For years, my family and I have lived on a beautiful piece of land amidst the rolling countryside of Greenbrier,  Faulkner County,  Arkansas. The natural beauty around us is not just a backdrop to our daily lives; it is an integral part of our existence, our livelihood, and our legacy. But this delicate ecosystem is under threat because the county conducts roadside chemical spraying designed to control unwanted vegetation.

This seemingly harmless practice has alarming consequences that extend beyond the mere removal of vegetation. These chemicals  threatening the delicate balance of our local wildlife habitat, including but not limited to: quail, other ground nesting birds, migratory bird food sources,  wildflowers that support pollinators, and endangering our livestock. In addition,  chemical drift threatens our nearby vegetable gardens and landscaping. What's more, these practices contribute to soil erosion, weakening the very foundation upon which our properties stand.

Scientific research has shown that roadside spraying can have severe negative impacts and the improtance of having fenceline habitats and ecosystems.  According to studies by the Environmental Protection Agency, chemical drift from herbicides can travel farther than expected, affecting non-target plants and animals, even contaminating waterways like the run off that feeds into our pond. This unintended exposure not only harms wildlife but poses significant health risks to humans and their livestock.

Additionally, the aesthetic degradation of our county's lush roadsides—once full of life and vibrancy—has a direct impact on property values. Erosion caused by the removal of vegetation not only mars the landscape but contributes to costly damages that require remediation.

There is a better way forward. By adopting alternative methods such as mechanical trimming, selective planting of native species, and integrated pest management, we can protect our roadsides, support biodiversity, and bolster our community’s environmental health without resorting to harmful chemicals.

I urge local authorities to recognize the substantial benefits of halting roadside chemical spraying. Together, we can safeguard our wildlife habitat, protect our livestock, prevent soil erosion, and maintain the integrity and value of our properties.

Join me in this plea to preserve our environment, for today and for generations to come. Let us work together to convince our county officials to cease this harmful practice. Please sign this petition and stand with us in protecting the land we love.