Noem: Hold off on Roadside Mowing until July 10

Pat Powers

Noem: Hold off on Roadside Mowing until July 10

PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem today reminded East River residents and landowners that roadside mowing along state highways is not permitted until July 10 under state law.

“Roadside ditches provide valuable nesting cover for pheasants, especially in portions of the state with limited CRP land or other upland nesting habitat,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “Mowing too early can kill hens and newly hatched broods, and result in lower pheasant populations. It is critical that everyone refrains from mowing or haying until July 10.”

Noem has also instructed Department of Transportation officials to lead by example and suspend mowing operations until July 10 except in urban areas. The South Dakota Highway Patrol plans to issue warnings to people who mow or hay before July 10, and Department of Game, Fish, and Parks conservation officers will also engage individuals mowing or haying before July 10 to remind them of their responsibility and to educate them on the impact mowing can have on pheasant populations.

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5 thoughts on “Noem: Hold off on Roadside Mowing until July 10”

  1. The right of way is for state travel not for nesting hens. The idea we as landowners have to get permission from the state to harvest the grass that we pay taxes on is absurd.

    1. Well, pheasant hunting brings in a lot of revenue to the state from out-of-state hunters, so that is a valid consideration as well. If we lose a lot of that revenue you can watch your property taxes go up.

      1. I thought that agriculture was the biggest industry in the state? It’s a tough year, many fields didn’t get planted. Shouldn’t we be making more livestock feed available?

  2. The DOT mowed the ditch tops next to the roads in our area last week. So, this rings hollow. We are not in an urban area. They not only mowed, the mowed right next to the road. In addition, their mowers get bigger and bigger every year. All it does is waste hay in the ditch. In some places, the DOT mows half of the ditch. This law needs to go away. It is never enforced. County sheriff’s offices are left to enforce this law. It may sound nice that the highway patrol and GFP are getting involved, but I will believe it when I see it.

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