ODOT concludes vegetation control pilot project on OR 36, June 12

A pilot project that eliminated herbicide application along an eight mile segment of OR 36 near Blachly has concluded after ODOT experienced a substantial increase in both maintenance costs and noxious weed counts. Later this month, ODOT will return to controlling the vegetation growth of the highway segment (MP 24.03-32.12) with the Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) program it uses statewide. IVM includes herbicide use, along with mechanical, cultural, and biological methods of controlling both noxious and non-noxious vegetation along highways. In the meantime, ODOT is working closely with those residents along the pilot project boundaries who wish to keep the highway right of way along their property herbicide-free. ODOT is reaching out to those residents to inform them of, and offer assistance in applying for, a Vegetation Control Permit which allows them to mechanically control vegetation in lieu of herbicide spraying. “We’re obligated to control noxious weeds along the roadside, and do it in the most effective manner,” said ODOT Region 2 Manager Sonny Chickering. “At the same time, we understand that some residents would prefer no herbicide use and the Vegetation Control Permit is a great option for them.” ODOT remains committed to its ongoing effort to reduce herbicide use across the state. Since IVM was implemented in 1991, ODOT has reduced the amount of chemicals used statewide. This year, the agency will reach the goal of reducing by 25% the amount of herbicide used to control roadside vegetation from 2010 levels.