By Bobbi Mlynar
mlynar@emporiagazette.com
Q Why has the Kansas Department of Transportation stopped planting wildflowers along the roadsides? In addition to the aesthetic appeal, wildflowers are a boon to wildlife and a source of nutrition for some birds and animals.
A KDOT has not ended its planting program, according to its information specialist, Kim Stitch.
Several factors might be at play, if wildflowers are dwindling along Lyon County’s share of the 650,000 acres of highway right-of-way maintained by KDOT, Stitch said. Such plantings help reduce mowing and erosion, as well as helping wildlife.
Safety for the traveling public is the prime consideration, she said, so visibility is always a concern.
“If there are areas that can be left unmowed for wildflower growth, then we try to allow that when possible,” she said.
Rights-of-way can vary from 50 to 100 feet in some areas.
“No matter what, they’re going to mow two mower lengths in from the edge for safety,” she said.
KDOT tries to plant a mix of wildflower and grass seed when possible, Stitch said, “but every two to three years, the entire area needs to be mowed, and that actually is good because it stimulates the grass to grow better and it helps the wildflowers to branch out and get fuller.”
Too much or too little rain also affects the plantings.
“Sometimes they just don’t do as well as some years,” she said. “...We can’t go out and re-seed everything. Things have to be done as efficiently as possible. We’re just kind of at the mercy of Mother Nature in different areas. Some years, areas look better than others for a multitude of reasons.”
Stitch said that construction frequently interrupts plantings, but re-seeding is done when projects are completed. Plantings also are done, when possible, on steep slopes and rocky areas that can’t be mowed easily.
KDOT has a “very step-by-step program” of roadside management, done in cooperation with the Department of Wildlife and Parks and other conservation groups.
Copies of KDOT’s “Managing Kansas’ Roadsides” brochure are available by writing KDOT, Eisenhower State Office Building, Environmental Services Section, 700 SW Harrison, Topeka KS 66603.
Readers with questions may send them to Because You Asked, in care of The Emporia Gazette, Drawer C, Emporia KS 66801. Questions must be signed, but names will not be used.