Scotch broom mowing damaged county tractor tires; commissioners discuss control and costs

Commission members and attendees reported that heavy Scotch broom growth at Mow Bush Creek punctured six tires on a county tractor and left the machine sidelined while repairs were evaluated. One attendee said replacing the damaged tires would cost $16,000. "That brand new tractor, they have popped 6 tires on it... To replace the damaged tires is $16,000," a meeting participant said. Participants described Scotch broom as large and woody in areas where mowing had been attempted; several said the broom had trunk-like stems that punctured sidewalls. Attendees discussed approaches to control and the timing of mowing, noting that cutting broom after it becomes very large can leave stubs and trunks that damage equipment. "They let it get too big before they tried to control it. And then they mowed it," one participant said. Another suggested that tracked equipment could be less vulnerable to punctures. No formal action or new budget allocation was recorded. Commissioners said they would follow up with field staff about repair timelines and consider strategies for earlier or different broom-control methods during management-plan discussions.