Starting in 2010, propane cannon use
has been significantly restricted in the
Fraser Valley of British Columbia.
Ministry of Agriculture guidelines and factsheets have been changed to reflect
a 2009 ruling by the Farm Industry Review Board that states that blueberry
growers can no longer fire propane cannons all day long, unattended. Going
forward growers must monitor their fields and can only use propane cannons when
there is significant bird pressure in the fields.
When fields are not
monitored, or when birds are not present, propane cannons cannot be used.
More specifically, the Ministry Guidelines state:
-
Farmers must make regular visits to the sites to ensure that devices are
functioning properly and that bird pressure is sufficient to justify propane
cannon use.
-
Farmers may use audible devices only when required for the protection of
specific crops and only when a problem is evident.
-
Farmers are responsible for the strategic management of devices, and must take
due measures to minimize noise impacts on neighbours.
The Ministry Guidelines can be read in their entirety at the following link:
MINISTRY GUIDELINES IN 2010
The Ministry Bird Predation Management Factsheet designed for blueberries
growers who use audible bird scare devices has also been changed to reflect
these new rules, as follows:
-
Good bird management, like managing other blueberry pests, requires an
integrated
approach. It also requires selecting the most appropriate combination of
scaring devices or
protective netting to keep the birds away from the crop, and using the devices
in a
way that maximizes their effectiveness and minimizes disruption to neighbours.
The
most potentially disruptive devices like propane cannons should only be used
when
flocks of birds are present in the area.
-
Restrict the rotation of cannons or point
stationary cannons away from neighbouring houses or
work areas.
-
Do not fire cannons when birds are not present in the
area.
-
Noise devices should be moved frequently throughout
the harvest season, for best bird control. Cannons
should be shut off when birds are not present in the
area.
The Bird Predation Management Factsheet can be read in it's entirety at the
following link:
MINISTRY BIRD MANAGEMENT FACTSHEET IN 2010
If your neighbourhood blueberry grower is not following the new rules, and if he
refuses to change his practices, please visit our
Who To Complain To
web page for a list of names and phone numbers of people who can
help.
