WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) — No Mow May is back in Wisconsin Rapids, though Mayor Matt Zacher says recent questions over its effectiveness may have the city looking for other ways to help pollinators.
“There’s enough conversation around ‘if it’s not really working, can we shift to a wildflower garden or allow grass to grow in small areas or patches,” said Zacher. “Our biggest concern has been people just taking advantage of it.”
He says some have let their grass continue to grow into June, creating a mess, especially during last year’s record wet spring. “We had the most rain we’ve ever had in a two-month period. Yards just grew like crazy. By the end, you were dealing with a field.
“In the end, we brought it to the council, and they wanted to move forward with it as-is. We’ll see how things go and talk about it again next year,” added Zacher. “It’s not something I started,” said Zacher. “If the support wasn’t there, we didn’t necessarily have to do it.”
He notes the discussion wasn’t heated in either direction. “Everyone was like ‘I don’t necessarily have strong feelings either way.’ We’ll see how things go, if it’s getting out of control or if it’s not quite so wet, maybe it won’t be an issue.
“It would be nice if once May is over, everyone just cuts it down and gets rid of [the clippings.] That’s usually another complaining point,” added Zacher.
Other topics Zacher discussed with WSAU’s Mike Leischner include:
Start of video: Reorganization of the City Council
6:51- No Mow May
10:40- New library director
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