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12 Independent & Free Press,Thursday, July 22, 2010 Residents warned to steer clear of highly toxic giant hogweed Continued from pg. 1 make a person's skin ultra-sensitive to sunlight causing painful blisters. Conservation Halton (CH) invited the provincial weed inspector and the University of Guelph to test products at Scotch Block, and already the tests are producing interesting results, said Brenda Van Ryswyk, CH's self-described "resident expert" on the subject. She updated members of Halton Hills council on the subject at Monday's meeting. "One product is performing quite well, and it's not the product they expected to perform well," she said. Testing on the Scotch Block site, which began in May, will continue next year and if it has continued success, permission to use the successful product on all giant hogweed in Ontario will be sought. The Town is aware of other areas in Halton Hills where the plant is growing such as on 15 Sideroad near Fourth Line, and 22 Sideroad near Dublin Line. Town staff has sprayed herbicide-- Round-Up-- to control the weed along the roadsides. However, while Round-Up kills hogweed, it also kills nearby vegetation and it cannot be used near any watercourse. Hogweed prefers moist soil found along roadsides, streams and rivers. Anyone sighting the weed on public property should report it to the Town's Infrastructure Department. Residents, who suspect the plant maybe on their property, are recommended to contact a licensed weed removal company to remove the plant or apply an herbicide. For more details go to www.weedinfo. ca or go to CH's website for identification clues or fill in reporting form, www. conservationhalton.ca, and search "giant hogweed". "Anyone working near this plant must wear full protective gear-- waterproof suit, goggles and face mask and waterproof gloves," says Van Ryswyk. She warns if a person is exposed to the sap, wash it right away, cover up and do not go into the sunlight for at least 48 hours. Originally a Eurasian plant it was brought to Canada by greenhouse and nursery operations, which saw it as a dramatic addition to gardens. But, a member of the carrot family, it spreads easily, crowding out native species. It has been in the Conservation Halton watershed for about 15-20 years, estimated Van Ryswyk. But the site at Scotch Block is estimated at 40-50 years old and could be difficult to eradicate, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Chief Weed Inspector Mike Cowbourgh told Town of Halton Hills staff. Giant hogweed is at least six feet tall at maturity with large deeply incised sharp lobbed leaves, two to three feet wide, says Van Ryswyk. It has purple mottles on the stem with a ring of stiff white hairs at the leaf joints. When it blooms, its white flowers resemble a one-foot wide umbrella. SEPARATION & DIVORCE MEDIATION EFFECTIVE · EFFICIENT · LESS CONFLICT · LESS STRESS · LOW COST · ACCREDITED MEDIATORS · GEORGETOWN OR MISSISSAUGA · FLEXIBLE HOURS · CONFIDENTIAL On "How to Divorce and Not Wreck Your Kids" (CBC Doc Zone), mediation cost $2400 compared to collaborative at $20,000. Mediation is still the least costly method to resolving your marital separation. GEORGETOWNMEDIATION.CA 1-866-506-7227 PCCS.CA 905-567-8858 DIVORCE WITH DIGNITY AND KEEP YOUR MONEY IN YOUR POCKET! WANTED Homes With Asphalt Shingles in Need of Replacement Ontario Shake N' Tile, Ontario's most trusted metal roofing specialist, is looking for homes in your area that need a new roof and never want to roof again. We offer the beauty and elegance of a natural wood shake roof with the durability and unmatched performance of metal. It comes with a lifetime transferable warranty against: winds, rain, snow, moss, hail and tree resin. This beautiful roof is being introduced to your local market now. If you participate in our Display Home Program, we will reduce our already competitive pricing and make it worth your while to investigate the many benefits of our roof. You must book your job within 10 days of this advertisement. Low payments, 100% financing available, O.A.C. Call NOW for HUGE Savings! 1-888-271-7119 www.roofontario.com