STATEWIDE - The Maine Department of Transportation is performing routine efforts to control brush along selected state roads using herbicides. These efforts will continue through the end of June. This process is part of MaineDOT's ongoing integrated approach, which also includes mowing and hand removal to control roadside trees.
Roadside trees are much easier to control when they are small. Trees allowed to grow close to roads prevent proper water drainage and may obscure drivers' views of large animals such as moose and deer. Controlling roadside vegetation is a key safety and road maintenance activity requiring yearly effort. In various locations, MaineDOT may also control unwanted vegetation around guardrails. Reducing vegetation near guardrails increases safety because it protects our workers from tripping hazards and ticks. Guardrails free of vegetation also function properly and are easier to maintain.
All herbicide treatments for brush, weeds, or invasive plants are selected to minimize impact to surrounding vegetation. MaineDOT is committed to reducing herbicide use with an integrated approach to control vegetation and to using low-risk products at the lowest application rates to protect workers and the environment. Starting in 2004, the department began every-other-year herbicide application to help further reduce use. Municipalities and private citizens living adjacent to state roads may contact the department to enter into a Cooperative Vegetation Management agreement if they are concerned about herbicide use. Agreements outline the municipal or landowner responsibilities for maintaining roadside vegetation. When roadsides are properly maintained under these agreements, there is no need to use herbicides.