The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure will co-operate with local farmers and ranchers to harvest hay and grass available on provincial highway right-of-way.
Conditions for Salvage of Hay
- Hay may be salvaged (cut and baled) prior to July 8th by the adjacent landowner or lessee or their designate.
- Non adjacent landowners or lessees who want to harvest roadside hay prior to July 8th are encouraged to contact the adjacent landowner or lessee and make arrangements to become their designate.
- After July 8th, any person may salvage hay without the permission of the adjacent landowner or lessee, provided the adjacent landowner or lessee has not commenced salvage operations.
- The normal median areas on four lane highways shall be divided equally between adjacent landowners or lessees. The large median areas (near interchanges and weigh scales) shall be leased by means of the tender process.
- The hay must be cut at a uniform height leaving a neat appearance.
- Bales of hay must be at least eight (8) metres from the shoulder of the highway.
- All bales must be removed from the highway right-of-way by August 8.
- In order to minimize hazards to the motorists, any bales not meeting requirements of items 6 and 7 above may be removed by the Ministry.
- Mowing may take place by the Ministry in certain areas prior to July 8 as required for control of noxious weeds, safety and aesthetic reasons.
Discussion
Adjacent landowners or lessees or their designate have the first option on the hay prior to and including July 8. After this date anyone may salvage the hay without contacting the adjacent landowner or lessee as this contact may not be practical. This deadline should result in the salvage of hay from a greater percentage of the right-of-way.
