When roadway maintenance and construction activities require the movement of earth, one of the first steps is to remove and stockpile a layer of topsoil. This topsoil contains wildflower, native and introduced grass seeds with viable sprigs of grasses and vegetation from previous seasons. When the construction or maintenance work nears completion, the stockpiled topsoil is then replaced over the right of way to provide native plant, grass and wildflower establishment. Since this method is not a guarantee for vegetation establishment the project area should be seeded with the appropriate seed mix for the district by using,

“Standard Specifications for Construction and Maintenance of Highways, Streets and Bridges”, Item number

164. This is the most feasible method used today for a low cost replacement of topsoil and native vegetation for the right of way.