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Over the past decade, the Alabama Department of Transportation has developed an integrated vegetation management program utilizing selective herbicides to control noxious weeds along with reduced mechanical mowing. This approach has virtually eliminated unsafe and unsightly tall growing weed growth near the travelway and has also saved the taxpayers over $1.5 million annually in maintenance costs. One drawback in the evolution of the Department's vegetation management program was the lack of species diversity and color on roadsides.
A wildflower program was first started in the 1960's and again in 1971 with very poor results. In the late 1980"s, along with public support and interest, the Department began exploring ways in which to integrate wildflowers and native plants into the statewide vegetation management program. After surveying the efforts of other southeastern states, a basic research and investigation approach was taken by the Department which led to a cooperative research effort with Auburn University's Department of Agronomy. The focus of the study was to develop guidelines that would encompass the use and preservation of wildflower species that were compatible with the Department vegetation management program and would add color to the state's highway roadsides.
The wildflower program is funded through the Alabama Department of Transportation routine maintenance landscape enhancement fund by special project. Alabama spends approximately $500,000 a year on wildflower and native plant enhancements along over 11,000 miles and 108,000 acres of highway roadside. Beginning in 1988, acreages have been increased and now we have approximately 700 acres of perennial wildflower plantings. Plantings include 46permanent" areas that utilize perennials, re-seeding annuals and "color annual" areas that are planted yearly
In 1996, within our nine divisions, there were 248 acres of annuals planted, 80 acres of perennials and 300 acres of perennial overseeding.
The program is coordinated through the Maintenance Bureau Roadway Section. A site specific approach is taken in choosing species for the plots selected in each of the nine highway divisions with emphasis placed on high visibility areas, rest areas/welcome centers, and entrances into the state.
Wildflower seeds are purchased by open competitive bid. Purity and germination statements are required on all seed.
An awards program sponsored by the Alabama Federation of Garden Clubs specifically for roadside beautification with wildflowers has encouraged a higher level of involvement by the nine divisions in this program.
The Alabama Department of Transportation continues to be committed to preserving existing wildflower colonies where feasible and to planting or otherwise promoting a variety of wildflower species on highway roadsides of this state.
Letter from Bobbie James
Letter from Jean Butts
Letter from Jimmy Butts
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