this issue. Council appreciated all of this input, and reflected carefully on it in arriving at a decision,” stated Acting County Warden Bob Crate. “As a municipal government, it is important that we demonstrate leadership in environmental stewardship. While there are added costs to controlling this vegetation through mechanical means, Council has determined that this is the best way forward for 2019 while staff prepares more extensive options for Council’s review for efficient and sustainable vegetation control.”

The majority of vegetation control in Northumberland County is already achieved through mowing and other forms of preventive maintenance. The County has, in the past, applied Roundup on a limited basis for weed control purposes in areas such as roadside guide rails, where toxic weeds pose health risks to staff and members of the public, and to address invasive species in the County Forest in order to maintain healthy habitats.

Staff will now move forward with the 2019 rental of specialized equipment for mechanical mowing in order to ensure continued vegetation control that meets Ministry-mandated visibility standards for guide rails, as well as staff and public safety with respect to toxic weeds. Staff will return to Council with a report this fall outlining mechanical, chemical and biological options for vegetation control for future years.

Information from today’s meeting, including reports and presentations to Council, can be found in Northumberland County’s Council Portal.