SARM has a couple of grant programs to help reduce costs to producers.
The Gopher Control Program (GCP) is designed to develop improved pest management practices that incorporate a variety of strategies such as rodenticides along with the inclusion of raptor platforms and nest boxes used near gopher colonies.
SARM is administering a 50:50 cost-share rebate program to rural municipalities and First Nations, south of the Northern Administrative District, and through RMs and FNs, other stakeholders with costs to control Ground squirrels (Richardson’s, Franklin’s, and thirteen-lined) and Northern pocket gopher) populations.
The RM of Wellington has gone ahead with purchasing Burrow Oat Bait, which is a zinc phosphide product. Initial test results show that this product has similar results to the Liquid Strychnine previously used by many producers. 20kg bags of this bait can be picked up at the RM office. The cost to the producer is $99.50 rather than the full cost of $199.00 per bag. More information on this product can be found here.
The deadline for this grant is July 31, 2023. Please have your application forms to the RM Administrator by this date.
The purpose of the Invasive Plant Control Program (IPCP) is to provide financial assistance to rural municipalities (RMs), First Nations (FNs) south of the Northern Administrative District, and other stakeholders through their respective RMs and FNs, with costs to undertake and coordinate the control of prohibited weeds as well as specific noxious weeds that are persistent and problematic invasive plants. More information of this program can be found here.
SARM will administer a 50:50 cost-share rebate program in the amount of $856,000 to assist with all costs to control any prohibited weeds designated under The Weed Control Act as well as rebates toward eligible herbicides used to control designated noxious weeds designated under The Weed Control Act.
The deadline to claim under the 2023-24 IPCP is October 31, 2023.