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New MnDOT Seed Mixes
The seed mixes that have been in the MnDOT Standard Specifications since 2014 are being replaced. The new seed mixes should be used in all plans letting in September 2024 and later.
The overall goals for these updates are to improve short-term establishment and long-term function of roadside vegetation. These mixes are not intended for highly diverse ecological restorations, but instead to create functional roadside vegetation by following the ecological principles of diversity and local adaptation. These new mixes are separate from the comprehensive list of seed mixes maintained by the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) and instead of using the numbering system used by BWSR and then 2014 mixes, they simply use plain language names based on their intended use.
Resources on the new seed mixes are available on the MnDOT Erosion Control/Vegetation website and below.
- Guide to the New 2024 MnDOT Seed Mixes - This is a quick reference for designers that includes a summary of changes, diagrams showing where each mix should be used, cost estimates, and details of each new mix.
- MnDOT Seeding Manual 2024 - This update to the seeding manual simply replaces all of the old seed mixes with the new ones, and, and updates tables and diagrams accordingly. Use this manual for design and inspection of projects that let in September 2024 or later.
- MnDOT Seeding Manual 2023 - This edition was published last year after major revisions. It includes the 2014 seed mixes and should be used for design and construction of projects let before September 27, 2024.
Technical Reference Documents created by Dwayne Stenlund
Click here to access technical references prepared by Dwayne Stenlund.
Design of SWPPP Cert/Recert Class References
MPCA Construction Stormwater Permit:
The Forum on Erosion Control in Drought Conditions
In response to drought conditions, a forum was held on July 27, 2021. This was intended to provide a platform for practitioners, vendors, and regulators to discuss issues and options. The opinions presented by speakers are their own and may not reflect the policy or positions of the University of Minnesota or other Agencies or entities. Some key points were:
- The MPCA erosion control requirements are all still in effect, so you are still required to cover soils.
- Discuss site problems early, and start talking about possible options now. Change orders and material availability can require some time.
- Don’t place seed if you don’t have water to support it.
- Dormant seeding or fall seeding may be an option but will have to be evaluated later in the year.
- Legumes may provide better drought tolerance and might be considered for vegetation where applicable.
- If you don’t have water for hydromulch operations, plan to use mulch or erosion control blanket. You may end up using erosion control blanket on flat ground. These temporary covers may need to be removed before planting once the drought conditions have passed.
- Non-traditional cuttings may be options for mulch cover. Ditch cuttings, slash mulch, corn stalks, or possibly soy bean stubble (which may not crimp well) could all be options to consider. Other vegetation such as cat tails may require permits from the DNR for harvest, but you may want to inquire about all vegetation material on your projects.
A recording of the forum can be found at the links below.
The following technical reference items have been used in the erosion program events.