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IRVM Brochure
 As of July 1, 2001, Palo Alto County has an Integrated
Roadside Vegetation Management Program (IRVM). This is a joint program
with the County Supervisors, County Engineer, Secondary Roads and the County
Conservation Board. Tim Stowell is the roadside manager.
The IRVM program objective is to maintain a safe, stable, low
maintenance roadside that is attractive and healthy for humans and wildlife,
preventing weed invasion and soil erosion. a cover crop of oats, rye or
some quick growing vegetation is planted along with the native seed mix. A
good cover crop will protect the soil from erosion and shade out competing
weeds while the native grasses and wildflowers become established. These
plants are the key to reducing maintenance costs. Not only are prairie
plants adapted to a wide variety of soil types and climate conditions, they also
provide excellent wildlife habitat and add variety with their brightly colored
flowers, beautifying our roadways. Spot spraying is an important part of
an IRVM program. It may take two or three applications in one year to
adequately control problem weeds. Tim Stowell, Roadside Manager works with landowners to prevent
overspray and soil erosion into ditches. Since 1985, nearly 50 counties
across Iowa have implemented an integrated approach to prevent weeds and control
soil erosion in their roadsides by planting native prairie grasses. |
