Lac Ste. Anne County Activity Report LSAC_Flipbook_Activity Report 2016-17_FINAL_HiRes | Page 17

beaver tails are delivered frozen, and in a clean and
respectful manner. For further information about the
animal control program, contact the County office.
Clubroot in canola continues to be inspected,
legislated and monitored within the County. In 2016,
out of 256 canola fields inspected, four new fields
were found to contain clubroot-infected canola.
This is a drop in the number of infected fields found
during prior inspections; however, this is not cause
for the County to drop its guard. As canola remains
in heavy rotation within the County, we must take the
appropriate measure to protect our ability to grow it.
It was another successful year for the Horticultural
branch of Ag. County Horticulturist Lorraine Taylor
worked throughout the year to assist residents with
their horticultural needs. Plant selection and care,
pest and disease identification, and shelterbelt
design are just a few of the many topics Lorraine
offers a specialty in. Working with homeowners
and volunteer groups, Lorraine facilitated a number
of workshops, displays and classes in 2016. Her
advanced horticultural skills and knowledge never fail
to inform, enlighten and inspire those who attend.
The Rural Beatification Tour is always the horticultural
highlight of the year. Once again, in 2016, County
gardeners graciously opened their yards for all to
see. We wish to congratulate all who participated
and make special mention to those who took home
awards. The tour showcased some of the elite yards
within our County. It is the dedication and hard work
of people like those who create these profound
spaces that help to make our County shine.
In July of 2016, Megan Casey joined the Agricultural
Services department as the Alternative Land Use
Services (ALUS) Program Coordinator. Our first
ALUS project was approved with several landowners
showing interest and progressing through the
ALUS process. 2017 will be the final year of our
pilot project. Agricultural Services will continue to
enroll additional landowners and implement new
projects in 2017. The intent of the ALUS program
is to compensate farmers for taking marginal,
unproductive land out of agricultural production,
transitioning these lands into the production of
ecosystem goods and services. Projects include:
exclusion fencing around wetlands; watering
systems for livestock; wetland restoration and
enhancement; shelterbelts and reforestation
activities; and pollinator habitat.
Agriculture Services also works with a number of
conservation and stewardship groups. Hosted
in collaboration with Parkland County and the
West Central Forage Association, the Sustaining
Agriculture Workshop Series presented a wide range
of conservation topics to local producers.
Partnering with municipalities along the length of the
Sturgeon River, the County is an active participant
in the Sturgeon River Watershed Alliance (SRWA).
We share a common goal to improve water quality
within this unique watershed. In 2016, the SRWA
completed a review of water quality inputs and
withdrawals throughout the watershed.
I have the distinct pleasure of working with a
dedicated, knowledgeable group of individuals who
make up the Agricultural Services department. The
department provides a spectrum of agronomy,
horticulture, and conservation related programing.
I invite you to call on our expertise, inquire about
our programs, and help us continue to grow a safe,
viable and sustainable County.
— Aren Skogstad
Agricultural Services Manager
Operations
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