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15 · Wednesday, July 28, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Gone fishin' CATCHING A BITE DOWNTOWN: Caden Cline recently tried his hand at fishing in Sixteen Mile Creek with the help of his dad, Steve. Above, he tackles the creek. At right, from bottom, young Caden casts his line, he waits patiently, gets a few pointers from dad, and then tries his hand at reeling in the catch of the day. PHOTOS BY ERIC RIEHL / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Residents cautioned about Giant Hogweed dangers Despite recent media coverage, the Town of Oakville believes residents need to be more aware of the dangers of a plant called Giant Hogweed. The Town is warning residents to stay clear of the noxious perennial plant spotted growing in Oakville mainly along Sixteen Mile Creek. Oakville's Parks and Open Space department is advising the public through signage, where Giant Hogweed is in town parks, trails and natural areas. "Residents should not come into contact with Giant Hogweed provided they stay on established park paths and groomed trails," said Chris Mark, director of Parks and Open Space for the Town. Hogweed is a large, invasive plant identifiable by its tall growth (up to six metres) and thick stem with reddish spots. Public safety concerns stem from Giant Hogweed's sap, which contains chemicals that Hogweed. Options include mechanically removing the weed or treating it with a controlled herbicide. The Town has been treating Hogweed with herbicides since the 2008 with moderate success. Should residents come across the weed on Town property, they are advised to not remove the weed themselves. This can cause harm to the individual and may scatter seeds and result in spreading the plant. All Hogweed sightings should be reported to Conservation Halton. Residents are reminded many plants could easily be mistaken for Giant Hogweed. including Angelica, Cow and Wild Parsnip and Queen Anne's Lace. To date, the majority of reported cases have turned out not to be Giant Hogweed but rather look-a-like plants. For more information about Giant Hogweed or to report a possible location, visit www.oakville.ca/hogweed.htm. BEWARE: Giant Hogweed can cause the skin to become hypersensitive to sunlight and erupt in painful blisters. If you come in contact with the plant, you should thoroughly wash exposed skin with soap and water, and keep the area out of direct sunlight for at least 48 hours. If the skin reacts, seek medical attention. The Town is partnering with Halton Conservation to determine the best means to control