Mowing Ditches Is Illegal, But No One Seems to Care

It's illegal to mow ditches along South Dakota highways in the early summer but officials say they can't recall any charges filed against people who break the law.

The rule requiring landowners to let the grass grow until July 10 is meant to offer cover for pheasant chicks. But some farmers mow anyway to make hay.

State Department of Transportation spokesman Darin Bergquist says the agency gets calls about unauthorized mowing and notifies local sheriffs. But Berquist says he's not aware of anyone ever being charged for illegal mowing.

Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead says it's rare to get a report about illegal mowing. He says a mowing complaint is handled with a warning or an explanation about the rules.

The Associated Press contributed to this story

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