South Dakota DOT Reminding Residents of Right-Of-Way Mowing Dates

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Transportation Department is reminding residents of the regulations that apply to right-of-way mowing.

Transportation officials say landowners cannot mow the rights of way east of the Missouri River before July 10. The department, however, may mow medians and ditches within the right of way prior to that date to control noxious weeds and provide safety to motorists.

The department says if someone who isn't the abutting landowner wants to mow the right of way along an interstate highway, that person must apply for a permit and include a waiver signed by the abutting landowner.

Tony Leif is the director of the state's Division of Wildlife. Leif says the rules governing right-of-way mowing were adopted in part to protect hen pheasants seeking suitable nesting locations.

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