Road Chief Says Lawn Mowing Law Is For The Birds

A 1999 state law strictly regulates the mowing of freeway medians and highway shoulders to protect wildlife throughout the state.

At least one Lapeer County road commissioner believes the law is ridiculous. Someone needs to call the state and tell them there are more important things to worry about," said Douglas Hodge, chairman of the Road Commission.

Road Superintendent Rick Pearson told commissioners Wednesday that crews are permitted to mow only 12 feet in on the median and shoulders to protect nesting pheasants.

The law says if the county violates the 12-foot mowing rule, the state can refuse to pay for the mowing, Pearson said. This year, however, Lapeer County is allowed to mow the entire median.

What really peeved the road commissioners is that other counties seem to ignore the regulations while Lapeer is expected to abide by them to the letter.

Although the board specifically cited St. Clair County as one that clear-cuts its median, a spokesman for the Michigan Department of Transportation said that county is complying with the law.

Lapeer County road engineer David Vaughn said high grass on the shoulder and median can hide deer, which can be a safety hazard.