The MD of Pincher Creek is altering its hay permitting process for the coming spring.

The permits, which allow for grass harvesting on the sides of municipal roads and rights-of-way, are traditionally issued in June. This year, however, applications will be taken in May.

“We had a landowner approach us back in January asking us to consider changing the dates,” says Jessica McClelland, the MD’s communications director.

“What they found last year was that by the time they had their permit the hay was almost burnt. So to allow for longer cutting and an earlier season, we bumped the dates up.”

As is customary, adjacent landowners have the first chance at applying for permission to hay near their property. They’ll need to do so by May 15, though, as a day later, on May 16, it can be permitted to someone else.

“As part of the policy changes, we’re asking that haying not be performed during a local fire ban. We’re also now requiring proof of $2 million in vehicle liability insurance, which will need to be brought in with the permit application,” McClelland says.

“The reason for that is if you’re operating along a municipal roadway, we want to ensure that the person is covered for any incidentals, like a rock hitting a windshield, for example.”

Information on the process and how to apply can be found online at bit.ly/3TxJzND.