WISCONSIN — The Wisconsin Legislature passed Senate Bill 525, which would allow clear-cutting of vegetation on public rights-of-way along highways to provide clearer views of outdoor advertising signs. Under the bill, trees and shrubs could be removed for a distance of 500 feet along highways in the vicinity of advertising signs.

Other provisions of Senate Bill 525 would reduce supervision of tree removal by the Department of Transportation.

Billboard owners have no inherent right to have a sign or large billboard be visible from a highway.

The Department of Transportation manages trees on highways as snow, wind and light screens, and to reduce erosion. Trees are planted by the Department of Transportation to serve as living snow fences using taxpayer dollars.

Trees and shrubs provide safety benefits to motorists on highways. Highways are designated for public transportation.

Charles Mitchell of Wauwatosa wrote a letter to the editor titled "Highways are for transportation, not advertising corridors."