MTO should enlist farmers to retain corn rows as a living snow fence, says writer

By: Letter to the Editor  August 14, 2016  1693

To the Editor:

I drive the highways of southwestern Ontario extensively, logging tens of thousands of kilometres annually, and at this time of year, I cannot help but recognize the extent of corn fields that line the roadways. 

Over the past several winters, I have also been cognizant of how much snow drift is reduced by corn stalks which have been left in the field over winter months. 

My question is, how could the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) work with regional farmers to have them retain corn rows in a swath of farmland along highways to work as a living snow fence? This would help reduce drift, and increase road safety in an area that is plagued by road closures. Could this conversation be opened? 

In a year when corn crops have been negatively impacted by drought in this area, it could  be an alternative income to farmers (albeit perhaps smaller), and at the same time, a definite benefit to the travelling public. 
 

Lynne Taylor
St. Marys
Executive director
Bruce Botanical Food Gardens
Ripley

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