Benton County Integrated Roadside Management

05/13/2026

We had an excited land owner show off their new Adopt-A-Prairie signs!

Did you miss the opportunity this year? There is always next year!

We will begin accepting applications for our 2027 season January 4th, 2027

05/06/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

TO ALL BENTON COUNTY PROPERTY OWNERS
DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS WEEDS

The Benton County W**d Commissioner announces that the deadline for destruction of Noxious w**ds is June 1st, 2026, so as to prevent the production of seed by all varieties of listed Noxious w**ds. This includes w**ds on farmlands, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands, properties within city limits, and all lands within the limits of the County. Those persons not controlling their w**ds in compliance with Iowa’s W**d Law, Code of Iowa Chapter 317 Noxious W**ds, and Iowa Dept. of Agriculture & Land Stewardship Administrative Rules Chapter 58 Noxious W**ds will be notified to use appropriate methods to eradicate or control the w**d problem. Failure to do so can incur penalties including, but not limited to, daily fines for non-compliance, and the W**d Commissioner or Deputies entering upon the land to control the w**d problem, with all costs, including fines and administrative costs, levied against the landowner. Iowa law provides these assessments can be attached to the real estate tax of the land for collection. W**d eradication/control will still be required to be implemented in all cases where penalties are assessed.

The following w**ds have been declared Noxious:
Class A Noxious W**ds for Eradication: Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri)
Class B Noxious W**ds for Control:
a) Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense)
b) Teasel (Dipsacus spp.) biennial
c) Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula)
d) Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare)
e) Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)
f) European Morning Glory or Field Bindw**d (Convolvulus arvensis)
g) All other species of thistles belonging in the Genus of Carduus

At all times: Palmer Amaranth must be eradicated. Each owner and each person in possession or control of any lands in Benton County shall seek cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture, which may include the department’s farm service agency office for that county, the farm service agency’s state office, or any other office or official designated by the department, if Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) is found on lands enrolled in the conservation reserve program as described in 7 C.F.R. pt. 1410

For Noxious w**d identification and pictures, control recommendations, etc. visit the Benton County web site at www.bentoncountyia.gov Click on Departments, then IRM. W**ds may be destroyed in any manner appropriate to prevent seed production, and shall include mowing, pulling, burning, spraying, or cutting.

Questions should be directed to Eric Schares, Benton County W**d Commissioner, 205 2 nd Ave, Vinton, IA 52246. (319) 472-2040.

04/29/2026

NOTICE
ROADSIDE SPRAYING

Roadside spraying will begin May 4, 2026
Benton County IRM is required to control noxious and invasive w**ds in accordance with Iowa Code 317.1A and Chapter 58 of the Iowa Administrative Code. Benton County IRM also works to minimize or eliminate all brush in the County ROW for safety reasons. This keeps the ROW free of debris and helps with snow removal by limiting drifting snow and maximizing sun exposure to burn off ice. This program is for brush and w**d spraying only.

Benton County has a Do Not Spray Sign permitting process that can be found in the IRM portion of the Benton County Website
( https://www.bentoncountyia.gov/roadside_management/ ).
Residents interested in this program will need to fill out a permit, pay a one-time fee, and agree to the terms.

For questions please contact Eric Schares, Benton County W**d Commissioner
205 2nd Ave, Vinton, IA 52349. (319) 472-2040.

04/21/2026

We teamed up with the Tallgrass Prairie Center to perform the first prescribed burn on 35 acres since it has been planted at the Irvine Prairie just north of Dysart!

Prescribed fire plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and biodiversity of the prairie ecosystem. The fire helps to rejuvenate the land, encouraging the growth of native grasses and wildflowers while reducing invasive species.

This collaborative effort not only supports the ecological balance but also fosters a greater understanding and appreciation of the natural landscape we are privileged to protect and nurture.

03/25/2026

🐝Adopt-A-Prairie Update 🦋

We have reached our limit for Adopt-A-Prairie Applications that we are accepting for the 2026 season due to popular demand.

We will begin accepting applications for our 2027 season January 4th, 2027.

Thank you for all of the interest and participation in this new program! We are looking forward to improving habitat diversity in Benton County!

03/11/2026

🐝The Adopt-A-Prairie program recently hit the spotlight, with local news outlets buzzing about the community's enthusiasm for saving our prairies.

💪By building partnerships, the Adopt-A-Prairie program hopes to ensure the long-term sustainability of these vital ecosystems.

👀Check it out!

As much of Iowa's landscape is dominated by row crops, some eastern Iowa counties are working to restore native prairie plants along rural roadsides.Benton Coun

03/02/2026

🌼 Introducing Adopt-a-Prairie in Benton County! 🌼

Ever wished the roadside next to your property was full of wildflowers instead of fescue or smooth brome?

Now it can be.

Benton County’s new Adopt-a-Prairie program allows rural residents to apply to have native prairie plants established along the roadside bordering their property.

🌱 More pollinator habitat
🌾 Beautiful blooms across the seasons
🚜 Reduced mowing over time
💚 A win for residents and a win for conservation

We’re excited to kick this program off and see more native prairie across Benton County!

Learn more and apply here:
🔗 https://www.bentoncountyia.gov/integrated_roadside_management/adoptaprairie/

Let’s grow something beautiful together.