Why did they do this??

jimg · Aug 19, 2005

Ive had the same thoughts but Im pretty sure any offers toward the state would get turned down b/c of safety concerns.

RobS · Aug 19, 2005

I'm seeing more and more wildflower plots being planted in medians. Looks nice and could be more beneficial to wildlife. I guess we have to ask if we want a lot of wildlife along the highways though?

Jim, did you travel the Indiana Toll Road? On parts of the Eastern section there is an experimental "Animal Detection System" in place. Looks like motion sensors aimed along the sides of the roadway. Posts with solar collectors hold them up. Looks incredibly expensive and I heard a report that it hasn't helped the animal (deer) vs. vehicle battle at all.

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penokee · Aug 20, 2005

Jim - We hunt in Eastern Montana - pretty dry, looks like it takes 40 acres to raise one beef cow. Big roll bales all along I-94, assume it's pretty valuable stuff. See some Ranchers picking it up. If anyone form that part of Montana or North Dakota is on the Board, they can probably explain the roadside hay harvesting process.
penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

turnkey4099 · Aug 21, 2005

( Jim - We hunt in Eastern Montana - pretty dry, looks like it takes 40 acres to raise one beef cow. Big roll bales all along I-94, assume it's pretty valuable stuff. See some Ranchers picking it up. If anyone form that part of Montana or North Dakota is on the Board, they can probably explain the roadside hay harvesting process.
penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )

Out here in the heart of dryland wheat farming Eastern Wa. Here, where the slopes permit, famers farm right up to edge of the shoulder. No pay to the state but the state gets bennies by not having to mow/spray for weeds etc. That is on state and rural routes, haven't been on the interstates in years so I don't know about them.

Harry K

jimg · Aug 21, 2005

Yes, Im familiar w/ the wildlife/widlflower plots as some of the NE states do this.

Yes, I travelled the toll road and did notice the animal detection sensors. In fact I saw one working but didnt see any animals. How long has it been in operation?

jimg · Aug 21, 2005

Oh yes, I did notice this practice of planting right to the edge of the road! I think it was on Rt 2 near Douglas (which is more NW of where you are). The scale of farming on eastern WA is very different than anything Ive ever seem before. The fields are HUGE!

Bird · Aug 21, 2005

About 3 or 4 years ago, in my county, that farming onto the road right-of-way made the local news because quite a number of farmers had planted, mostly wheat and some milo, onto the side of the road. The state wanted the right-of-way mowed and the famers were fighting to prevent the mowing of part of their crop. I think it was finally settled by the state agreeing to wait until after harvest that year and the farmers agreeing not to do it again. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

RobS · Aug 21, 2005

Yes, I travelled the toll road and did notice the animal detection sensors. In fact I saw one working but didnt see any animals. How long has it been in operation? 

I'm going to guess four or five years or more. Must be government money gone wild. I've never seen the detection lights on and I'm not sure what I'd do differently if I did see them. Side note, almost hit a deer on my bike ride this morning!

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jimg · Aug 21, 2005

Ah yes...its better to ask for forgiveness than permission /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

jimg · Aug 21, 2005

LOL...the day I went thru (sometime in late June) one the of lights was flashing and traffic had slowed considerably. As I recall there was almost an accident b/c of it. I didnt see any animals though. I wondered at the time whether this was set up for wild or domestic animals as there were pastures near by.