Missouri is a beautiful state with many native plants and grasses highlighting the landscape, some unique to the Ozarks region. Management of roadsides with a focus on reflecting this natural scenery is a responsibility of the Missouri Department of Transportation.
According to MoDOT South Central District Roadside Manager Justin Hills, there is an abundance of native plant species that flourish in the soil found along state highways. “Many of these species are endangered and in order for them to naturally seed, mowing must be delayed in areas where they grow until this process has occurred,” he explained. “Obviously, the MoDOT roadside vegetation policy requires any site distance issues be addressed for safety but we find it very important to allow the native species to thrive where they grow naturally. The flowering varieties add appeal and color, which is enjoyed by the many people who visit the area each year.”
One example of an endangered native plant MoDOT allows to naturally seed is Virginia Sneeze Weed. This variety can be found in Howell and Shannon counties. Other rare varieties dotting right-of-way in the Ozarks, while not endangered, include: Bluestem, Switch Grass, Indian Grass, Pale Purple Coneflower, Blazing Stars, Correopsis, Butterfly Milkweed and Blackeyed Susans.
According to Hills, many of these species are incorporated into the mix MoDOT is required to plant under the specifications for its roadway construction projects. “When we reseed along highway projects, we plant 30 feet of fescue,” Hills said. “Behind that, a native mix is planted.”
To effectively balance managing desired plant species and elimination of brush and noxious weeds, the roadside division of MoDOT carefully evaluates the rights-of-way for naturally occurring native plant growth. Hills said each maintenance crew is provided with this information and takes it into consideration when planning the mowing schedule.
MoDOT Maintenance Engineer Henry Haggard said for at least a decade, the South Central District of MoDOT has approached roadside management by making a shoulder-cut of no less than six feet, usually beginning in Mid-May or applying plant growth regulator to slow the growing cycle, whichever is most practical in a particular area. The roadside is then monitored for the remainder of the growing season.
“The roadsides are monitored to be certain no safety issues related to sight distance become a factor and, if a customer call is received about such an issue, it is addressed immediately,” Haggard said.
According to Haggard, the shoulder-cut approach creates safe sight-distance for motorists along the roadways. “To be certain our road system is given appropriate attention, we operate on a rotating cycle,” he said. “At least every other year, routes are mowed further out to help control brush. The shoulder-cut for all roads and rotation cycle for minor roads has been an effective approach for many years now and our commitment is to continue with this level of service.”