Do Not Spray Signs & Roadsides for Wildlife

Overview

These are two similar programs where the property owner installs and maintains either "Do Not Spray" or "Do Not Mow or Spray" signs, and agrees to remove all noxious weeds, trees, and brush from the county road right-of-way adjacent to their property. If the property owner fails to control trees/brush/noxious weeds, the Winona County Highway Department may resume normal right-of-way maintenance (i.e. spraying and/or mowing) without notice.

The appropriate form is completed by the property owner, and signs are purchased from the Winona County Highway Department (currently $75 for a set of two signs, posts, and bolts). The property owner installs and maintains the signs near the outside edge of the right-of-way, to demark the beginning and end of the designated area. The form and payment may be dropped off in person when picking up the signs, but please call ahead so we can have a set of signs/posts ready.

Option 1:  Do Not Spray Signs

The property owner is responsible to remove all noxious weeds, trees, and brush from the county road right-of-way. The property owner is not authorized to plant anything in the right-of-way. The county will still mow the shoulder and may mow the entire right-of-way. In these locations, the county will avoid using herbicides. Winona County has had this program since around 1995.

Option 2:  Roadsides for Wildlife (Do Not Mow or Spray)

The property owner must actively establish and maintain prairie plantings, wildflowers, and/or pollinator-friendly "Roadsides for Wildlife" vegetation in the county road right-of-way. The property owner is responsible to remove all noxious weeds, trees, and brush from the right-of-way. The county will still mow the shoulders. In these locations, the county will avoid using herbicides and will avoid mowing the entire right-of-way. Winona County has had this program since 2017.