One of the less pleasant aspects of Cloverdale in the summer is hearing propane cannons go off all day, and sometimes all night. Following are some frequently asked questions about propane cannons.
What are propane cannons?
Propane cannons are exposive devices used by some farmers as a means of keeping birds away from
their crops.
Is there an alternative?
Yes, many farmers and orchardists use netting, which is considered far more effective.
So what is the solution?
In 1999, in response to numerous complaints, the provincial government's Farm Practices Board
undertook a study of propane cannons. The study made several recommendations including the
following:
"The Board strongly recommends that one-time funding options be provided to farmers
for netting of croplands for protection from bird predation. The Minister should support the
implementation of a funding initiative that would allow farmers to net their crops, reducing
the need for cannons."
(A summary of the study can be found on the government's web site at
http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/ki/propcan/index.htm).
Has this recommendation been implemented?
Not so far.
If the propane cannons are disturbing to me and my family, who can I complain to?
You should complain to the Farm Practices Board:
Most of the above information is based on the Review of Ministry of Agriculture and Food Wildlife Damage Control Guidelines on Propane Cannons.