The “scalping” of SH 29 is all in the name of safety, says TxDOT

Concerned landowners and residents spark outrage over the “drastic” tree and vegetation removal along scenic highway

  • An under-highway drainage culvert near McDougal Draw on SH 29 is one of many drainage channels clogged by shredded cedar and brush. Despite the unsightly mess, landowners have raised concerns over the damage that will occur with the next significant rainfall. TxDOT has stated there is no immediate cleanup planned. Local crews will monitor and respond if property or infrastructure damage occurs. Courtesy photo.
    An under-highway drainage culvert near McDougal Draw on SH 29 is one of many drainage channels clogged by shredded cedar and brush. Despite the unsightly mess, landowners have raised concerns over the damage that will occur with the next significant rainfall. TxDOT has stated there is no immediate cleanup planned. Local crews will monitor and respond if property or infrastructure damage occurs. Courtesy photo.
  • This undated courtesy photo, top left, shows the large and healthy Live oak trees that stood for decades, welcoming weary travellers at former rest stop on the north side on SH 29 east of Menard.
    This undated courtesy photo, top left, shows the large and healthy Live oak trees that stood for decades, welcoming weary travellers at former rest stop on the north side on SH 29 east of Menard.
  • Left is a recent photo of the same former rest stop site, completely void of any native vegetation in a TxDOT effort to clear fixed objects. The removal of all trees and vegetation within a 30 foot “clear zone,” is part of the goal to have zero fatalities on Texas roads by 2050. Courtesy
    Left is a recent photo of the same former rest stop site, completely void of any native vegetation in a TxDOT effort to clear fixed objects. The removal of all trees and vegetation within a 30 foot “clear zone,” is part of the goal to have zero fatalities on Texas roads by 2050. Courtesy

    If you have recently traveled east on SH 29 toward Hext, you have no doubt noticed the ongoing tree and brush removal effort along both sides of the roadway.

    The work is part of Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) routine maintenance, and is being completed by HX Farms, Inc.

    for a total cost of $152,000.

    The state agency claims the removal is part of their proactive approach to reduce roadway fatalities to zero by the year 2050.

    Local land owners and residents in the area have expressed concern and outrage at the drastic results left by trimming crews. Cedar trees and other native brush have been shredded into hefty chunks of shredded wood.

    The large amounts of debris produced has been left piled along the barrow ditches, covering drainage culverts, along private property fencing, and in some cases strewn across the highway.

    The manner in which the vegetation was raggedly destroyed left some stretches of highway looking similar to the chaotic aftermath of a tornado. Brush was stripped to the ground in a practice that has been described by adjacent landowners as “scalped.”

    Photos of the unsightly shredded debris have been shared by landowners through social media. Concerns include the potential property damage with the next significant rainfall.

    Blocked culverts, drainage draws and water gap fencing are most at risk. One eastern Menard County landowner noted that the wildflowers affected stretch of highway. Specific concern has been raised regarding the former TxDOT rest stop, which for decades has hosted tall, old trees and a historical marker for nearby Peg Leg Crossing. For years after the removal of the rest stop picnic tables and garbage bins, motorists have continued to use and enjoy the opportunity to pull off the highway in a safe and shady place. The project included the destruction of the stop’s 3 towering live oaks, in addition to all comparable trees nearby.

    Karen Threlkeld, TxDOT Public Information Officer for the San Angelo district, confirms the tree removal and brush clearing is to improve sight visibility and safety for motorists.

    In the past 10 years, Tx-DOT recorded 37 motor vehicle accidents on this stretch of Highway 29. According to TxDOT, in 2021 most of the San Angelo district’s (which includes Menard) accidents were single vehicle run-off the road incidents. The same type of accidents in 2021 accounted for 1,550 total deaths in Texas. To combat accidents and reach the goal of no fatality crashes, the agency has committed to clearing fixed objects (trees) within the specified 30 feet “clear zone” measured from the edge of the roadway.

    In a March 8 email addressing the Menard County concerns, a TxDOT representative wrote: “These fixed objects pose unnecessary hazards to the travelling public and reduce the likelihood of errant drivers from recovering when veering off the roadway, thus resulting in crashes.” The agency spokesperson stated the local concern at the rest stop is understood; however, the trees were in the specified clear zone, which warranted their removal. Emphasis was added: “Again, the intent is to prevent crashes.”

    Though the damage to the beauty of the roadside cannot be undone, there also seems to be no immediate remedy for clearing the shredded brush. The intent of TxDOT is to allow the “chipped or-ganic materials” to decompose on site. Threlkeld said local maintenance sections are said to monitor and respond if the materials create an issue to infrastructure or private property.

    The Menard News will continue this story and will provide any updates as they occur.

    photo.