MN-DOT for another year, until April 30, 2019, could *not* require permits for people to mow or hay in trunk highway ditches along their property, under a bill that cleared the Minnesota House late Tuesday on a strong vote. Members of both sides of the aisle say they need more time because agreement has been difficult — Mazeppa Republican Steve Drazkowski putting his finger on one major point of contention: “If people want to grow bees and butterflies and birds, there’s lots and lots and lots of space well, well, well beyond the two or three steps out of the car off of the road.” Drazkowski argues ditches should be clear for safety reasons, but others say that’s important wildlife habitat.
Part of House floor debate, beginning with bill sponsor, Ghent Republican Chris Swedzinski: