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, and 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. The legislation regarding this issue can be found here.
The Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association has been appointed to the working group leading the charge for developing the legislative proposal.
Additionally, as a part of developing the legislative proposal, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is seeking public comment regarding mowing and haying in ditches and other rights of way along state roadways. The agency announced it will conduct a series of listening sessions across the state to hear from Minnesotans about their concerns and wishes regarding mowing and haying. Listening sessions will be held in the following communities:
Crookston
Date: October 30, 2017
Time: 6 pm to 8 pm
Where: University of Minnesota Crookston - Bede Ballroom - 2900 University Ave., Crookston, MN 56716
Marshall
Date: November 8, 2017
Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Marshall Middle School - 401 South Saratoga Street, Marshall, MN 56258
St Cloud
Date: November 9, 2017
Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: St Cloud MnDOT Conference Center (MnDOT facility) - Room: Sinclair Lewis Grand, 3725 12th St. N., St. Cloud, MN 56303
Mankato
Date: November 14, 2017
Time: 6 pm to 8 pm
Where: South Central College - 1920 Lee Boulevard, North Mankato, MN 56003
Morris
Date: November 15, 2017
Time: 6 pm to 8 pm
Where: U of MN Morris Conference Room - Science Auditorium, 600 E 4th St, Morris, MN 56267
Metro
Date: November 16, 2017
Time: 6 pm to 8 pm
Where: Arden Hills Training Center (MnDOT facility) -1900 County Road I West, Shoreview, MN 55126
Brainerd/Baxter
Date: November 20, 2017
Time: 6 pm to 8 pm
Where: MnDOT Baxter (MnDOT facility) - East & West Lunchroom - 7694 Industrial Park Rd, Baxter, MN 56425-8096
Detailed information on the listening sessions 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.
Posted: October 13, 2017
