Senator Paul Utke is encouraging residents to participate in a public listening session hosted the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) regarding the state’s ditch mowing policy. The public comment session, which will be hosted in Crookston is part of series sessions be held around the state. The hearing is an opportunity for constituents and stakeholders to engage with MnDOT officials regarding their implementation of a policies restricting mowing and haying in ditches and other state highways.

The Crookston public comment session will be hosted on October 30, 2017 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at University Minnesota Crookston’s Bede Ballroom (2900 University Ave Crookston, MN). 

“This public comment session offers farmers and landowners from region the opportunity to meet with fellow stakeholders to discuss the impact MnDOT’s new policies on their property and lives.” said Senator Utke.

As a result of strong criticism of the MnDOT’s ditch mowing policy from rural Minnesota, the legislature passed legislation to temporarily stop the rule-making authority of MnDOT with regards to requirements for mowing and baling state highway rights-of-way. The legislation requires 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, will be presented to the legislature early next year.

For more information, or to find a full schedule of MnDOT’s listening sessions please visit their website.  For those who cannot attend but would like to submit comments please feel free to submit those to the MnDOT here.