Integrated Vegetation Management
What is Roadside Vegetation Management?
Roadside vegetation management involves caring for and/or controlling
plants along the highway. If managed properly, roadside vegetation can
become self-sustaining over time and require less maintenance. This
helps reduce costs and minimizes herbicide use.
Why is Roadside Vegetation Management Important?
Safety is a high priority at WSDOT. Vegetation, if left alone will grow
out of control, blocking visibility (signs, traffic, wildlife) which
could
endanger motorists. Weeds must be controlled to avoid impacts on the
farming community and native ecosystems. Pride of ownership and the beauty of Washington State
are also
important factors.
What is a Roadside Vegetation Management Plan?
Roadside vegetation management
plan is a "how to" guide for the best way to manage
roadsides in any given area. Washington State has diverse climates and the highways have many neighbors,
so the plans
vary depending on location. The plans determine the right tool or combination
of tools, for the right plant at the right place and time. WSDOT often uses the term Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) in reference to this process. Vegetation
management tools include:
Using IVM and roadside vegetation management plans help reduce herbicide use
and maintenance costs.
WSDOT's quarterly report
Measures, Markers and Mileposts, regularly addresses the issue of
Integrated Vegetation Management.
Roadside Design and Construction
One of the keys to successful roadside vegetation management is treating the
roadside when the highway is first built or when improvement projects
are designed and constructed. Soil improvement and plant establishment
must be addressed through the design and construction process before
maintenance
takes responsibility of the roadside. For information on how WSDOT design
and builds roadsides see Roadside and Site Development.
For more information on maintenance of roadside vegetation, contact Ray Willard at (360) 705-7865, or email
willarr@wsdot.wa.gov or James Morin at (509) 577-1912, or email morinj@wsdot.wa.gov.
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