Riley County updates roadside mowing, weed spraying and HHW cleanout; officials warn about poison hemlock
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Mike Bowler, who leads Riley County's Noxious Weed and Household Hazardous Waste program, briefed the board July 2 on roadside maintenance, invasive plants and an upcoming hazardous-waste event.
Bowler said county roads have been sprayed for musk thistle and field bindweed and that the first round of mowing is approximately 95% complete. County contracts with six townships were completed this year (a typical high year is eight; low about four). "As a reminder, Riley County does mow out all county roads to include dirt roads three times a year," Bowler said.
He described concerns about poison hemlock's rapid growth and toxicity, noting it has not been designated a noxious weed but is invasive and dangerous; he urged caution and described herbicide controls used along ditches. Bowler also addressed social-media complaints about mowing milkweed near roadsides, saying the county prioritizes safety and erosion control but maintains some acres set aside as pollinator habitat away from roadways.
On household hazardous waste, Bowler announced a popular cleanout event scheduled for Saturday, July 11, from 8 a.m. to noon that typically draws 60–80 participants. He also said grant funding is enabling installation of security cameras at the HHW facility, with footage retained for up to two years because of the election-related grant that supplied the equipment.
The board did not alter program policy at the meeting but heard requests from the public and staff for continued education and careful site management to balance pollinator habitat and roadside safety.
Bowler said county roads have been sprayed for musk thistle and field bindweed and that the first round of mowing is approximately 95% complete. County contracts with six townships were completed this year (a typical high year is eight; low about four). "As a reminder, Riley County does mow out all county roads to include dirt roads three times a year," Bowler said.
He described concerns about poison hemlock's rapid growth and toxicity, noting it has not been designated a noxious weed but is invasive and dangerous; he urged caution and described herbicide controls used along ditches. Bowler also addressed social-media complaints about mowing milkweed near roadsides, saying the county prioritizes safety and erosion control but maintains some acres set aside as pollinator habitat away from roadways.
On household hazardous waste, Bowler announced a popular cleanout event scheduled for Saturday, July 11, from 8 a.m. to noon that typically draws 60–80 participants. He also said grant funding is enabling installation of security cameras at the HHW facility, with footage retained for up to two years because of the election-related grant that supplied the equipment.
The board did not alter program policy at the meeting but heard requests from the public and staff for continued education and careful site management to balance pollinator habitat and roadside safety.
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