The grass is greener Published June 23, 2015 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Offutt and the surrounding area has seen an increase in rainfall and temperatures this year, causing vegetation to grow exceptionally fast. Unlike years past, the responsibility of grounds keeping is no longer fully in the hands of the 55th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES). "With the recent rains and warmer weather, grass and weeds are exploding," said Col. Charles Kuhl, 55th Mission Support Group commander. "Over the past few years, the grounds maintenance funding has been cut, and Air Combat Command only allows the contract to include mowing the grass...that is it. This is not new this year, but we all still need to adjust to this 'new normal.'" The most significant change is facility managers are now responsible for maintaining certain areas around their buildings. "Thanks for all that you do as a Facility Manager maintaining Offutt's facilities, utilities and grounds in the best possible condition," said Gary Chesley, 55 CES Director. "The installation's grounds maintenance contract has the primary focus of mowing the airfield to maintain safety of flight operations and although the contractor does mow common areas beyond the airfield, Facility Managers are responsible for weed control immediately around their facility, including landscaping." Facility managers can consult with 55th CES Customer Service, at (402) 294-6101, for training, standards and to pick up weed control herbicide. If weed-eaters are needed, they can be checked out, free-of-charge, at Outdoor Recreation and can be reached via phone at (402) 294-4049. "We need to ensure our units are maintaining the landscaping around their facilities on a regular basis," Kuhl said. "This may include weed-eating, pulling weeds out of flower beds and sidewalk cracks, refreshing mulch, and trimming hedges." Building Custodians and their respective units are responsible for flower beds. They may replace and maintain flower beds at their own cost with varieties that are not noxious. They may also remove the beds, but they are responsible for disposing of the contents. A yard waste container is located at the recycling plant. As for mowing, different areas will have different mowing standards. These areas are identified as airfield, high security fence, improved, semi-improved and unimproved and the guidelines for maintaining them are as follows: · High Security fence: Grass will be maintained between four to eight inches. · Airfield: Grass will be maintained between seven to 14 inches. · Improved: Grass will be maintained between two to four inches. · Semi-Improved: Grass will be maintained between four to 10 inches. · Unimproved: Grass will be mowed between 10 to 14 inches, and only three times per year. All Unimproved areas, labeled in green on the base map, will have a 10-foot wide strip around the perimeter which will be maintained between four to 10 inches. This is referred to as ribbon mowing and allows all areas of the base to look neatly maintained without the expense of mowing vast areas. Additionally, there is an "Adopt an Area" program whereby private organizations, or any interested party, can help maintain areas that are not assigned to an organization. Finally, the change in responsibilities carries over into the winter months as well. The 55 CES is only responsible for snow removal from the airfield, streets, parking lots and drive ways. Units are responsible for removing snow and ice from door stoops and sidewalks that lead to their buildings.