Bremer County Roadside Management/Noxious Weed Commissioner

09/04/2026

“The Bremer County Roadside Management Department is a nonpartisan government department and does not endorse or oppose candidates for public office, political parties, or political campaigns. Any tags, mentions, shares, or other social media interactions involving elected officials, candidates, organizations, or community partners are not intended to indicate endorsement by the department or Bremer County. Official social media content is limited to matters related to government business, public information, and the department’s mission.”

08/31/2026

This past weekend I attended the REAP congress in Des Moines as a delegate for our region. This was a great opportunity to network with conservation minded citizens from across the state and put together a report for lawmakers and the governor to see how the people want to use their outdoor resources.

This weekend, Iowa's REAP Congress met at the Capitol in Des Moines. The Congress included five delegates from each of Iowa's 19 regions who were elected at local REAP assemblies held across the state this summer. Delegates discussed future funding priorities to help inform Iowa's policymakers. REAP, Resource Enhancement and Protection, is a State of Iowa program that invests in enhancement and protection of Iowa's cultural and natural resources through grants.

Thank you to everyone who served in the REAP assemblies this summer and the REAP Congress this weekend. Your time and commitment are helping shape the future of these important resources across the state. Iowa Department of Natural Resources

08/19/2026

Today Roadside Managers from across the state, picked up our native seeds from the Tall grass prairie center at UNI. These seeds are funded from the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) from the Iowa DOT and the Living Roadway Trust Fund who uses federal funding. These are provided at no cost to the county. This year we received 30 acres worth seed and will be used in our roadsides in the coming year.

08/12/2026

This is a highly invasive aquatic species

08/05/2026

07/29/2026

As of July 1st, Japanese Knotw**d was added to Iowa's Noxious W**d List.

07/24/2026

Why do we plant native species along our roadsides?

Native plants are more than beautiful, they're built for our landscape. Their deep extensive root systems help hold soil in place, reduce erosion, and allow rainwater to soak into the ground instead of running off. That means cleaner streams, river, and lakes by filtering pollutants before they reach our waterways.

Native roadsides also provide essential habitat for pollinators and wildlife while requiring less mowing, watering and maintenance, once established they also out compete many non natives and reduce w**d pressure.

Every mile of native roadsides is an investment in healthier ecosystems, better water quality, and a more sustainable future.

07/21/2026

Bremer County No-Spray Program

Did you know Bremer County offers a No-Spray Program for roadside areas adjacent to private property?

Bremer County uses herbicides selected for roadside vegetation management that are among the safest available when used according to their EPA-approved labels, helping minimize environmental impacts and human exposure while effectively controlling noxious and invasive w**ds. We also do not use herbicides that are classified as toxic to bees when used according to their EPA-approved labels.

If you'd prefer that herbicides not be applied along the road right-of-way next to your property, you may enroll in the program. Property owners are responsible for controlling noxious w**ds within designated no-spray areas.

Bremer County reserves the right to control noxious w**ds and other invasive species within no-spray areas if necessary to protect public safety and prevent their spread.

We currently have paper applications only. If you would like to enroll, please stop by the Bremer County Engineer's Office to pick up an application. Applications are valid for 5 years.

Official Bremer County No-Spray signs are required for participation. Only official county-issued signs will be honored. Signs are available for $30 per pair.

For questions, contact the Bremer County Roadside Management Department. Thank you for helping us responsibly manage Bremer County's roadsides while respecting individual property preferences.

07/17/2026

We all have a role to play in improving Iowa's water quality. Farmers and landowners in all 99 counties across the state can sign up now for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s cover crop cost-share program. Cover crops help keep Iowa’s rich soil and nutrients in fields, and out of waterways. Iowa farmers planted nearly 4 million acres of cover crops last year. Let’s keep that number growing! Enroll at your local USDA Service Center. For more information, visit CleanWaterIowa.org.

07/16/2026

🌿 Japanese Knotw**d is now officially on Iowa's Noxious W**d List!

As of July 1, Japanese knotw**d has been added to Iowa's noxious w**d list. We are still waiting for the State to determine whether it will be classified as a Class A or Class B noxious w**d. Class A noxious w**ds are targeted for eradication, while Class B noxious w**ds are managed through control to limit their spread and impacts.

Often mistaken for bamboo because of its hollow, jointed stems, Japanese knotw**d is an extremely invasive plant. It spreads aggressively, forms dense stands that crowd out native vegetation, and is notoriously difficult to control once established. Its extensive root system can exploit cracks in pavement and concrete, causing damage to sidewalks, driveways, retaining walls, and even building foundations over time.

Bremer County has been actively controlling Japanese knotw**d along county road rights-of-way for the past 10 years, and we've made significant progress. Now we need your help. Controlling infestations on private property is critical to reducing the threat this invasive plant poses to our roads, bridges, drainage infrastructure, waterways, homes, and agricultural land.

If you think you have Japanese knotw**d on your property, please let us know. We would be happy to help identify it and work with you to develop a plan for its control or removal. Early detection and prompt treatment are the best ways to stop its spread.

Thank you for helping protect Bremer County's roadsides, infrastructure, and natural resources!