Released on July 7, 2008
Farmers and ranchers are reminded about some important hay salvage guidelines near provincial highways - and a deadline that passes tomorrow.
Starting on Tuesday, July 8, anyone may cut and bale the hay or grass in a highway ditch without contacting or getting the permission of the nearby landowner, lessee or designate, providing a harvest hasn't started already.
"These deadlines and guidelines are designed to give everyone an equal opportunity to harvest this material from Crown land," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Wayne Elhard said. "It is important that both motorists and producers salvaging ditch hay near our roads be aware of each other and drive with due care and attention."
Before July 8, a landowner, lessee or designate near a highway ditch had the first option to cut or bale this material.
Hay must be cut at a uniform height leaving a neat appearance. Bales of hay must be at least eight metres from the edge of the shoulder of a highway and must be removed from the highway right-of-way by August 8.
To minimize hazards to the travelling public, bales that are not removed by August 8 or are too close to the shoulder may be removed by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure.
Producers are also encouraged to contact their closest Highways and Infrastructure office, if they need more information.
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For more information, contact:
Dan Palmer
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4805