It’s a battle that Conservation Authorities will have a hard time winning.
It’s to combat a very dangerous and noxious plant that is growing in many areas of the Saugeen Conservation Authority’s watershed.
The plant is Giant Hogweed and exposure or touching its leaves or stem can result in a serious rash developing on a persons skin, that is only made worse by exposure to the sun.
Dan Gieruszak is the Vice Chair of the Saugeen Conservation Authority and says one of the problems they face is they don’t want to use herbicides near any of the Authorities water courses.
He says doing that could endanger fish habitat and other beneficial plants that exist near the Hogweed.
Gieruszak says physically removing the plant is an option, but because it is so toxic, that really is not a viable option.
He says public education about what the plant looks like and where is growing is probably the best way to minimize the threat to both people and animals so they can avoid any contact with Giant Hogweed.
The concern about the effect Hogweed can have on a person has also come to the attention of the Grey Bruce Health Unit, which is warning people to be on the lookout for the plant when hiking or fishing.
Andrew Barton is the Manager of Health Protection and says this is a nasty plant and the sap will make your skin very sensitive to the sun.
In fact he says just 20 minutes after coming in contact with the plant, people will experience severe blistering of the skin and in some cases could develop extreme allergic reactions.
Barton says if you are going to be spending any time outdoors, you should find out what hogweed looks like and avoid it at all costs.
More information on the Giant hogweed can be found at www.ontarioweeds.com
