SF 2194

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 05/18/2015 10:19am

A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; modifying provision related to mowing roadside
habitat; amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 160.232.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 160.232, is amended to read:

160.232 MOWING DITCHES OUTSIDE CITIES.

(a) To provide enhanced roadside habitat for nesting birds new text begin , native pollinators, new text end and
other small wildlife, 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, but 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.

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

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