Oswald explores state IRVM Program

     Monticello Parks and Recreation Director Jacob Oswald is expanding his horizons by exploring the state’s Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management (IRVM) Program.

   During the Nov. 6 Monticello City Council meeting, the council approved Oswald’s application into the program, with authorization by Mayor Dave Goedken and City Administrator Russ Farnum.

   The IRVM Program is facilitated by the Iowa Living Roadway Trist Fund (LRTF). The LRTF promotes the implementation of the IRVM on or adjacent to roads, streets, and highway rights-of-way.

   Farnum shared, “IRVM promotes management of Iowa’s roadsides ‘…to be preserved, planted, and maintained to be safe, visually interesting, ecologically integrated, and useful for mamny purposes.’ Transportation corridors move people and goods safely and efficiently from one location to another in vehicles, on bicycles, and by walking.”

   Jones County has been involved in the IRVM Program since 1998, with Wes Gibbs serving as the county’s roadside manager.

   The goals of the IRVM Program include:

   • Preserve and provide safe, functional, and environmentally improved corridors or travel throughout the city

   • Promote desirable, self-sustaining plant communities in roadsides, drainage areas, and other public lands in the city over the long term.

   • Utilize those plant communities that are native to Iowa through preservation and re-establishment whenever practical.

   • Implement a brush control program within the roadside rights-of-way.

   • Make more efficient and effective use of pesticides as a control method of undesirable species.

   • Enhance the scenic qualities of the roadsides and entranceways and their value as a roadside habitat.

   In addition to those goals, Oswald and the city plan to:

   • Develop a public awareness campaign to gain support for integrated roadside management through media, established organizations, seminars, and brochures.

   • Obtain educational and informational material on IRVM to be presented in seminars and distributed to adjacent landowners, the public, consultants, and contractors.

   • Provide guidelines and directives for staff, contractors, and others who seed, plant, and maintain roadsides.

   • Encourage the use of seed, plants, and trees native to Iowa.

   Through the IRVM Program, the city would become eligible for grants to help fund projects and equipment purchases, as well as staff training.

   Goedken, who works for the county, said the program is needed, but said that additional work and maintenance will be required once you’re a part of the program.

   Farnum said the roadside plan outlines the maintenance requirements the city will need to follow, when it comes to roadside ditches and right of way.

   “The county has been the benefactor of several grants to get equipment, and we’re interested in getting us started and Jacob has agreed to take the bull by the horns,” Farnum said. “There is no downside to the city; we maintain our ditches anyway. This will just help us to keep a better handle on it.”

   There is no cost to the city was entering into the program.