What type of vegetation maintenance is permissible in a right of way?

The maintenance of vegetation in a right of way is primarily focused on ensuring safety and accessibility, which is why cutting tall vegetation that obstructs visibility is the allowable action. This practice helps prevent accidents and ensures that drivers have clear sightlines at intersections and along roadways. Maintaining visibility is crucial for both vehicle operators and pedestrians to navigate safely, which aligns with the fundamental purpose of right of way management.

Regular removal of all vegetation, while it may seem like a way to maintain the area, can lead to the destruction of necessary habitats and ecosystems and is not permissible as it goes beyond what is required for safety. Planting new trees to enhance aesthetics is not allowed because it can introduce new visibility issues or obstruct the roadway instead of maintaining safety. Similarly, relying solely on controlled burns is highly restrictive and not typically considered a standard practice for right of way maintenance, as it may pose fire hazards and is not feasible in all environments.

Thus, maintaining only the vegetation that obstructs visibility—without excessive removal or alterations—is essential for a safe and effective right of way.