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Palliser Schools Undertake Gopher Control Program on Sport Fields

Mar 28, 2016 | 5:48 AM

LETHBRIDGE:  Richardson Ground Squirrels may be cute, but they also can leave severe damage to sports fields.

Until April 1st, multiple sports fields across Southern Alberta will be off-limits in control programs aimed to curb the gopher population.

Control programs will take place at sports fields and surrounding areas at:

Huntsville School, Iron Springs

Baron School, Barons

Carmangay Outreach School , Carmangay

Noble Central School, Nobleford

Coalhurst Elementary School, Coalhurst

Coalhurst High School, Coalhurst

Champion School, Champion

Arrowwood Community School, Arrowwood

Possibly at Dorothy Dalgliesh School, Picture Butte

Rodenticide will be used to the control project and warning signs will be posted in treated areas.

Schools are not in session during control program, however the public is being asked to keep children and pets away from these spots until the warning signs are removed.

The baits are placed underground and Facility Services Supervisor for Palliser Regional Schools, Darren Stocker said that there is little opportunity for pets to come in contact with the bait because it is placed and eaten right away.

All rodennticide applications will be in strict accordance with all regulations established by the Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.