The Minnesota Department of Transportation could *not* require permits for people to mow or hay in trunk highway ditches along their property, until April of next year, under a bill that cleared the Minnesota House on a strong vote.  Members of both sides of the aisle say they need more time because agreement has been difficult — Mazeppa Republican Steve Drazkowski put his finger on one major point of contention

 

Drazkowski argues ditches should be clear for safety reasons, but others say that’s important wildlife habitat.