06/02/2026
In March 2025, the City of Decorah (Parks and Recreation and Public Works) was officially accepted into the Iowa DOT Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Program. Decorah is one of few cities in the state of Iowa to participate in this program.
The first area designated for this program is a small area (1 acre) of land along Pulpit Rock Road.
On the morning of Thursday, June 4, this area will be sprayed with aquatic-labeled glyphosate for w**ds and invasive plants. In the following weeks, the seedbed will be conditioned and seeded with a native plant seed mix.
The adjacent trail will be closed until the re-entry period of 24 hours, and signage will remain up for 96 hours with additional information regarding the application.
On the morning of Thursday, June 4, a 3-acre area of Carlson Park will be sprayed with glyphosate for w**ds and invasive plants. This area is in the Northwest Zone of the Carlson Park Trail Development project. In the following weeks, the seedbed will be conditioned and seeded. Prairie mixes will be used in this zone to establish an oak-savanna ecosystem.
The area will be closed until the re-entry period of 24 hours, and signage will remain up for 96 hours with additional information regarding the application.
Why IRVM Matters
Integrated roadside vegetation management (IRVM) in Iowa uses native grasses and wildflowers of the original predominantly prairie landscape, which are well-adapted for use on roadsides. Hardy and beautiful, native roadsides offer aesthetic, economic, environmental, and educational opportunities.
Establishing prairie plants in roadside rights of way:
Provides low-maintenance w**d and erosion control.
Reduces mowing and fuel consumption.
Reduces surface runoff and erosion by improving infiltration.
Reduces snow drifting and winter glare.
Ensures sustainability by increasing species diversity.
Enhances wildlife habitat.
Beautifies the landscape by providing ever changing color and texture throughout the year.
Preserves our natural heritage.
Provides filtering and capture of nutrients, pesticides, and sediment.
