HF 1534

as introduced - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to roads; providing for enhanced roadside
wildlife habitat; amending Minnesota Statutes 2004,
section 160.232.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 160.232, is
amended to read:

160.232 MOWING DITCHES OUTSIDE CITIES.

(a) new text begin In order to provide enhanced roadside habitat for
nesting birds and other small wildlife, new text end road authorities may not
mow or till the right-of-way of a highway located outside of a
home rule charter or statutory city except as allowed in this
section and section 160.23.

(b) On any highway, the first eight feet away from the road
surface, or shoulder if one exists, may be mowed at any time.

(c) An entire right-of-way may be mowed after July 31.
From August 31 to the following July 31, the entire right-of-way
may only be mowed if necessary for safety reasons, and may not
be mowed to a height of less than 12 inches.

(d) A right-of-way may be mowed as necessary to maintain
sight distance for safety and may be mowed at other times under
rules of the commissioner, or by ordinance of a local road
authority not conflicting with the rules of the commissioner.

(e) A right-of-way may be mowed, burned, or tilled to
prepare the right-of-way for the establishment of permanent
vegetative cover or for prairie vegetation management.

new text begin (f) When feasible, road authorities are encouraged to
utilize low maintenance, native vegetation that reduces the need
to mow, provides wildlife habitat, and maintains public safety.
new text end

new text begin (g) The commissioner of natural resources shall cooperate
with the commissioner of transportation to provide enhanced
roadside habitat for nesting birds and other small wildlife.
new text end