While the right-of-ways along state highways may look lush and green at the moment, state law prohibits them being mowed for another week or another month– depending on the location.
According to the South Dakota Department of Transportation, no mowing of the right of way may begin in the west river counties of Dewey, Jones, Stanley, Gregory, Lyman or Tripp before June 15. In all counties east of the Missouri River, mowing is not allowed before July 10.
SDDOT may mow medians and areas within the right of ways prior to June 15 to control noxious weeds and provide increased safety to the traveling public.
Regardless of location, those with permits to mow must have that completed by September 1, unless SDDOT grants an extension, in writing.
Landowners adjacent to state highways are given preference to mow right of way ditches. Other persons wishing to mow must obtain a waiver from the abutting landowner.
Any person wanting to mow Interstate right of way ditches must apply for a permit, with preference being given to abutting landowners. Other persons wishing to mow must also obtain a waiver from the abutting landowner.
The application and permits needed for mowing the right of way for Interstate, state-owned railroad right of way, and the abutting landowner waiver are located on the SDDOT website at https://dot.sd.gov/inside-sddot/forms-publications/forms.
For questions, please contact the appropriate SDDOT area office. Contact information is available at https://dot.sd.gov/inside-sddot or by calling the office of Operations Support at 605-773-3571.
Comments