MnDOT hosts listening session for mowing/haying

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation is seeking public comment regarding mowing and haying in ditches and other rights of way along state roadways.

The listening session will take place on Monday, Oct. 30 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Bede Ballroom at the University of Minnesota, Crookston, 2900 University Avenue.  Officials from the Minnesota Department of Transportation will be on hand to hear concerns and wishes regarding mowing and haying.

Detailed information on the listening session is available at the project website. Additionally, concerned individuals who cannot attend a listening session, are invited to submit a public comment via MnDOT’s website: www.dot.state.mn.us

“This is a challenging issue,” said MnDOT Assistant Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger, who is heading the outreach and proposal development work. “The right of way serves many purposes, all of them valid. We want to ensure that we address all the needs, including the safety of roadway users, as best we can. We need the public’s help to identify the best route to follow.”

In late 2016, MnDOT sent out a news release reminding the public that permits were required to mow and hay in state right of way and that a new permit form was available. It announced the deadlines for permit applications. Due to public concern, during the 2017 state legislative session, the Legislature imposed a moratorium on permitting for mowing and haying on state rights of way. Legislators directed MnDOT to conduct public outreach and develop a legislative proposal regarding mowing and haying in state right of way.