(a) The department of transportation shall continue the wildflower program.(b)(1) The department shall plant in each of the four (4) regions of the state not less than twenty-four (24) acres of wildflowers along the highway system and at appropriate interchanges that are heavily traveled.(2) For the purposes of this part, unless the context otherwise requires, “wildflowers” means plants or grasses that are native to the southeastern United States, and Tennessee in particular, when available.(c) The department is encouraged to take measures to reduce mowing costs associated with this program. In rural areas beyond the immediate roadside identified as having existing high quality native wildflower habitats, mowing should be conducted only as necessary to encourage the full development of the wildflower habitats. The department of environment and conservation shall assist the department of transportation in identifying these sites.(d) For the benefit of the traveling public and mowing crews, the areas shall carry appropriate notations stating that the wildflowers are present.
