Integrated Roadside Management

Integrated Roadside Management

Iowa Roadside Management provides numerous benefits to Benton County and its residents. By focusing on restoring diverse communities of prairie plants, our planted roadside areas contain durable, long-lived stands of vegetation that effectively combat noxious weed infestations. This occurs in several ways. Tall prairie vegetation shades out Canada Thistle and other weed seedlings that are difficult to control. Prairie root systems also deprive weed roots of water, nutrients, and space that they need to survive. Furthermore, diverse prairie communities reduce the effects of erosion and stormwater runoff. Prairie root systems often penetrate 6-8 ft. but can extend deeper. This enables the plants to survive drought and high salt concentrations. In addition, deep root systems and dense above-ground vegetation hold the soil together and reduce stormwater runoff by slowing surface water flow and increasing infiltration. With a large amount of Iowa being used for agricultural purposes, roadsides also provide one of the last places to preserve our natural heritage. By planting native vegetation we ensure that these communities will survive into the future. 

Native Vegetation

• Acres of Right-of-Way in Benton County: 5184
• Total Acres Planted to Native Vegetation: 388.61 (As of May 2025)
• Percentage of Benton County ROW Planted to Native Vegetation: 7.49%

Prescribed Fire

• Acres of Right of Way vegetation burned to combat invasive plants since April 2024: 40.22

Spot Spraying

• Miles of Right-of-Way spot sprayed for invasive weeds and brush since April 2024: 2,943 (As of 6/30/25)

Species Planted

• Number of Species Planted in Native Vegetation Mix: 38

Grant Funding

• Grant Funding Received Since 2014: $46,363.40
• Equipment and Projects Funded Since 2014: 12

Iowa Code

Several sections of the Iowa Code are very important for those involved in IRM:

• Noxious Weeds
  Chapter 58, Code of Iowa
• Right-of-Way Mowing Restrictions
  Chapter 314, Section 17, Code of Iowa
• Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management
  Chapter 314, Section 22, Code of Iowa
• Weeds
  Chapter 317, Code of Iowa
• Right-of-Way Obstructions
  Chapter 318, Section 3, Code of Iowa

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