VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Next Monday, Sept. 23rd, the Van Buren County Road Commission will begin custom chemical (herbicide) vegetation control maintenance services along various roads throughout Van Buren County.
The County has contracted the licensed commercial applicator “The Daltons” to perform the road brush services, which officials say are “critical so as to maintain safe roadside vision.”
Additionally, the County has contracted Right Way Control Services to perform chemical herbicide treatments to control invasive species outbreaks. Invasive species that will be treated include Phragmites and Japanese Knotweed.
According to an official press release, “The control of these invasive species along roadsides is a key component as roads are high-risk sites for the introduction and spread of invasive species. Transporting seeds and plant parts by vehicles causes invasives to be introduced to other locations. In addition, road maintenance operations often inadvertently transport seeds, soil, and vegetation fragments up and down the road system.”
The herbicides will be applied within the county road right-of-way, but will not be used near platted or urban areas, orchards and grape vineyards, and certified organic farms.
Chemicals used for the brush control will be Triclopyr 3 (active ingredient Triclopyr) and MSM 60 (active ingredient Mersulfuron), both of which are formulated by Alligare. Information about these chemicals can be found by contacting Lex Dalton of The Daltons at (574) 267-7511.
The chemicals used for invasive species will be Imazapyr and Glyphosate. More information about these chemicals may be requested by contacting Right Way Control Services Manager Doug Suttor at (616) 403-3983.
The applications are expected to be finished by October 18th.
