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Integrated Roadside Management

Weed Department

205 2nd Ave.
Vinton, IA 52349
Driving Directions

Contact Information

(319) 472-2040

Hours

Monday thru Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Holiday Closures

Integrated Roadside Management

Iowa Roadside Management utilizes native vegetation along with appropriate techniques to produce a cost-effective, environmentally-sound management alternative for roadside weed and erosion control. These techniques include prescribed fire, prescribed mowing, and spot spraying.

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: 365.6
  • Percentage of Benton County ROW Planted to Native Vegetation: 7%

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
  • Acres of Right-of-Way in Benton County: 5184
  • Total Acres Planted to Native Vegetation: 365.6
  • Percentage of Benton County ROW Planted to Native Vegetation: 7%

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:


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