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Residents raise concerns about roadside spraying and erosion; county public works defends targeted approach
Summary
A resident with Corps of Engineers experience criticized broad roadside spraying and loss of vegetation near culverts; county public-works staff explained the timing and intent of targeted bare-ground spraying to address noxious weeds and improve drainage and said residents may request no-spray notices.
At public comment on May 19 a longtime resident urged Linn County to change its roadside spraying approach, saying broad-area herbicide use around culverts and intersections is increasing erosion risk and harming vegetation that stabilizes ditches.
The speaker, a former U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project manager, described seeing large bare swaths near culverts and said selective herbicides or mechanical measures might preserve vegetation that protects soil. He told the commission it “seems like we're kind of making a serious mistake in how we approach it.”
County public-works staff (Johnny) responded that April spraying was a conscious decision to clear vegetation from culverts, guardrails and sight-line areas before the mowing season to improve drainage and facilitate mower operations. Staff acknowledged bare-ground spraying looks “unsightly” immediately after application but said it can reduce flooding by improving water flow and that targeted work to control Johnson grass and other noxious weeds may require broadcast treatments to be effective.
Public-works staff described a “no-spray” notification process: residents can contact county staff (or the clerk) to be added to a list and the crew tracks those locations to avoid spraying near orchards, bee operations or other sensitive sites. Staff also said they plan to shift to more selective herbicide use later in the season when conditions permit.
Commissioners asked staff to continue coordination with residents and to provide written guidance on the no-spray notification procedure.
