Public Notice: Common/European Buckthorn herbicide treatment occurring at Lafortune Park (December 6 to 31)

The County is controlling invasive Common/European Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) in the forested areas of LaFortune Park starting on Friday, December 6, 2024 and ending on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

Buckthorn grows in a wide range of habitats, it spreads rapidly along roadsides, fence lines, woodlands, pastures and abandoned fields. It is extremely harmful to the environment by killing native plants, reducing biodiversity and degrading the quality of wildlife habitat.

A certified exterminator under contract by the County will apply herbicide directly to the trunk of large Buckthorn trees. Trunk treatments reduce the amount of herbicide used and the risk of any herbicide landing on other forest plants.

The park will remain open during the treatment. Please remember to keep pets on a leash and stay on the identified trails.

For further information, please contact forestry staff.