Mow ditches to control weeds, litter

One reason to mow road ditches is to control noxious weeds. Travel Iowa roadways and notice the spread of Canadian and musk thistles. Travel and see the white seeds spreading onto adjacent landowners' fields with the wind. These weeds are hard to control and cause the landowners much expense and more use of chemicals to control. These weeds are declared noxious weeds by Iowa law and are required to be controlled. Our state and counties have failed to do what is required to be done.

Another reason to control the vegetation and brush along roadways is to help control roadside disposal. Our urban friends seem to think a brushy roadside area in the country is a good place to throw their garbage, yard waste and unwanted furniture.

One more reason to control the vegetation is safety. When brush and tall weeds are close to the roadway it is impossible to spot deer until it is too late. Several serious accidents and deaths have occurred as a result.

If concerned citizens are concerned about the habitat, they should focus on urban sprawl. Thousands of acres of habitat are permanently removed annually.

Robert Sentman

Tiffin