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

 Rate each of the following by circling all responses that apply. 

1. Tree and brush control
   • Maintenance of sight lines
     • Very good
     • Adequate
     • Inadequate
     • Big need
   • Maintenance of recovery zone
     • Very good
     • Adequate
     • Inadequate
     • Big need
   • Removal of trees that present immoveable objects
     • Very good
     • Adequate
     • Inadequate
     • Big need
   • Removal of hazardous tree limbs
     • Very good
     • Adequate
     • Inadequate
     • Big need
   • Amount of tree cutting in general 
     • Well-balanced approach
     • Too aggressive
   • Quality of tree and brush cutting
     • Clean & professional
     • Not too bad
2. Weed control
   • General perception of roadside weed control
     • Very good
     • Adequate
     • Inadequate
     • Big issue
     • Not an issue
   • Amount of roadside spraying being done
     • Very good
     • Adequate
     • Inadequate
     • Big issue
     • Not an issue
   • Effectiveness of roadside weed spraying
     • Good results
     • Making progress
     • No sign of improvement
     • Losing ground
   • Characterize the application of herbicides
     • Responsible
     • Inconsistent
     • Indiscriminate
   •  Do spray crews need to cover more of the county each year?
     • Yes
     • No
     • Not the main concern
   • Is most weed spraying completed during May, June and September when spraying is most effective?
     • Yes
     • No
   • When a landowner complains about roadside weeds, but the weeds in question are not considered much of a problem, do you...
     • Take advantage of the opportunity to explain the county’s IRVM program and weed control priorities 
     • Automatically spray the weeds
3. Who does the roadside seeding? 
   • Private contractor
   • Private contractor does large jobs
   • Secondary roads
   • Conservation
4. When is native vegetation used in roadsides? 
   • 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.

   • 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 currently spending on:
   • Tree and brush control
   • Weed control
   • Seeding road projects
   • Erosion control measure installation
   • Weed commissioner salary
8. Based on the responses to these questions, which of the following are recommended?
   • 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

_________ COUNTY, IOWA

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Roadside Vegetation Manager

Department: County Engineer or County Conservation or Independent

Supervisor: County Engineer or Conservation Director or County Supervisors

Salary Range: $35,000–$45,000

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 and wildlife area managers to assist them with routine public land and facility management goals and objectives.

 Duties and Responsibilities

1. Direct the assigned staff in the design and implementation of the county’s IRVM plan.
2. Control noxious weeds in road rights-of-way, particularly those species identified by the county IRVM committee.
3. Coordinate and assist with control and removal of woody vegetation along county roadways.
4. Establish vegetation, primarily native, in cleaned, regraded and newly created ROW.
5. Conduct prescribed burns in selected county road ROW.
6. Conduct safety training for assigned staff.
7. Perform all duties and responsibilities of the County Weed Commissioner.
8. Develop a program of public information and education to promote public understanding of IRVM and wise land use practices that support IRVM objectives.
9. Inventory and document plant communities and related conditions along county ROW.
10. Manage those areas of native vegetation identified by the inventory process to improve diversity and overall health.
11. 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.
12. Assist with and perform scheduled and non-scheduled routine equipment maintenance and arrange with supervisor for non-routine work to be completed by private vendors.
13. Direct and assist with production, harvest and processing of native seed for use in ROW seeding projects.
14. Compile monthly individual and supervised staff work activity reports for all tasks completed.
15. Keep records of maintenance performed on assigned equipment and facilities.
16. Assist supervisor with annual budget preparation and expense tracking for ROW management operations.
17. Submit applications to the Living Roadway Trust Fund and other funding opportunities.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements listed as follows are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required.

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 assigned work and develop efficient strategies to accomplish said work.
4. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, the general public, special interest groups and individuals from other agencies.
5. Ability to operate personal computers and demonstrate or attain proficiency in Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel and the internet.
6. Ability to continue professional training to remain knowledgeable of current issues, trends and management techniques.
7. Ability to make minor repairs on equipment and facilities not requiring a trained, professional repair person.
8. Ability to work a non-standard work week, including nights and weekends to accomplish the objectives of the position. 
9. Ability to maintain accurate safety, work and equipment maintenance records.

The requirements and duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Education and Experience

A bachelor’s degree in a natural resource-related field and a minimum of two years practical work experience in natural resource/vegetation management or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position.

Knowledge of the tools and equipment required to perform the job.

Language Skills

1. The ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and the general public.
2. Ability to deal with the general public in a tactful and courteous manner.
3. Ability to properly and effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

Reasoning Ability

1. Ability to apply common-sense understanding to carry out instructions in written, oral or diagram form.
2. Ability to apply common sense to solve problems or achieve work objectives.
3. Ability to recognize work situations that require special attention.
4. Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in standardized situations.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

1. Valid Iowa Commercial Drivers License (within 60 days of hire date).
2. Valid Iowa Pesticide Applicator License in category 6, Right-of-way and category 1A, Agriculture.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required 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 work day.
2. The employee must routinely lift 50-pound objects 40 inches high and carry them for 15 yards.
3. 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

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

1. While performing the duties of this job the employee may work around moving parts/equipment.
2. The employee may work outdoors in extreme hot, cold, rainy, snowy and windy weather conditions.
3. The employee may be exposed to dust, fumes and loud noises.

Comments

Must be insurable for driving under county insurance company policies.

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.

______ COUNTY INTEGRATED ROADSIDE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

General Plan

Section 314.22 of the Iowa Code, Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management, states:

It is declared to be in the general public welfare of Iowa and a highway purpose for the vegetation of Iowa's roadsides to be preserved, planted, and maintained to be safe, visually interesting, ecologically integrated, and useful for many purposes.

DEFINITION

Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management (IRVM)

A long term approach to vegetation management that:

1. Systematically evaluates each area to be managed.
2. Determines which plant communities best fit the area.
3. Develops procedures that will encourage, enhance or re-establish native plant communities.
4. Provides self-sustaining, diversified, visually interesting vegetation.
5. Keeps safety and an improved environment as priorities.
6. Utilizes the most beneficial methods to prevent or correct undesirable situations by disturbance or less than optimum vegetative ground cover.
7. Enforces Chapter 317, Code of Iowa Noxious Weed Law.

INTRODUCTION

The prime purpose of road corridors is to transport people and goods safely and efficiently from one location to another. The prime purpose of roadside vegetation is to hold soil in place without creating hazards.

__________ County's vegetation management goals must meet certain safety and functional requirements before aesthetic, recreational, or economic considerations can be addressed. These are to maintain a clear zone recovery area, meet minimal sight distance requirements and provide for erosion control. We are also required by law to mow or otherwise control noxious weeds. 

Through the use of IRVM, we should be able to meet the prime purposes, provide a safe corridor for travel and address other desirable uses for roadside vegetation. 

The goals of the Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Program are to: 

1. Preserve and provide safe, functional and environmentally improved corridors of travel throughout the county.
2. Utilize a long-term integrated management program that promotes desirable, self-sustaining plant communities in roadsides, drainage districts and other public lands in __________ County.
3. Encourage those plant communities that are native to Iowa through preservation and re-establish whenever practical.
4. Implement a brush control program within the roadsides and county drainage districts.
5. Make more efficient and effective use of chemicals as a control method of undesirable plants.
6. Enhance the scenic qualities of the roadsides and their value as roadside habitat.

PROCEDURES FOR INTEGRATED ROADSIDE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

1. Inventory sites to be managed, listing areas of desirable vegetation and those needing improvement.
2. Determine the appropriate management methods needed.
3. Determine the best time to implement management procedures and see that they are accomplished at that time. Temporary procedures may be needed to preserve an area before permanent methods can be utilized. 

INTEGRATED ROADSIDE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT METHODS

Integrated vegetation management includes the use of cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical practices. Each location must be evaluated to determine the method to be used. One or more of the following will be used:

1. Cultural Methods

   Cultural controls can be achieved through the introduction and management of desirable plants to control noxious weeds and other undesirable plants. __________ County IRVM will use diverse native grass and forb mixes in their plantings. These diverse native plantings will be maintained and protected. Traditional lower gardening turf/lawn species may be used in clear zone areas or in front of private buildings at the landowner's request.

   Prescribed fire is recognized as a valuable tool in brush and invasive plant control and can be used to enhance and maintain native plant communities. __________ County recognizes the potential hazards relating to prescribed fire. Therefore roadsides will be burned only under the safest atmospheric conditions by burn crew personnel trained and certified in the use of fire. 

2. Mechanical Methods

   This involves anything from tractor mowers for managing shoulders, weed control and planting maintenance for pruning shears, chainsaws and boom mowers for controlling brush and maintaining guardrails and the clear zone.

3. Biological Methods

   This involves the use of animals, insects, bacteria or viruses to control plant growth. Natural enemies of noxious weeds could possibly be used in the ROW if necessary. Further research will be needed on other possible biological controls before the county will recommend them.

4. Chemical Methods

   Selection of chemicals to be used shall be based on their label constraints and residual effects on the environment. They will be monitored to document their effectiveness and impacts upon target and non-target species. 

   The herbicide industry continually develops new chemicals with specific effects on specific plant species. These herbicides can be valuable tools for controlling undesirable plants on a short-term basis. __________ County herbicide applicators will be certified by the State of Iowa as public applicators in categories 1A and 6.

EDUCATION AND INFORMATION

As part of the county's IRVM plan, it will:

1. Develop a public awareness campaign to gain support for integrated roadside management through media, established organizations, seminars and brochures.
2. Obtain educational and informational material on IRVM to be presented in seminars and distributed to adjacent landowners, the general public, consultants and contractors.
3. Provide guidelines and directives for contractors and others who seed, plant and maintain roadsides.
4. Prepare and distribute instructions on preservation of desirable areas and treatment of areas that need improvement.
5. Gather, develop, and distribute information with other jurisdictions, municipalities, counties and nonprofit organizations.
6. Encourage research in all aspects of IRVM, e.g.: road design for improving IRVM, planting methods, management practices, seed sources, seeding rates, seed mixes, planting materials, etc.
7. Encourage use of native seeds and plant materials.
8. Document and map all aspects of the IRVM progress using GIS software.

This is a flexible plan that requires common sense interpretations with changes as necessary to fit the ever-changing complex circumstances realized in roadside vegetation management. 

Diversity mix

(mixes change slightly each year based on species availability and prices)

Wet species bagged separately for use in moist ditch bottoms.

Ditch clean-out mix

Foliar Brush Control Herbicide Recommendations

Roadside manager notes (2011) — Foliar herbicide:

• Garlon/Escort is a common mix for brush control. Where Garlon (triclopyr) is noted, either Garlon 3A (amine formulation) or Garlon 4 (ester) can be used. Garlon 4 is usually more effective but in hot weather can volatilize drift and affect non-target species. 3A is non-volatile and usually considered the best choice for hot weather. 
• We quit spraying Tordon in roadside situations due to standing water and high water tables.
• Arsenal usually kills cool season grass, which can eventually create thistle problems. We limit its use to Japanese Knotweed.
• We've had good luck with Opensight at 3.3 ounces per acre plus an additional 1 ounce per acre of Escort on all of these trees.
• Honeysuckle control is different. When isolated patches are found, consider basal treatment.

Basal Bark Brush Control Herbicide Recommendations

Roadside manager notes (2011) — Basal bark herbicide:

• We've started adding about 0.5–1% Stalker to our 25% Garlon 4 mix. We used to add 3% Stalker, but our "ring of death" seemed to last for three or more years rather than just one.
• It helps to hack up thick- or corky-barked tress and trees > 2 inches in diameter.
• For most trees, we use 2.5 gallons Garlon plus 4 quarts Stalker plus 12.5 gallons diesel fuel or basal oil to make about a 15 gallon mix.

2002 herbicide recommendations taken from Tree and Brush Control for County Road Right-of-Way.

Iowa Pesticide Applicator Licenses and Certifications 

Certified Applicators 

Each individual who applies pesticides for a state or county agency, municipal corporation or other government entity is required to be certified. Certified public applicators may obtain a one-year certification for $10 or a three-year certification for $15. Certifications are valid only when associated with a valid licensed agency. Written examinations are required for first-time applicators. Written exams are also required for individuals adding on certification categories and those persons choosing not to maintain continuing instruction credit hours.

The core examination and appropriate category test(s) must be successfully passed before application for certification can be made. Additional categories may be added anytime with no extra charge. Any category will carry the same expiration date as the card on which it is added. Each certified individual must be listed as an applicator under a current Iowa pesticide applicator license for that certification to be valid. 

Renewal of Applicator Certifications 

Each applicator is placed on a three-year “qualification cycle.” During those three years, an applicator may maintain a single-year certification by submitting a one-year fee and renewal form (certification renewal forms are provided by the Pesticide Bureau). A 30-day grace period from the date of expiration will be allowed for the renewal of the certification. At the end of the qualification cycle each applicator must indicate a method of renewal by: 

1. Declaring that at least two hours of continuing instruction for each certified application category has been received for each of the previous three years and verification of having received training is on file with the applicator’s employer; or, 
2. Completing written tests at the end of the third year of the “qualification cycle;” or, 
3. Maintaining a combination of training and testing. 

Note: An applicator who misses two hours of training for any one category for any one year is required to complete written tests for that particular category. There are no provisions for “making up” missed continuing instruction hours to avoid the written test. 

Written applicator tests are offered daily, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wallace Building at East Ninth and Grand in Des Moines. If a group of ten or more is involved, please call (515) 281-4339 or (515) 286-5601 and make an appointment. Otherwise, no appointment is necessary. Photo identification is required. Tests are also offered on a limited basis at some cooperative extension service area offices. Please contact either the area office or the Pesticide Bureau for a current testing schedule.

Contact Information 

Restricted-use Pesticide Recordkeeping 

These rules apply to both certified private and commercial applicators. The Iowa Pesticide Act requires applicators to keep records of all pesticide applications for 3 years. The federal regulations require pesticide applicators to record the following information within 14 days of the restricted use pesticide application: 

• The brand or product name and the EPA registration number of the restricted use pesticide that was applied. 
• The total amount of the restricted-use pesticide applied. 
• The location of the application. 
• The size of the area treated. 
• The crop, commodity, stored product or site to which the pesticide was applied. 
• The month, day and year on which the restricted-use pesticide application occurred. 
• The name and certification number of the certified applicator who applied the restricted-use pesticide.

More information can found in this IDALS document. 

P R A I R I E  C O U N T Y  E N G I N E E R

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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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: March 1, 2024

Contact: Mike Jones, Prairie County Roadside Manager – 555-123-4567

Prescribed Burning in County Rights-of-way

Prairie County IRVM will be conducting prescribed burns in county road rights-of-way 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 vegetation in roadside prairie sites. All staff members 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 traveled portion of the road.

For more information, contact the IRVM office at 555-123-4567.

P R A I R I E  C O U N T Y  E N G I N E E R

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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: RESIDENT

FROM: MIKE JONES

DATE: MARCH 10, 2024

RE: CONTROLLED BURNING IN RIGHT-OF-WAY

(address)

In order to encourage the establishment of native plant communities in our roadsides, different management techniques must be used along with our more traditional methods of mowing and spraying. 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 growth of desirable species such as native grasses and flowers, impeding growth of undesirable species such as weeds and woody vegetation, and giving desirable species a competitive advantage over other species. In some instances, a prescribed burn may replace the need to use herbicides in the ROW. 

A prescribed burn for the right-of-way in the vicinity of your residence is scheduled for this spring. The burn will be conducted only by properly trained personnel and only under the safest conditions. The purpose of this memo is to notify you that a) a prescribed burn will take place, b) smoke will be produced in and around the vicinity of the burn for a short time, and c) this action may require minor traffic control around your residence. 

Specific location:

Right-of-way on Apple Avenue between 120th Avenue and 130th Avenue

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

Mike Jones, Roadside Manager/Weed Commissioner

Prairie County Secondary Roads Department

1234 Hwy 1

Prairie City, IA 54321 

555-123-4567

Burn history

Last updated: 5/1/2023

Prescribed Burn Management Plan

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

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 yds. 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 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 abundant on the north end – early spring burn desired

Prescribed Burn Weather Information

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

Date: April 18, 2024

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%

Dewpoint: 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

Relative humidity (%): 58%

Dewpoint: 32 F

Wind direction: ESE

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%

Dewpoint: 30 F

Wind direction: SE

Wind speed: 8–10 mph

Cloud cover: Partly cloudy

Notes: 90% burn – approximately 2 acres

Native plant and seedling guides

• An Illustrated Guide to Iowa Prairie Plants. Christiansen, P. and M. Muller. 1999.
• Central Region Seedling ID Guide for Native Prairie Plants. USDA - NRCS Elsberry Plant Materials Center and the Missouri DOC. 2005.
• How to Know the Grasses. Pohl, Richard W. 1978.
• The Prairie in Seed: Identifying Seed-Bearing Prairie Plants in the Upper Midwest. Williams, D. 2016.
• The Prairie Seedling Guide, 2nd Ed. Bockenstedt, P. 2007.
• Roadside Plants and Flowers. Edsall, M. 1985.
• The Tallgrass Prairie Center Guide to Seed and Seedling Identification in the Upper Midwest. Williams, D. 2010.
• Tallgrass Prairie Wildflowers: A Field Guide to Common Wildflowers and Plants of the Prairie Midwest. Ladd, D. and F. Oberle, 1995.
• The Vascular Plants of Iowa. Eilers, L. and D. Roosa. 1994.
• Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin, 2nd Ed. Eggers, S. and D. Reed. 1997.
• Wildflowers of the Tallgrass Prairie, The Upper Midwest, 2nd Ed. Runkel, S. and D. Roosa. 2010. 

Restoration and Management guides 

• A Practical Guide to Prairie Reconstruction. Kurtz, C. 2001.
• The Ecology and Management of Prairies in the Central United States. Helzer, C. 2009. 
• The Tallgrass Prairie Center Guide to Prairie Restoration in the Upper Midwest. Smith, D., D. Williams, G. Houseal and K. Henderson. 2010.
• The Tallgrass Prairie Center’s Native Seed Production Manual. Houseal, G. 2007.
• The Tallgrass Restoration Handbook, Revised Ed. Packard, S. and C. Mutel. 2005.
• Tree and Brush Control for County Road Right-of-Way. Williams, W. 2002.

Weed and weed seedling guides

• A Field Guide to Terrestrial Invasive Plants in Wisconsin. Wisconsin DNR. 2010.
• Common Weed Seedlings of the North Central States, Reprint. Chomas, A., J. Kells and J. Carey. 2001.
• Invasive Plants of the Upper Midwest: An Illustrated Guide to Their Identification and Control. Czarapata, E. 2005.
• Weeds of the Midwestern U.S. & Central Canada. Bryson, C., M. DeFelice and A. Evans. 2010.
• Weeds of Nebraska and the Great Plains. Nebraska Department of Agriculture. 1995.
• Weeds of the Northern U.S. and Canada: A Guide for Identification. Royer, F. and R. Dickinson. 1999.