Appendices

Appendices thompsbb
A cyclist bikes at sunset on a road next to native roadside vegetation.

Each appendix is titled with the number representing the chapter where it is mentioned, and the letter representing the sequence of appendices from that chapter.

Appendix 2A: County/City Roadside Vegetation Management Survey

Appendix 2A: County/City Roadside Vegetation Management Survey thompsbb

Use this survey as a tool for evaluating existing roadside management practices. The results will identify strengths and weaknesses of the current approach and be a guide for shaping future roadside vegetation management practices. The survey is primarily intended to be used by an integrated roadside vegetation management steering committee. Responses can be subjective, varying widely from one person to the next. Interviewing roadside management personnel will add validity to the results.

  1. Existing tree and brush control

a. Maintenance of sight lines

Very good

Adequate

Inadequate

Big need

b. Maintenance of the recovery zone

‌Very good

Adequate

Inadequate

‌Big need

c. Removal of trees that present immovable objects

‌Very good

Adequate

Inadequate

Big need

d. Removal of hazardous tree limbs

Very good

‌Adequate

I‌nadequate

‌Big need

e. The amount of tree cutting in general

‌Well-balanced approach

Too aggressive

Negligent

f. Quality of tree and brush cutting

Clean & professional

Not too bad

Cuts are ragged and uneven, or too many branches are removed

2. Existing weed control

a. General perception of roadside weed control

Very good

‌Adequate

‌Inadequate

Big issue

‌Not an issue

b. The amount of roadside spraying being done

‌Very good

Adequate

Inadequate

Big issue

Not an issue

c. Effectiveness of roadside weed spraying

Good results

Making progress

‌No sign of improvement

‌Losing ground

d. Characterize the application of herbicides

Responsible

‌Inconsistent

Indiscriminate

e. Do spray crews need to cover more of the county/city each year?

‌Yes

No

‌Not the main concern

f. Is most weed spraying completed during May, June, and September, when spraying is most effective?

Yes

No

g. When a landowner complains about roadside weeds, but the weeds in question are not considered much of a problem, do you...

Take the opportunity to explain the county’s/city's weed control priorities

Automatically spray the weeds

3. Who does the roadside seeding?

A private contractor

A private contractor does large jobs

Secondary roads

‌Conservation

4. When is native vegetation used in roadsides? Circle all that apply.

After nearly all road projects

‌High-profile projects

Ditch cleanouts

Wide rights-of-way

‌Not at all

5. Equipment needs

(Consider working condition, current technology, appropriateness, and availability of each of the following and recommend what equipment needs to be replaced or added. Circle all that apply.)

‌Trucks

Tractors

‌Spray equipment

‌Chainsaws

Mowers

‌Seeding equipment

6. Number of employees with:

Weed control as primary responsibility during spray season: ___
Brush control as secondary responsibility year-round: ___
Herbicide applicator certification: ___
Chainsaw and boom mower experience: ___
Vegetation management knowledge/background: ___
Native plant establishment/management experience: ___
Prescribed burn experience/certification: ___

7. How much is the county/city currently spending on:

Tree and brush control: $_____
Weed control: $_____
Seeding road projects: $_____
Erosion control measure installation: $_____
Weed commissioner salary: $_____

8. Based on your overall assessment of the current roadside vegetation management approach, which of the following would you recommend?

Hire a full-time professional roadside manager
Hire a 9-month assistant roadside manager
Hire more seasonal help
Hire better-qualified seasonal help
Free up more existing personnel for roadside management
All of the above
None of the above (because the current approach is effective)

Appendix 2B: Roadside Vegetation Manager Position Description

Appendix 2B: Roadside Vegetation Manager Position Description thompsbb

The following position description contains typical duties and qualifications used by counties or cities in position descriptions when hiring a roadside manager. This description may serve as a template that counties or cities can modify to fit their needs. 

Note: The description is written for a county hiring a roadside manager. However, most references to “county” can be interchanged with “city” for municipalities using this template to hire a roadside manager.


Position Title: Roadside Manager/Roadside Vegetation Manager/Roadside Biologist/Roadside Vegetation Specialist

Department: County Engineer/County Conservation/Independent

Supervisor: County Engineer/Conservation Director/County Supervisors

Salary Range: $48,000–$85,000 (salary dependent on location and years of experience)

Definition

A permanent, full-time position for the general implementation of the county’s Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management (IRVM) program and duties associated with all aspects of vegetation management within county secondary road right-of-way (ROW) corridors. Primary work activities are focused on the continued maintenance and development of safe travel corridors for vehicles and the application of sound ecological principles to manage desired vegetation types along those corridors.

Optional

  • Will perform related duties as required by the county engineer.
  • Will work directly with parks, wildlife area, and conservation managers to assist them with routine public land and facility management goals and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

‌Column 1 text goes here.‌Direct assigned staff in designing and implementing the county’s IRVM plan.

  1. Direct assigned staff in designing and implementing the county’s IRVM plan.
  2. Control noxious weeds in road ROWs, particularly those species identified by the county IRVM committee, through the establishment of native vegetation, application of herbicides, and biological control via living organisms. 
  3. Control and remove brush and woody vegetation along county roadways through the application of chemicals, mechanical methods, and prescribed burning.
  4. Plant and establish primarily native prairie vegetation in cleaned, regraded, and newly created ROWs.
  5. Conduct prescribed burns in select county road ROWs.
  6. Conduct safety training for assigned staff.
  7. Perform all duties and responsibilities of the County Weed Commissioner (not applicable in all counties; in some counties, these are separate positions), including receiving and responding to all weed complaints, administering annual reports regarding destruction of noxious weeds in the county, conducting weed inspections, and taking leadership in the control and destruction of all noxious weeds.
  8. Develop a public information and education program to promote public understanding of IRVM and wise land use practices that support IRVM objectives.
  1. Manage areas of native vegetation identified by the inventory process to improve vegetation diversity and overall health.
  2. Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of the following activities: herbicide application, seeding and reseeding, prescribed burning, tree and brush removal, and timely handling of complaints from county residents and other government agencies.
  3. Participate in scheduled and ad hoc routine equipment maintenance and arrange with supervisor for advanced work to be completed by private vendors. Document all maintenance conducted.
  4. Direct and assist with the production, harvest, and processing of native seed for use in ROW seeding projects.
  5. Complete monthly work activity reports for all tasks completed by IRVM staff.
  6. Understand and follow all applicable local, state, and federal laws related to the management of noxious weeds, herbicide and pesticide application, endangered wildlife habitat, etc.
  7. Assist supervisor with annual budget preparation and expense tracking for ROW management operations.
  8. Submit grant applications to the Living Roadway Trust Fund and other funding opportunities.
  9. Take advantage of professional development opportunities (e.g., Iowa Roadside Conference) to remain knowledgeable of current issues, trends, and management techniques.
  10. Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The qualifications represent the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Skills and Abilities

  1. Ability to operate and maintain the necessary tools and equipment.
  2. Ability to identify native and introduced plant species, including noxious weeds.
  3. Ability to organize and complete assigned work and tasks efficiently.
  4. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other county staff, the general public, and individuals from other government entities and organizations.
  5. Ability to use personal computers with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and web browsers.
  1. Technical proficiency to make minor repairs on equipment and facilities that do not require a professional repair technician.
  2. Ability to work a nonstandard work week, including nights and weekends, to accomplish the objectives of the position. 
  3. Ability to maintain accurate safety, work, and equipment maintenance records.

Education and Experience

  1. A bachelor’s degree in a natural resource-related field and a minimum of two years of professional experience in natural resource/vegetation management or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
  1. Knowledge of the tools and equipment required to perform the job.

Communication Abilities

  1. ‌Column 1 text goAbility to communicate effectively with coworkers to facilitate collaboration.
  2. Ability to communicate with landowners and the general public in a tactful and courteous manner.es here.‌
  1. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.

Reasoning Ability

  1. Ability to carry out written, verbal, or diagram instructions.
  2. Ability to apply common sense to solve problems or achieve work objectives.
  1. Ability to solve problems involving several variables.

Certification and Licensure

  1. Valid Iowa Commercial Driver's License (within 60 days of hire date).
  1. Valid Iowa Pesticide Applicator Certification in Category 6 (right-of-way) and Category 1A (agriculture).

Physical Demands

  1. Ability to stand, walk, sit, operate hand tools, kneel, stoop, balance, and climb ladders and equipment. These activities may be required for two or more hours at a time during an 8–10 hour workday.
  2. The employee must routinely lift 50-pound objects 40 inches high and carry them for 15 yards.
  1. The specific vision abilities required for this job include: close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

  1. Ability to work around equipment with moving parts.
  2. Ability to work outdoors in extremely hot, cold, rainy, snowy, and windy weather conditions.
  1. Exposure to dust, fumes, and loud noises.

Other

  1. Must be insurable for driving under the county insurance company policies.
  2. Applicant will be subject to post-offer, pre-employment drug and physical testing.

The County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Appendix 3A: Sample Mowing Law Press Release

Appendix 3A: Sample Mowing Law Press Release thompsbb

Prairie County Engineer
1234 Highway 1
Prairie City, Iowa, 54321
555-123-4567

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 1, 2025
Contact: Mike Jones, Prairie County Roadside Manager
555-123-4567
irvm@prairiecounty.iowa.gov 

Iowa Mowing Law Protects Roadside Habitats

Prairie County Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management (IRVM) reminds Prairie County residents to protect roadside habitat for nesting game birds and songbirds this spring and early summer.

According to Iowa Code 314.17, mowing roadside ditches is restricted until July 15 to protect young pheasants and other ground-nesting birds until they are ready to fledge. The law, which applies to county secondary roads as well as state primary and interstate highways, also protects habitat for pollinators and other beneficial insects, including crop-pest predators.

The law includes the following exceptions that do allow for mowing prior to July 15: 

  • Within 200 yards of an inhabited dwelling.

  • For visibility and safety reasons.

  • For access to a mailbox or for other accessibility purposes.

  • Within 50 feet of a drainage tile or tile intake.

  • In the right-of-way within one mile of the corporate limits of a city.

  • To promote the growth of native vegetation or other long-lived and adaptable vegetation.

  • To establish control of damaging insect populations, noxious weeds, and invasive plant species

  • Within rest areas, weigh stations, and wayside parks.

  • In agricultural demonstration or research plots that are adjacent to the right-of-way.

Prairie County’s roadsides provide a valuable refuge for wildlife. This law serves as a reminder to only mow shoulders during the critical nesting season and leave the rest of the roadside for the birds. For more information, see a brochure called Iowa’s Mowing Law for Roadsides, available at tallgrassprairiecenter.org/roadside-management-brochures.

Established in 2018, Prairie County Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management cares for roadsides along county roads using a variety of management techniques with sound ecological principles. The IRVM approach centers on planting and maintaining safe, healthy, and functional native prairie vegetation, which reduces erosion, enhances rainfall infiltration, creates habitat for pollinators, nesting birds, and other wildlife, and more. The IRVM approach also includes strategic herbicide application and mowing, and weed and brush control.

Prairie County IRVM is a division of the County Secondary Roads Department of Prairie County. For more information, visit prairiecounty.iowa.gov/IRVM.

Appendix 4A: Sample Seed Request Form for Native Seed

Appendix 4A: Sample Seed Request Form for Native Seed thompsbb

SAMPLE


(Note: This is provided to show what is generally included in the seed request form. The form has minor changes (e.g., due dates) each year. Therefore, this form is only intended as a sample. Please do not fill out and submit this version of the form. The forms to be filled out and submitted will be emailed to roadside managers each year by the Tallgrass Prairie Center roadside program manager.)

To be picked up at the Tallgrass Prairie Center in spring/early summer 2025

An approved IRVM plan must be on file with the Iowa DOT 
in order to request seed.

Check with Tara Van Waus, Living Roadway Trust Fund coordinator, if you are unsure if your county or city has an IRVM plan. tara.vanwaus@iowadot.us 515-239-1768

Please submit the completed form to Kristine Nemec at: kristine.nemec@uni.edu or UNI Roadside Program, 2412 W. 27th St., Cedar Falls, IA 50614 no later than October 18, 2024.

County or City: _____________________________
Name:________________________________
Email address:_____________________
Phone number:___________________________
Signature:_________________________________
Date:____________________

Acres of seed requested (either 2.5 acres or in 10-acre increments, e.g. 10, 20, 30, etc. acres. Please no 5, 15, 25, 35, etc. acres). This seed is only to be used within county or city rights-of-way. All seed picked up in 2025 must be planted no later than December 31, 2026.

______ Acres of cleanout mix (around 20 native grass, forb, and sedge species)
______ Acres of diversity mix (around 35-38 native grass, forb, and sedge species)

Check all methods you will be using to plant the seed:

______ Hydroseeding
______ Hand broadcast seeding
______ Broadcast seeding with equipment that will not cause rutting
______ * Broadcast seeding with heavy equipment such as a tractor that may cause rutting
______ * Drilling

*If you are planning to drill, or use heavy equipment such as a tractor that may cause rutting more than 6 inches to broadcast seed for any of the 2025 seed that you will receive, note the requirement for ensuring cultural resources compliance. The locations for seed that will be drilled or seeded using heavy equipment between when you pick it up next spring and December 31, 2026 are also due by October 18, 2024 as described below. If you are hydroseeding, mechanically broadcast seeding using equipment that will not rut, or hand broadcast seeding all of the seed, you only need to report the number of acres of seed you would like, you do not have to report seeding locations.

Because the seed is acquired through a federal grant through the Federal Highway Administration, every year IDOT reviews the grant on behalf of FHWA to ensure it meets federal environmental and cultural regulations. Even if the roadside construction/maintenance project did not involve federal funds, the planting of the seed is subject to federal review. Through this process seeding locations need to be provided for review. Per the National Historic Preservation Act, the Iowa State Historic Preservation Officer and other consulting parties (Native American Tribes/Nations) are allowed to review and comment on these undertakings regarding the presence or treatment of historic properties. Our focus is to ensure drill seeding and equipment does not disturb burial locations. Please submit your drilling and heavy equipment locations to me in the format below and the tribes will review it. Do your best to anticipate the locations of any construction projects that you will drill or use heavy equipment on by the end of 2026, erring on the side of including a bit more than the area anticipated to be safe.

Google Earth files (.kmz) are required. For those who may be unfamiliar there is very good instruction on the internet and YouTube on how to create polygons in Google Earth. Truly, Google Earth is easy to use and really helps expedite this process.     

  • create a polygon for each drill seed location, or where heavy equipment will be used (points or pins are insufficient)

  • label the polygon with name of the road used on Google Earth (if there is more than one, use sequential numbering, Casper Ave 1, Casper Ave 2, etc.); 

  • make each polygon slightly larger than will be needed (general rule of thumb is 100 feet in each direction)

  • each county needs to complete the attached table (very basic – one table per county)

It is important to comply with this request to be good stewards of cultural resources and follow state and federal laws. Although the entire ROW is often assumed to be disturbed, there are recorded burial sites in the roadside located in various counties around the state. Archaeologists and contractors find unrecorded burial sites regularly. It is critical that you avoid unintentionally uncovering or disturbing a burial site during a road project not only for the bad publicity for the county but to avoid jeopardizing receipt of Transportation Alternatives Program funds by the Iowa IRVM program in the future. 

In the long-term, your county may benefit from having a desktop cultural resources study done by a consultant. A consultant can review records and provide the county an inventory of burial locations within and near the ROW. Certain county employees then have internal access to proactively check for burial sites before any roadside project, whereby being able to avoid these locations in the future and streamline the seeding review. Contact Brennan Dolan, IDOT cultural resources manager/archaeologist, at brennan.dolan@dot.iowa.gov or 515-239-1795 for more information on consultants who can conduct a study. There may be a cost savings for neighboring counties to join together to have a desktop study done for their counties.

Appendix 4B: Sample Seed Mixes

Appendix 4B: Sample Seed Mixes thompsbb

The following seed mixes were supplied to Iowa counties and cities with an approved Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management plan. The seeding rates are based on a 3:1 slope. If planting seeds on a more level slope, it is recommended that seeding rates should be decreased. For a steeper slope, seeding rates should be increased. For example, for a 2:1 slope, seeding rates can be reduced by 35–40%. And for a 4:1 slope, seeding rates can be increased by 35–40%.

2025 Cleanout Mix, 10 Acres

Group I—Grasses and Grass-Like Plants

Species NameScientific NameBagsPLS lbs./bagSeeds/Square FootHabitat
Big bluestemAndropogon gerardii1207.35Mesic
IndiangrassSorghastrum nutans1156.61Mesic to dry
Little bluestemSchizachyrium scoparium12011.02Mesic
Rough dropseedSporobolus compositus155.14Dry
Sideoats gramaBouteloua curtipendula1204.41Dry
SwitchgrassPanicum virgatum17.53.86Mesic
Virginia wildryeElymus virginicus1202.57Dry
Bottlebrush sedge*Carex hystericina10.220.24Mesic
Total grass and grass-like plant seeds per square foot41.2 

*These are in the forb bags.
PLS = pure live seed

1 Black Bag, Blue Tie

Group II—Forbs

Species NameScientific NameBagsPLS lbs./bagPLS oz./bagSeeds/Square Foot
Black-eyed SusanRudbeckia hirta10.43871.48
Canada milkvetchAstragalus canadensis11.25200.69
Foxglove beardtonguePenstemon digitalis10.582.39 (small seed)
Golden AlexandersZizia aurea11.875300.76
Gray-headed coneflowerRatibida pinnata11.25201.38
IronweedVernonia fasciculata10.562590.41
Marsh muhlyMuhlenbergia racemosa10.1562.50.60
Ox-eye sunflowerHeliopsis helianthoides10.625100.14
Pale purple coneflowerEchinacea pallida11.25200.22
Partridge peaChamaecrista fasciculata11.25200.12
Purple prairie cloverDalea purpurea12.67542.81.67
Showy goldenrodSolidago speciosa10.2540.69
Showy tick trefoilDesmodium canadense10.625100.13
Sky blue asterSymphyotrichum oolentangiense10.2540.73
Smooth blue asterSymphyotrichum laeve10.2540.73
Stiff goldenrodOligoneuron rigidum10.437570.66
White prairie cloverDalea candida12.67542.82.16
Wild bergamotMonarda fistulosa10.437571.12
Total forb seeds per square foot16.08

PLS = pure live seed

2025 Diversity Mix, 10 Acres

Group I—Grasses and Grass-Like Plants

Species NameScientific NameBagsPLS lbs./bagSeeds/Square FootHabitat
Big bluestemAndropogon gerardii1207.35Mesic
IndiangrassSorghastrum nutans1156.61Mesic to dry
Little bluestemSchizachyrium scoparium12011.02Mesic
Rough dropseedSporobolus compositus155.14Dry
Sideoats gramaBouteloua curtipendula1204.41Dry
SwitchgrassPanicum virgatum17.53.86Mesic
Virginia wildryeElymus virginicus1202.57Dry
Bottlebrush sedge*Carex hystericina10.220.24Mesic
Field oval sedge*Carex molesta10.220.20Mesic
Total grass and grass-like plant seeds per square foot41.4 

*These are in the forb bags.
PLS = pure live seed

1 Black Bag, Grey Tie

Group II—Forbs

Species NameScientific NameBagsPLS lbs./bagPLS oz./bagSeeds/Square Foot
Black-eyed SusanRudbeckia hirta10.43871.48
Canada milkvetchAstragalus canadensis11.25200.69
Compass plantSilphium laciniatum10.437570.01
Foxglove beardtonguePenstemon digitalis10.582.39 (small seed)
Golden AlexandersZizia aurea11.875300.76
Gray-headed coneflowerRatibida pinnata11.25201.38
Great blue lobeliaLobelia siphilitica10.2544.59
Hoary vervainVerbena stricta10.625100.57
Illinois tick trefoilDesmodium illinoense10.1562.50.02
IronweedVernonia fasciculata10.562590.41
Large-flowered beardtonguePenstemon grandiflorus10.580.24
Marsh muhlyMuhlenbergia racemosa10.1562.50.60
Mountain mintPycnanthemum virginianum10.2814.52.27
Obedient plantPhysostegia virginiana10.437570.24
Ox-eye sunflowerHeliopsis helianthoides10.625 100.14
Pale purple coneflowerEchinacea pallida11.25200.22
Partridge peaChamaecrista fasciculata11.25200.12
Prairie blazing starLiatris pycnostachya10.3445.50.14
Purple prairie cloverDalea purpurea12.67542.81.67
Rattlesnake masterEryngium yuccifolium10.625100.17
RosinweedSilphium integrifolium10.37560.02
Roundheaded bushcloverLespedeza capitata10.312550.11
Showy goldenrodSolidago speciosa10.2540.69
Showy tick trefoilDesmodium canadense10.625100.13
Sky blue asterSymphyotrichum oolentangiense10.2540.73
Smooth blue asterSymphyotrichum laeve10.2540.73
Spotted Joe pye weedEutrochium maculatum10.2540.73
Stiff goldenrodOligoneuron rigidum10.437570.66
ThimbleweedAnemone cylindrica10.0851.360.12
White prairie cloverDalea candida12.67542.82.16
Wild bergamotMonarda fistulosa10.437571.12
Wild quinineParthenium integrifolium10.187530.07
Total forb seeds per square foot25.38

PLS = pure live seed

Wet Species

Species NameScientific NameBagsPLS lbs./bagPLS oz./bagSeeds/Square Foot
Blue vervainVerbena hastata10.75122.56
Fox sedgeCarex vulpinoidea11163.67 (small seed)
SneezeweedHelenium autumnale10.43872.25 (small seed)
Swamp milkweedAsclepias incarnata10.43870.08
Total wet species seeds per square foot8.56

PLS = pure live seed

Note: The last species will grow best in a wetter habitat, a location with more soil moisture such as the ditch bottom. The 3 species labeled as having small seeds won’t grow if they get buried. One way to plant them would be to mix the seed in a bucket of sand and scatter it by hand on the soil surface towards the bottom of the ditch.

Appendix 5A: Additional Resources for Roadside Managers

Appendix 5A: Additional Resources for Roadside Managers thompsbb

Native Plant and Seedling Guides

Books

Free Online Publications

Restoration and Management Guides 

Books

Free Online Publications

Weed and Weed Seedling Guides

Books

Free Online Publications

Appendix 7A: Sample Landowner Work Permit

Appendix 7A: Sample Landowner Work Permit thompsbb

According to Iowa Code Section 317.13, landowners who want to burn, mow, or spray in roadsides must obtain a work permit. The following sample work permit contains excerpted sections from permits found in county integrated roadside vegetation management (IRVM) plans. This sample permit is not meant to be comprehensive or a direct template. See the county IRVM plans on the Living Roadway Trust Fund’s IRVM website for examples of actual permits.

Prairie County Secondary Roads Department
Permit to Perform Work Within the Right-of-Way

 

Date:____/____/________

 

Name:______________________________________________________________________

Address:____________________________________________________________________

Phone:______________________________________________________________________

Email:_______________________________________________________________________

Work site address or road name(s):______________________________________________

Section:_______________________ Township:_______________________

Other identifying information (e.g., near a landmark): _______________________________

 

Request details (what work do you want to do and why?): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  1. Permits are required before any physical change can be made. 
  2. Work must comply with the County's integrated roadside vegetation management regulations and all laws now in effect or that may be hereafter enacted.
  3. The permittee must take all reasonable precautions during the work to protect and safeguard the lives and property of road users and adjacent property owners. The County shall be held harmless for any injuries, damages, or losses that may occur. Proper warning signs and/or devices in compliance with the Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways shall be used to alert road users of work being done. 
  4. The permittee shall hold the County harmless for any damage to the road due to the work being done. The permittee shall reimburse the County for any costs incurred due to the permittee's work. 

Appendix 7B: Sample No Spray Request

Appendix 7B: Sample No Spray Request thompsbb

Some landowners prefer that herbicides are not used to manage weeds in the roadsides that border their property. The following sample no-spray request form contains excerpted sections from similar forms found in county integrated roadside vegetation management (IRVM) plans. This sample permit is not meant to be comprehensive or a direct template. See the county IRVM plans on the Living Roadway Trust Fund’s IRVM website for examples of actual forms.

Prairie County Secondary Roads Department
No-Spray Request Form

 

I, __________________________, hereby request that the Prairie County Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management (IRVM) department, within the Secondary Roads Department, refrain from applying pesticides in the right-of-way adjacent to my property, located at the address of _______________________________________, on the ________ side of the road in Section_______ of ________________________Township along ___________________ road. In return, I agree that I am responsible for the vegetation management of the above-described portion of the right-of-way, including the destruction of noxious weeds and the prevention of new growth or regrowth of trees and brush. This request is valid for one growing season.

I understand that other parties (e.g., electric, gas, phone companies) may apply pesticides and herbicides and cut trees and brush within the right-of-way.

I acknowledge that if I fail to properly manage the right-of-way by non-chemical means, Prairie County reserves the right to spray the area, at which time the agreement becomes null and void and the right-of-way is returned to the IRVM for management. 

I understand that it is my responsibility to post and maintain “No Spray” signs provided by Prairie County Conservation at a rate of $____ per set. Signs must remain visible from the roadway. If they are not visible or properly maintained, the agreement becomes null and void.

Approval is ▢ given ▢ not given from date below to the end of the current calendar year. It is the applicant’s responsibility to submit a renewed application by January 1, ________.

‌_________________________________________________

_________________

Prairie County Engineeer

Date

Appendix 8A: Brush Control Policy Examples

Appendix 8A: Brush Control Policy Examples thompsbb

Controlling brush in roadsides enhances driver safety and is a key component of any Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management (IRVM) plan. The following excerpts from IRVM city and county plans across Iowa serve as examples of policies in place used to manage roadside brush.

Removal of a public tree shall be complete, and the work site shall be cleaned up promptly and all tree trunks, limbs, branches, twigs and brush shall be disposed of in an authorized manner.
—City of Davenport Procedure for Tree Removal section

As stated in the previous section about chemicals, the goal is to utilize native forbs, grasses, and sedges to compete with weeds and woody species to reduce the amount of pesticide needed in the future.
—Polk County Tree and Brush Control section

A systematic approach will be needed to control brush…the control of brush from the fore slope to ditch bottom should be managed countywide. As time and resources allow, additional areas of the ROW can be controlled for brush.
—Bremer County Noxious Weed and Brush Control section

Brush control represents the major thrust of mechanical or "hands-on" implementation for Des Moines County's Roadside Vegetation Management program. Small brush will be controlled using spot-treatment techniques designed not to disturb beneficial plant communities.
—Des Moines County Brush Control Plan section

Tree and brush control (non-herbicidal) is conducted on all portions of the right-of-way in IRVM seedings as time and resources allow.
—Guthrie County Tree and Brush Control section

The number one concern for a brush removal policy is safety for the traveling and general public... There are certain conditions within the Right of Way in which brush or trees present clear hazards. In these situations, the brush and trees which are in close proximity to the road surface must be removed. Trees within the Right of Way, but greater than 30 feet from the road surface present reduced hazard and may be considered individually.
—Johnson County Brush Control Policy

Webster County currently has a contractor hired to spray brush by a foliar application on a four-year rotation. The county is divided up into 4 horizontal tiers in which one tier is sprayed each year. The Secondary Road Department works two tiers ahead of the contractor cutting down larger brush and trees. When the contractor arrives at that site two years later the re-growth is the proper size to receive a foliar application.
—Webster County Brush/Tree Control section

Appendix 8B: Sample Policy for Private Property Brush Removal

Appendix 8B: Sample Policy for Private Property Brush Removal thompsbb

The following Fayette County Road Department policy, pertaining to the removal of brush from county roadways, serves as an example that roadside managers and other officials can draw from when drafting or revising policies for their counties or cities.

Fayette County Road Department Log Disposal Policy

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for handling and disposal of logs in the secondary road right of way (ROW).

During road clearing operations the Fayette County Road Department (FCRD) encounters brush and trees, including large trees, in the ROW. Additionally, the FCRD negotiates with local landowners for tree felling permission when trees on the private side of the ROW fence could fall onto the roadway, creating a safety hazard to the traveling public. Large trees sometimes contain logs of some value, and a suitable, uniform method of disposing of such is required. Two basic scenarios exist in these operations and each has guidelines tailored to the situation, with subcategories under the basic scenario.

  1. Large Trees in the ROW:
    1. Logs will be cut out and hauled to central location near the project site(s). FCRD will cut logs out and haul to central location near the project site(s) and sell log pile(s) to interested logger or other individuals at a later date through publicly advertised sealed bid or auction. Documentation of ownership will be provided by County Engineer's Office.
    2. If landowner wants the tops for firewood, tops are hauled onto landowner property. FCRD assumes no cleanup responsibility for pile.
    3. If landowner does not want the tops for firewood, they will be hauled to a central location for further disposal. County Conservation Department will have access to tops pile for firewood cutting in a timely manner prior to disposal.
  2. Large Trees outside the ROW
    1. If landowner wants the logs: Landowner to provide location to pile logs off ROW. FCRD assumes no cleanup responsibility for pile. Tops handled same as above scenario.
    2. If landowner does not want the logs: Log disposal will be same as part 1a. Tops handled same as above scenario. 
    3. Fayette County Road Department maintenance foremen will write contracts with the landowners specifying the details of tree cutting and log disposal.

Appendix 9A: Sample Prescribed Burn Press Release

Appendix 9A: Sample Prescribed Burn Press Release thompsbb

Prairie County Engineer
1234 Highway 1
Prairie City, Iowa, 54321
555-123-4567


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2025
Contact: Mike Jones, Prairie County Roadside Manager
555-123-4567
irvm@prairiecounty.iowa.gov

Prescribed Burning in County Roadsides

Prairie County Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management (IRVM) will be conducting prescribed burns in roadsides adjacent to county roads during the next few months. Prescribed burns are an effective resource management tool utilized to discourage the growth of weeds and woody vegetation, while promoting the growth of desired native prairie vegetation in roadsides. All staff members working on prescribed burns are certified in wildland firefighting and take all necessary safety precautions to minimize the risks associated with a prescribed fire. Please use caution when approaching a burn site, as staff members and equipment may be near the road.

Established in 2018, Prairie County Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management cares for roadsides along county roads using a variety of management techniques with sound ecological principles. The IRVM approach centers on planting and maintaining safe, healthy, and functional native prairie vegetation, which reduces erosion, enhances rainfall infiltration, creates habitat for pollinators, nesting birds, and other wildlife, and more. The IRVM approach also includes strategic herbicide application and mowing, and weed and brush control.

Prairie County IRVM is a division of the County Secondary Roads Department of Prairie County. For more information, visit prairiecounty.iowa.gov/IRVM. 

Appendix 9B: Sample Adjacent Landowner Notification

Appendix 9B: Sample Adjacent Landowner Notification thompsbb

P R A I R I E  C O U N T Y  E N G I N E E R
1 2 3 4  H I G H W A Y  1
P R A I R I E  C I T Y,  I O W A  5 4 3 2 1
5 5 5 - 1 2 3 - 4 5 6 7


MEMO


TO: Joan Q. Public
FROM: Mike Jones, Prairie County Roadside Manager
DATE: MARCH 10, 2025
RE: Controlled burning in the roadside

Joan Q. Public
4321 Apple Avenue
Prairie City, IA 54321

 

A prescribed burn for the roadside in the vicinity of your residence is scheduled to be conducted this spring by Prairie County Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management. The burn will be conducted by adequately trained personnel and only under the safest conditions. The purpose of this memo is to notify you that:

  1. A prescribed burn will occur in the roadside on Apple Avenue between 120th Avenue and 130th Avenue.
  2. Smoke will be produced in and around the vicinity of the burn for a short time.
  3. This action may require minor traffic control around your residence.

Why Prescribed Burning?

In order to encourage the establishment of native plants in our county roadsides, Prairie County Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management uses various management techniques with sound ecological principles. Prescribed burning (not to be confused with wildfire) is any fire ignited by management actions to meet specific objectives. Goals of prescribed burns in terms of roadside management include stimulating the growth of desirable species such as native grasses and flowers, impeding the growth of undesirable species such as weeds and woody vegetation, and giving desirable species a competitive advantage over undesirable species. In some instances, a prescribed burn may replace the need to use herbicides in the roadside. 

For any questions, comments, or concerns about this notice, please contact:

Mike Jones, Roadside Manager/Weed Commissioner
Prairie County Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management
Prairie County Secondary Roads Department
1234 Hwy 1
Prairie City, IA 54321 
555-123-4567
irvm@prairiecounty.iowa.gov 

Appendix 9C: Sample Burn Site Spreadsheet

Appendix 9C: Sample Burn Site Spreadsheet thompsbb

Burn History

Site ID #

Location

Wind Direction

Last Burn

1996-7north side of 150th St. west of Juniper Ave.

S

4/24/2016
1995-10east side of Tulip Ave. south of 290th St.

W

12/10/2016
1996-17south side of 150th St. west of Juniper Ave.

N

4/15/2020
1997-7south side of 300th St. west of Sumac Ave.

N

3/31/2022
1997-9west side of Sumac Ave. south of County Rd. B20

E

3/31/2022
1992-2south side of 130th St. east of Pine Ave.

N

4/1/2022
2002-5west side of Violet Ave. north of 150th St.

E

10/15/2022
1994-5north side of 120th St. south of 290th St.

S

11/15/2022
1998-1triangle at 260th St. and Finch Ave.

NW

11/23/2022
1996-13south side of County Rd. B15 west of Prairie Ave.

N

4/7/2023
1991-1south side of 265th St. west of Oak Ave.

N

4/12/2023
1995-13south side of 320th St. east of Bluebird Ave.

N

4/13/2023
1996-12south side of 310th St. east of Phlox Ave.

N

4/13/2023
1996-1north side of 160th St. east of Robin Ave.

S

4/15/2023
1995-20north triangle at Basswood Ave. and 300th St.

SE

4/6/2024
2001-5south side of 200th St. east of Maple Ave.

N

4/12/2024
2002-4south side of 210th St. west of Nuthatch Ave.

N

4/12/2024
1995-17south triangle at 320th St. and Killdeer Ave.

E

4/17/2024
1995-21south triangle at Dogwood Ave. and 300th St.

NE

4/17/2024
1997-5east side of Tulip Ave. north of 290th St.

W

4/19/2024
1994-1south triangle at 150th St. and Violet Ave.

W

4/20/2024
1994-6south triangle at 130th St. and Eagle Ave.

N, W

4/20/2024
1994-4east side of Tulip Ave. south of 320th St.

W

4/21/2024
1995-12east side of Tulip Ave. south of 320th St.

W

4/21/2024
1997-8east side of Sparrow Ave. south of 300th St.

W

4/21/2024
1995-15south side 330th St. east of Larkspur Ave.

N

4/25/2024
2000-2south side of 330th St. west of Prairie Ave.

N

4/25/2024
2001-1south side of 250th St. west of Sycamore Ave.

N

4/25/2024
2004-2east side of Tulip Ave. north of 170th St.

W

11/20/2024
1998-4290th St. bridge east of Spruce Ave.

S

11/22/2024
2003-3triangle at Apple Ave. and 220th St.

S

11/22/2024
2005-2west side of Ash Ave. north of 210th St.

E

11/22/2024
1995-2south side of 150th St. east of Hickory Ave.

N

4/9/2025
1995-22south side of 150th St. west of Walnut Ave.

N

4/9/2025
1995-4south side 160th St. east of Sycamore Ave.

N

4/9/2025

Last updated: 5/1/2025

Appendix 9D: Sample Prescribed Burn Management Plan

Appendix 9D: Sample Prescribed Burn Management Plan thompsbb

Location: west side of Apple Ave. between 120th St. and 130th St.

Date: April 18, 2025

Prescribed Burn Parameter for This Location

Temperature: 40–70°F

Wind direction(s): East or southeast

Wind speed: <15 miles per hour

Relative humidity: >30%

Personnel requirements: 1 crew boss, 1 additional

Equipment requirements: 1 pump truck (300 gallons), hand tools, 1 backpack sprayer

Potential hazards:

  • Wood utility poles (x6)
  • Phone box 20 yards north of farm drive
  • Corn stubble in adjacent field (tilled)
  • Stop sign
  • Plastic culvert under farm drive

Prepared Fire Breaks Required

Description:

  • Wet line near the intersection of Apple Ave. and 120th St.
  • Wet lines around potential hazards

Potential anchor points: Northwest or southwest corners

Special concerns:

  • Heavy traffic on Apple Ave. after 3 p.m.
  • Acreages/farms located to the west and northwest

Notes:

Smooth brome is abundant on the north end–early spring burn is desired

Emergency Phone: Conservation Board office, 555-111-5678

Local Fire District: Prairie City Fire Department, 555-111-8765

Appendix 9E: Sample Prescribed Burn Weather Information

Appendix 9E: Sample Prescribed Burn Weather Information thompsbb

Location: west side of Apple Ave. between 120th St. and 130th St.

Date: April 18, 2025

Personnel:

  • Crew boss: Mike Jones
  • Crew: James Smith

Forecasted Weather Data

Source: NOAA

Forecast time frame: 9–11 a.m.

Temperature: 60–68°F

Relative humidity: 55–62%

Relative humidity: 58%

Dew point: 32°F

Wind direction: southeast

Wind speed: 7–10 mph

Cloud cover: partly cloudy

Beginning On-Site Weather Data

Time: 9:35 a.m.

Temperature: 64°F

Dew point: 32°F

Wind direction: east-south-east

Wind speed: 8–10 mph

Cloud cover: Mostly sunny

Ending On-Site Weather Data

Time: 10:15 a.m.

Temperature: 66°F

Relative humidity: 53%

Dew point: 30°F

Wind direction: southeast

Wind speed: 8–10 mph

Cloud cover: Partly cloudy

Notes: 90% burn–approximately 2 acres