Conduct vegetation management on roadways designated as Developed Urban according to the following guidelines for each activity or situation.

Follow these guidelines for mowing and trimming along Developed Urban highways.

Establish non-mow or natural areas at appropriate locations within the right of way, to provide for wildflower preservation, regeneration of native plant species,

to create habitat for the Presidential Memorandum to Promote the Health of Honey Bees and Other Pollinators

and establishment of nesting habitat for wildlife. Clearly mark these areas to prevent accidental mowing during modified full-width mowing.

Set cutting height at five inches as determined for strong regeneration of grasses.

Mechanically trim.

In those areas where herbicides have been applied for the control of taller, weedy plant species, delay mowing for a minimum of 14 days after herbicide application for maximum control of unwanted plant species.

Utilize an aggressive herbicide program with good vegetation management practices and

apply herbicide to isolated pockets of noxious weedy plant species, if present, in accordance with procedures contained in .

Large stands of wildflowers

including fall blooming nectar plants for pollinators

should be avoided when mowing unless safety concerns arise.

Maintain ornamental landscape plantings and irrigation systems in an acceptable condition. (See Chapter 4,

Landscape Inspection Guide

.)

Implement erosion control measures as necessary (slope stabilization, seeding, mulching, soil retention blankets, etc.). Refer to 2004 Edition of , Chapter 5.

Areas which receive frequent mowing seldom support the establishment of significant wildlife habitat or provide for the regeneration of native plants. This is common in urban areas.

In those areas which may be designated as non-mow or natural areas, significant nesting cover for wildlife and strong regeneration and preservation of native plant species

including fall blooming nectar plants for pollinators

can be achieved.

Contact the District Environmental Coordinator, the Vegetation Management staff of the Maintenance Division (MNT), or the Environmental Affairs Division (ENV) for information concerning the location of protected species of plants and animals in each county.

Protected species of plants and animals known to exist in or adjacent to TxDOT right of way may require special mowing and trimming procedures.

Follow the mowing guidelines as outlined in (Roadside Mowing) for areas containing invasive species, which calls for pressure washing of mowing equipment before the equipment enters or leaves designated areas.

Targeted plants may require treatment with selected herbicides. Contact the Vegetation Management staff, MNT, before treating these areas.

Re-measure and re-calculate contract acreage to ensure accurate quantities.

Mowing by TxDOT maintenance employees shall be limited to safety mowing.

Exceptions and variances to any provisions contained in the Roadside Vegetation Management Manual shall be justified and recommended for approval by the District Engineer and authorized in writing by the Maintenance Division Director.

Conduct vegetation management on roadways designated as Rural according to the following guidelines for each activity or situation.

Follow these guidelines for mowing and trimming along Rural highways.

Establish non-mow or natural areas at appropriate locations (see Chapter 2, Section 7,

Non-Mow or Natural Areas and Acreage Evaluations

) within the right of way. These areas offer the best opportunity for wildflower propagation, native grass regeneration, and establishment of nesting cover for wildlife. Clearly mark these areas to prevent accidental mowing during modified full-width mowing.

After maximizing the use of non-mow areas;

Use a maximum of two (2) modified full-width cycles per year. If necessary, one strip mow is allowed in the South Region due to the extended growing season

. Generally, non-mow areas would begin at the toe of the slope in fill areas of the back of the ditch for cut sections, as long as clear zone requirements are met.

Use two modified full-width cycles per year. The first modified full-width cycle should be scheduled to allow wildflower seeds to mature and reset in the late spring. The second modified full-width cycle

if necessary

should be scheduled for the late fall to provide maximum regeneration of native grasses, maintain nesting cover for wildlife and reduce vegetative competition with spring-blooming wildflowers. Strip mowing may be used in lieu of modified full-width mowing cycles.

Set cutting height no lower than seven inches to preserve wildflowers, create residual nesting cover, and to provide for strong regeneration of native grasses

and nectar plants

.

Mechanically trim if necessary.

In those areas where herbicides have been applied for the control of taller, weedy plant species, delay mowing for a minimum of 14 days after herbicide application for maximum control of unwanted plant species.

Perform strip or spot mowing during the year when necessary for safety or control when taller vegetation is present.

Utilize an aggressive herbicide program with good vegetation management practices

. Target isolated pockets of noxious weed species, if present, with appropriate types and rates of herbicides as stipulated in . Coordinate mowing and herbicide operations for maximum effect.

Delay mowing until mature seeds are set. Reseed all suitable areas with wildflowers as appropriate.

The establishment of non-mow or natural areas provide excellent opportunities for the establishment of significant fall or perennial wildflower displays

including fall blooming nectar plants for pollinators

.

Maintain ornamental landscape plantings and irrigation systems in an acceptable condition. (See Chapter 4,

Landscape Inspection Guide

).

Implement erosion control measures as necessary (slope stabilization, seeding, mulching, soil retention blankets, etc.). Refer to 2004 Edition of , Chapter 5.

Areas which receive frequent mowing seldom support the establishment of significant wildlife habitat or provide for the regeneration of native plants.

In those areas which may be designated as non-mow or natural areas, significant nesting cover for wildlife and strong regeneration and preservation of native plant species

including fall blooming nectar plants for pollinators

can be achieved.

Contact the District Environmental Coordinator, the Vegetation Management staff of MNT, or ENV for information concerning the location of protected species of plants and animals in each county.

Protected species of plants and animals known to exist in or adjacent to TxDOT right of way may require special mowing and trimming procedures.

For areas containing invasive species, follow the mowing guidelines outlined in (Roadside Mowing).

Targeted plants may require treatment with selected herbicides. Contact the Vegetation Management staff of MNT before treating these areas.

Re-measure and re-calculate contract acreage to ensure accurate quantities.

Mowing by TxDOT maintenance employees shall be limited to safety mowing.

Exceptions and variances to any provisions contained in the Roadside Vegetation Management Manual shall be justified and recommended for approval by the District Engineer and authorized in writing by the Maintenance Division Director.