DITCH MOWING

Minnesota State Statute protects the nesting habitat of game birds and songbirds during specific times of the year by directing the extent and timing of mowing in rural areas.  Minnesota Statute 160.232 outlines the extent the County can mow ditches.

On any county road, the County can mow the first eight feet from the road surface or shoulder at any time.  Other limitations to mowing are covered in the statute.

NOTICE

WORK IN COUNTY ROAD RIGHT OF WAY

Permits from the County are required when working in County Road Right-of-Way for drainage work such as ditching and tiling, utility work, and driveways/approaches.

Permits from the County are NOT required for mowing and haying.

MOWING COUNTY ROADS

The Traverse County Highway Department will begin mowing bituminous surfaced roads around June 17.  After July 4^th the aggregate surfaced roads will be mowed.  All mowing operations may include a top cut on shoulders and a side cut on in-slope.  We reserve the right to mow the first eight feet away from the road surface, or shoulder if one exists, at any time based on State Statute 160.232.

Landowners are welcome to cut ditches for hay but must bring a map of haying locations into the Highway Department prior to June 6 if they are requesting it not to be mowed.  Haying shall be done in a timely manner to maintain road safety.

Persons mowing road ditches should not blow clippings onto the roadway.  The clippings cause problems in the gravel windrow.

TRAVERSE COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT

708 3rdAve. N.,  PO Box 485                           PHONE 320.563.4848

Wheaton, MN  56296                                      FAX       320.563.8734