PIERRE – The South Dakota Department of Transportation would like to remind landowners of mowing regulations for the state rights-of-way.
Administrative Rule 70:04:06:06 states: No mowing of the right-of-way may begin in the west river counties of Gregory, Lyman or Tripp before June 15 and east of the Missouri River before July 10. All mowing by permit must be completed by Sept. 1 each year.
In accordance with the administrative rule, abutting landowners on state highways are given preference to mow right-of-way ditches. Other persons wishing to mow must obtain a waiver from the abutting landowner.
Any person wanting to mow Interstate right-of-way ditches must apply for a permit, with preference being given to abutting landowners. Other persons wishing to mow must also obtain a waiver from the abutting landowner. The permit application and waiver are available at: www.sddot.com/resources/forms/.
The department may mow medians and areas within the rights-of-way prior to June 15 to control noxious weeds and provide increased safety to the traveling public.
The application/permits needed for mowing the right-of-way for interstate, state-owned railroad right-of-way and the abutting landowner waiver are located on the DOT website at http://sddot.com/resources/forms/.
For questions, please contact the appropriate area engineer, contact information is available here: http://sddot.com/contact/; or contact the office of Operations Support at 605.773.3571.