Senator Andrew Lang (R-Olivia) would like constituents to be aware of a listening session regarding the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s (MnDOT) ditch mowing policy. The session, which is part of a series of meetings held around the state, is a time for concerned individuals to provide comments to MnDOT on their implementation of a policy restricting mowing and haying in ditches and other state highway rights-of-way.

Due to prior commitments, Senator Lang will not be in attendance. However, this is a great opportunity for farmers and landowners to provide comments to MnDOT officials on the implementation of the policy.

The public comment session will be held at the University of Minnesota–Morris (600 East 4th Street, Morris) on Wednesday, November 15, 2017, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

“This listening session is an opportunity for landowners and other stakeholders to come together and engage with state officials on how these policies affect them,” said Senator Lang. “There has been a lack of communication and foresight from MnDOT on the rollout of this policy. Farmers and landowners have been mowing and baling these ditches for years and it is important for MnDOT to hear from those whom the rollout of this policy affects.”

During the 2017 legislative session, a moratorium on the implementation of MnDOT’s policy was imposed – coming in response to a change regarding the requirements for mowing and baling state highway rights-of-way. This policy required, among other things, landowners to apply for permits to mow or bale the rights-of-way, and prompted swift criticism from rural Minnesotans.

In addition, the legislation required MnDOT to work with agricultural and environmental groups to develop recommendations on a permit or notification system for mowing and baling in the highway rights-of-way. These recommendations, which are required to include landowner priority and ease of application, must be presented to the legislature early next year.

Additional meetings will be held around Minnesota, including in Marshall and St. Cloud. The full schedule can be found on MnDOT’s project website. For those who cannot attend a listening session, comments can also be submitted on MnDOT’s website.

Senator Andrew Lang is serving his first term representing Senate District 17, which includes communities in Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Renville, and Swift counties in west central Minnesota. He serves as vice chair of the Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Committee.