MN SF1852

Prohibits road authorities and persons from mowing, haying, or tilling highway rights-of-way outside cities except as specified, to enhance roadside habitat for nesting birds and wildlife.

Allows mowing of the first eight feet from road surface or shoulder at any time, and permits full right-of-way mowing from August 1 to December 31.

Restricts mowing from January 1 to July 31 to safety-necessary areas only, with a minimum height of eight inches; requires haying permits on federal and state highways.

Allows spot-mowing or precision-haying for noxious weed and invasive plant species treatment, and permits private and public landowners to request no-mow status for wildlife habitat via written request to road authorities.

Establishes misdemeanor penalties and civil penalties equal to vegetation value for violations, enforceable by licensed peace officers, with collected penalties deposited in road authority accounts.