Benton County IRM

10/13/2022

10/13/2022

Hello everyone I am sad to inform that a few technology issues have occurred and we have had to create a new page. The new page for any further information and posts on roadsides in Benton County will occur on the new Benton County Iowa Roadside Management page

08/24/2020

Our IRM Intern Wes got deployed last week to fight wildfires in Colorado! Wes has been an integral part of our staff this year and we wish him luck in the time he is gone. This summer he has helped in drastically improving the efficiency of the W**d Commission, managed numerous prairie plantings in the right-of-way and developed new seed cleaning techniques to help us diversify our plantings. Benton County IRM is proud to support these types of opportunities and we look forward to hearing some good stories when he gets back!

08/10/2020

08/10/2020

A few shots of some unique native plants around Benton County.

06/30/2020

Are you interested in seeing the native plants that are located in Benton County roadsides take a a look at the Inaturalist app for Android and Iphone. We have created a project documenting the native plants in our county and to help reach all nature loving people. You can also help us document native plants around the county with the app as well!

06/25/2020

Take a look at this Red-winged Blackbirds nest found in one of our prairie reconstructions here in Benton County. Contact Benton County IRVM to inquire about planting native species in your road sides to experience Iowa's natural beauty: https://www.bentoncountyia.gov/departments/roads/integrated-roadside-vegetation-management/contact-us

05/18/2020

Noxious w**d season is upon us once again. Benton County has set the effective control date for these w**ds as June 1st, 2020. If you are interested in learning more about noxious w**ds feel free to check out their section on the Benton County website: https://www.bentoncountyiowa.org/departments/roads/w**d-commissioner/noxious-w**ds. Iowa Code Sections pertaining to noxious w**ds can be found here: https://www.bentoncountyiowa.org/departments/roads/w**d-commissioner/iowa-code. If you are interested in filing a noxious w**d complaint online please email the form from the following link to [email protected] : https://www.bentoncountyiowa.org/departments/roads/w**d-commissioner/filing-a-w**d-complaint

05/18/2020

Roadside spraying will begin on 5/20/2020. The Benton County IRM Program runs two trucks to provide this service annually and we cover every mile (~ 5,000 acres of right-of-way) of the secondary road system throughout the summer. Our spray mixture is designed to target noxious w**ds such as Canada Thistle, undesirable trees and brush and invasive plants such as Wild Parsnip. This mixture includes Milestone, 2,4 D, Es**rt and a surfactant. We run a spot spray operation that allows us to be both effective and economical.

05/18/2020

The Benton County IRM Program has a No Spray Sign permitting process available to county residents. The permit has a $55 initial fee and includes two large No Spray Signs, heavy duty posts, hardware, Iowa One Call and installation. This is a one time expense and there are no on going fees. If you are interested in participating in this program please feel free to contact Benton County IRM at (319) 472-2211 or email Ben Bonar at [email protected].

05/15/2020

We had a really amazing find on our Highroad Project (58th Street) this week! Scrambled Eggs (Corydalis aurea) was identified on the site which is an Iowa listed Threatened plant. Thanks to Becky Van Wey for providing us with some awesome pictures.

05/15/2020