Rocky View County is taking over and restoring 180 acres of farmland, located east of Crossfield, off of Highway 791.
Councillors unanimously supported a reclamation order, Feb. 22, to boost production on the land and get control of noxious weeds threatening to infest neighbouring lands.
The land was previously under County control for three years for similar reasons, but that order expired and management was returned to owner Janet Walker last summer.
“I find it unfortunate that this has to come back and we have to take this approach again,” said area Councillor Greg Boehlke.
“This land can prove to be productive, so taking it is the only option we have.”
The property, which has a long history of weed infestations and non-compliance with notices issued under the Weed Control Act, was taken over in Spring 2007 following repeated attempts to ensure compliance.
The land was reclaimed by a local farmer who was hired to custom farm the cropland in 2007, and then to lease the land in 2008-2009.
County staff inspected the land throughout the 2010 growing season, and observed that not only had no crop been planted, but there was, once again, a significant infestation of Canada thistle and common toadflax, both noxious weeds.
John Walker, the owner’s son, said he sprayed the 180 acres with Roundup, but couldn’t afford to seed it.
He said thistle was allowed to grow along the fence line while the farm was leased out, spreading onto pastureland under his control.
“Patches of Canada thistle were allowed to seed on our land,” said Walker. “Most people don’t want weeds on their property, and I don’t want weeds spreading throughout the property.”
Walker also said he had cooperated with the County by reducing the number of cattle on his property and expressed frustration with nearby landowners.
“Instead of having neighbours stabbing each other, it would be nice if neighbours would come to speak to it directly,” said Walker.
