To: Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Subject: Restoration of Wisconsin Roadsides
Today, native pollinators face many environmental risks because of loss
of habitat and pesticide use – planting native plants along roadways would
extend their habitat and be pesticide free. Wisconsin roadsides form one
of the most extensive networks of linear habitats and often provide the
only natural or semi-natural habitat allowing pollinators to move through
both urban and rural areas.
The decline of pollinator populations has broad and potentially long-term
consequences for food security, our economy and biodiversity, the
DOT has a responsibility to help with pollinator conservation. Roadsides
can support a diversity of flowers and have reduced exposure to pesticides.
In addition, these areas are rarely disturbed to the same degree as nearby
farms and gardens. Roadsides can serve as a place for pollinators to
refuel, reproduce and over-winter.
Native plants along roadsides stabilize soils, slowing the onslaught of
non-native weeds, and improving water quality by decreasing water
run-off. Because native plants are best adapted to native soils, they
are more tolerant of drought and heat. Finally these plants improve
roadside aesthetics and provide a connection to our natural heritage.
I want to express my concern about the use of roadside plantings of
non-native grasses and encourage the use of pollinator-friendly plants
where ever feasible.