Roadside Mowing in Douglas County
Keith Browning
Public Works
1242 Massachusetts
Lawrence, KS 66044
8/8/00
Dear Mr. Browning,
The Jayhawk Audubon Society (JAS) strongly supports changing the roadside mowing width and schedule for Douglas County to promote native vegetation
and wildlife habitat. Most critical is the timing of mowing. Mowing during the spring and summer threatens nesting birds and is harmful to most native grasses
and wildflowers. The best time for mowing is between November 1 and March 31. Mowing the shoulders is critical for motorist safety but, where possible, mowing
should be limited to the shoulders and not extend into the ditch and up the backslope.
Roadside vegetation can be valuable nesting, brood, and year round habitat for ground birds like Bobwhite Quail, Pheasants, Meadowlarks, and Henslow's Sparrows
and migratory birds such as Dickcissels, Bell's Vireos, Red-winged Blackbirds, and Brown Thrashers. Studies have shown that well -managed roadsides can support
greater numbers of nests, but do not lead to an increase in road-killed wildlife. Roadside areas can also serve as refugia for relatively rare plants, butterflies, and
beneficial insects that are unable to survive in cultivated fields. Some roadsides and ditches provide critical habitat for amphibians and reptiles.
Additional benefits of limited mowing include:
* Wildflowers and the fall colors of grasses create a more aesthetically pleasing and interesting landscape year-round.
* Unmowed vegetation in the ditches and on the backslopes creates a living snow fence, preventing snow from drifting across the road.
* Reduced mowing saves taxpayers' dollars.
State chapters of Audubon have been active in promoting conservative roadside management and the preservation of native vegetation along our roadsides for
many years. Successful, cooperative efforts between Audubon and state transportation departments have resulted in comprehensive roadside management
practices that promote safety, beauty, and the preservation of native flora and fauna. States that promote roadside management for native vegetation and
wildlife include Missouri, Texas, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa. Audubon of Kansas is currently working with the Kansas Department of Transportation in a partnership
to identify and manage mutually selected areas of interest along stretches of the Flint Hills Scenic Byway, Prairie Parkway and Prairie Passage.
Thank you for considering these recommendations. Please contact Audubon of Kansas (AOK) for additional information on the Kansas Roadsides Prairie Pride
Partnership or other state roadside management strategies. The president of AOK, Ron Klataske, can be reached by calling (785) 537-4385, or by writing to
him at 813 Juniper, Manhattan, KS, 66502.
Sincerely,
Sharon M. Ashworth
Chair, Conservation Committee
Jayhawk Audubon Society
Cc: Charles Jones
Tom Taul
Dean Nieder