Intensive Agricultural Areas:

In intensive agricultural areas, monocultural row crops dominate. These areas include the Texas panhandle, middle Gulf coast and blackland prairie regions. In these areas, the only suitable nesting habitat for upland birds is within highway rights of way. The timing and frequency of mowing schedules in these areas dramatically affects nesting success. Studies have shown that infrequent mowing (or not mowing at all in some cases) increases the value of the roadsides to nesting wildlife, especially birds and small mammals.

Wetlands:

Roadsides prone to inundation or saturation during the spring and summer can serve as valuable habitat when managed properly. Allowing the growth of wetland vegetation in these areas will contribute to the nesting success of waterfowl and also provide feeding habitat and escape cover for shorebirds, wading birds and many reptiles and amphibians.

Rangelands:

Roadsides are especially important to wildlife in rangeland areas subjected to continuous livestock grazing. Since boundary fences normally keep domestic livestock off the right of way, the roadsides in these areas usually provide a higher diversity of grasses and forbs than the heavily-grazed adjacent lands.

During late fall and winter, heavily grazed pastures and cultivated farmlands don’t provide suitable food and cover for species of birds and small mammals. However properly maintained rights of way can provide some cover to wildlife species (such as pheasants) that have narrow food and cover requirements.

Bottom Line:

Establish non-mow areas and adjust schedules to accommodate wildlife whenever possible.