Review of ClearView™ Herbicide for Use in the Lennox and Addington County Management of Noxious Weeds
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Authors
Crump, Laura
Date
2018-04-27
Type
Language
en
Keyword
Wild Parsnip , Giant Hogweed , Invasive Species , Management , Ontario
Alternative Title
Abstract
Wild Parsnip and Giant Hogweed are noxious and invasive weeds that can cause intense
injury to humans that come into contact with them. To combat the issues caused by the pervasive
spread of these plants in Ontario, Lennox and Addington County have proposed a plan to tackle
the infestation along their roadsides through use of an herbicide called ClearView.
Environmental groups, specifically the Lennox and Addington Stewardship Council, have
requested a review of the weed spraying program to assess any potential environmental damages,
as well as the efficacy of the treatment. This research looks at solutions for the problem in the
county with a direct focus on the herbicide approach. In tandem with research done with
academic publications and articles in the media, this report will identify key aspects that will
contribute to the decision-making process on the possible commencement of the program.
Findings will include the scope of the program and area, the uses of the herbicide, and the
persistence, efficacy, and toxicity of the chemical itself. Based on the best information available,
ClearView is believed to be effective for eradicating noxious weeds and presents a low risk to
humans and the environment exposed. However, there is not enough evidence of support that the
prevalence of these weeds and that citizen concern is high enough to warrant a spraying program
in Lennox & Addington County. This leaves a discussion whether the precautionary principle
should warrant the use of ClearView in this instance, or if an alternative method for addressing
the noxious weed problem can be used instead.