2026 Herbicide Plan Announced for Dodge County Highways

JUNEAU — The Dodge County Highway Commission 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.  In the coming month, you may notice our crews spraying these areas to help control and eradicate Wild Parsnip and other harmful invasive weed species.  Our staff has been trained and certified in applying EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) certified herbicides.  These herbicides are plant specific and won’t hurt native plants. This means grasses, milkweed, and other native plants will flourish, helping our wildlife and pollinators.

Dodge County Highway Commission's intention is to spray along all county roads and the Southern one-third of our state roads.  This will include all of STH 16/60, STH 26 (STH 19 to STH 16/60), and STH 67 (STH 60 to the South County line) No Town roads will be sprayed. The window of opportunity will be dictated by weather, but the County anticipates two weeks of spraying starting in late April.

The following herbicide formula is to be used:

Herbicide        EPA Reg #                    Active Ingredient                    Application Rate

Panoramic       66222-141-81927        Imazapic                                  4 oz/Acre

Escort XP          432-1549                      Metsulfuron                               1 oz/Acre

MSO                Exempt                         Surfactant/Drift Control          16 oz/Acre

 

Organic growers are encouraged to contact the Dodge County Highway office with concerns and questions regarding this program.

If the public has any questions, please contact our office at (920) 386-3650 Monday through Thursday.