It’s nothing out of National Geographic or a documentary film, but Mother Nature is doing interesting things in Huron-Kinloss.
Mayor Mitch Twolan says algae is in shallow areas of Lake Huron but it hasn’t washed up on shore like it usually does during the summer.
He attributes that to the cooler than usual weather and water temperatures this summer, and adds while that’s good for keeping algae away, it’s not the best for swimmers wanting warmer water.
While the algae is staying away, Giant Hogweed is creeping in.
Councillor Anne Eadie says the attractive, but toxic plant is growing in Lucknow, Pine River, Jardine Creek, and near the school in Ripley.
It was introduced in the 19th century as a decorative garden plant, but can cause severe skin problems and sensitivity to sunlight if humans come in contact with it.
Giant Hogweed is not a provincially-recognized noxious weed because it poses no threat to grazing livestock.
Council has passed a resolution asking the province to declare it a noxious weed under the Weed Control Act so stronger efforts can be made to eradicate it.
Twolan says the weed is cropping up more, and having it declared a noxious weed will allow efforts to be made at the County level to have the Weed Inspector take the measures needed.
Dealing with the weed would take time because the seeds from the plant remain in the ground for seven to 10 years.
Creatures on four legs are also posing a challenge.
Over 1300 hundred dollars in compensation is being paid out by the township under the Livestock, Poultry, and Honeybee Protection Act to farmers who have lost livestock due to wolves and coyotes.
Obviously the Roadrunner wasn’t around when coyotes killed a calf on one farm, and a chicken on another.
The big bad wolf snatched a goat from one farm, and attacked seven sheep at another location.
Twolan says it seems like there are more attacks on livestock this year and other municipalities are experiencing the same thing.