Noxious Weeds
The Department strives to kill all noxious weeds within the County ROW upon discovery. Under Wisconsin §66.0407 - Noxious weeds are defined as Canada thistle, leafy spurge, field bindweed, any weed designated as a noxious weed by the department of natural resources by rule, and any other weed the governing body of any municipality or the county board of any county by ordinance or resolution declares to be noxious within its respective boundaries.
Invasive Species
Various groups (WisDOT, WCHA, DNR, etc.) are developing “Best Management Practices” to guide local units of government in Wisconsin with identifying and controlling invasive plant species in the right-of-way as well as to educate and inform land owners. These practices will appear odd to the traveling public as there will be areas of the ROW that will be treated differently than the surrounding ROW with regard to mowing, cutting, and height of vegetation due to the preventative measures needed to accomplish these BMP goals.
Herbicide Spraying
St. Croix County has acknowledged a need to initiate a higher level of maintenance regarding rural roadside vegetation management, primarily the eradication of noxious invasive plant species.
Invasive species within the road right-of-way and adjacent properties can pose significant health risks to highway workers, utility workers, emergency responders, and anyone else utilizing the right-of-way. Staff has been trained and certified in applying EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) certified herbicides. Crews spray these areas to help control and eradicate Wild Parsnip and other harmful invasive weed species in late April or early May. The window of opportunity will be dictated by weather. These herbicides are plant specific and will not hurt native plants. This means that grasses, milkweed, and other native plants will flourish, helping our wildlife and pollinators. Our intention is to spray all County roads and State roads from State Highway 65 to the east. St. Croix County will also spray invasive vegetation at the request of the Towns.
Organic growers are encouraged to contact the St. Croix County Highway office with concerns and questions regarding this program.
If you have any questions, please contact the Highway Department at (715) 245-4200.
Herbicide formula to be used:
Herbicide | EPA Reg # | Active Ingredient | Application Rate |
Plateau | 241-365 | Imazapic | 4 Oz/Acre |
Terravue | 62719-738 | Aminopyralid-potassium | 2.5 Oz/Acre |
MSO | Exempt | (Surfactant) | 1.5 Pt/Acre |
Reign | 228-386 | (Drift Control) | 3.5 Oz/Acre |