Kearney resident asks Clay County to address invasive plants on roadways

Linda Hetzel of Kearney told the Clay County Commission she is concerned about invasive plant species spreading along county roadways and public rights-of-way and asked county staff what steps are being taken to control them.

"I'm here to ask how the county is addressing invasive plant species along county roadways and public right of ways," Hetzel said, identifying herself as a resident of 13318 Plattsburgh Road. She listed several species she said are spreading: callery pear, garlic mustard, sericea lespedeza, autumn olive, birdsfoot trefoil and burning bush, and urged a countywide approach guided by Missouri invasive-species experts.

Hetzel said she does not support "indiscriminate roadside spraying," citing a past highway department application that she said killed wildflowers but not Johnson grass. She asked the commission for targeted, least-toxic interventions and suggested one requirement that could limit seed spread: requiring hay and debris haulers to cover their loads.

A commissioner asked that Hetzel's handout be given to the county administrator and parks director so staff could review it and provide feedback. The county administrator acknowledged receipt.

Hetzel referenced recent legislation by the Missouri Council on Invasive Species to stop the sale of certain invasive plants, but did not cite a statute or ordinance. No formal action or vote followed the public comment.

Speakers at the meeting asked staff to review Hetzel's handout and report back; county staff did not state a specific timeline for a response during the meeting.