Sauk County, Wisconsin… HERBICIDE SPRAYING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sauk County, Wisconsin… HERBICIDE SPRAYING

The Sauk County Highway Department has acknowledged a need to initiate a higher level of maintenance regarding rural roadside vegetation management, primarily the eradication of noxious invasive plant species.

Invasive species within the road right-of-way and adjacent properties can pose significant health risks to highway workers, utility workers, emergency responders, and anyone else utilizing the right-of-way. In the coming weeks, you may notice our crews spraying these areas to help control and eradicate Wild Parsnip and other harmful invasive weed species. Our staff has been trained and certified in applying EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) certified herbicides.

These herbicides are plant specific and will not hurt native plants, birds, bees, butterflies or other animals/insects which inhabit the ROW. This means grasses, milkweed, and other native plants will flourish, helping our wildlife and pollinators.  Our intention is to spray the selected ROW areas to a distance of 17 ft from the shoulder of the road.

Although we anticipate starting application of the herbicide in late April, our window of opportunity will be dictated by weather.

The following herbicide formula will be used:

Herbicide    EPA Reg #                    Active Ingredient                                           Application Rate

HighNoon  62719-755                     Aminopyralid and Rinskor                             16 oz/acre

Panoramic 66222-141-81927        Ammonium Salt of Imazapic                            4 oz/acre

Escort XP     432-1552                     Metsulfuron (Drift Control)                               1 oz/acre

MSO               N/A                             Methylated Vegetable Oil (Surfactant)            8 oz/acre

Organic growers are encouraged to contact the Sauk County Highway Department with concerns and questions regarding this program. If you have any questions, please contact our office at (608) 355-4855 Monday-Thursday.