AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Transportation will begin its 2001 brush control spray program the week of June 18.

The purpose of the program is to suppress brush and keep highways safe by maintaining proper sight distances at curves, intersections, driveways and road entrances, said Bob Moosmann, DOT senior landscape architect.

Clearing brush also provides space for plowed snow during the winter and increases the amount of sunlight reaching the roadway, which melts ice and snow, preventing dangerous road conditions, Moosmann said.

Hardwoods less than 6 feet tall and softwoods less than 3 feet tall are targeted for control. Two materials, Triclopyr and Dicamba, are mixed together with water to make the spray.

Brush that cannot be sprayed is mowed or hand cut.

Municipalities and landowners living along spray routes may enter into “no spray” agreements with the DOT. In the agreement, landowners agree to cut brush and maintain the roadsides to DOT standards in lieu of spraying.

For more information about the program or to request a “no spray” agreement, contact your local DOT Division office: Presque Isle, 764-2060; Ellsworth, 667-5556; Bangor, 941-4500; Fairfield, 453-7377; Rockland, 596-2230; Scarborough, 883-5546 and Dixfield, 562-4228.