Though it may be winter and you won't find many pests hanging around, the Town of Okotoks' Parks Department is busy updating their Pest Management plan for the year and beyond.

The Town approved of minor amendments to the current Pest Management Plan to keep up with appearances.

Parks Manager Christa Michailuck says updating the plan is important to make sure the proper and current practices are put in to prevent pests.

"The changes that we made that were needed largely were results of updated regulations such as the weed control act made back in 2010, we wanted our IPM (Integrated Pest Management) plan to reflect those changes," she says.

Michailuck says weeds and pests species lists are always being updated and its important to update their pest management plan.

"The importance of having a plan like this and documented is to make it clear for both our council and residents, how we manage weeds and pests in the community, what kind of service levels we are and not providing so its clearly identified."

Michailuck says specifications on the protocol of pest management or regulations vary by year and says having the list help residents be aware of what the Town is doing for pest control.

"What we want to do with this plan is clearly show how we're managing legislated pests, nuisances and weeds, and how we're dealing with other could be weeds or animals that aren't legislated as pest but are creating problems in our community."

For list of some of the pests and weeds the Town deals with click here. The updated Pest Management Plan will be update on the Town's website later this week.

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