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IRVM reports expanded weed control, seed harvest and kestrel nesting updates
Summary
IRVM reported increased noxious‑weed spraying (doubling miles covered), harvested 1,242 bulk pounds of prairie seed from two private sites, and rebuilt 33 kestrel boxes of which 27 contained nests; staff said they are inventorying seeded rights‑of‑way and plan winter maintenance and trainings.
An IRVM representative briefed the Story County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 18 about roadside vegetation work, seed harvesting and habitat projects.
Staff said they have substantially increased noxious weed spraying in the last year, moving from a focus on blacktops to include many gravel roads and doubling the miles sprayed. The department harvested 1,242 bulk pounds of prairie seed from two private nurseries this fall, an increase of more than 100 pounds from the prior year. That seed will be processed and returned to county right‑of‑way plantings.
Personnel and contractor notes included a brush‑spray contractor that will finish south county work in early spring, plans to spray five drainage districts next season (with funds expected to be available), and continued work on seasonal job postings. The Kestrel box program rebuilt 33 boxes and found nests in 27 of them; staff will clean and restock boxes in the spring.
Supervisors asked about the percentage of rights‑of‑way seeded in natives; staff estimated roughly 25–30% (or about one‑third) over the past several decades and said they are compiling an inventory to better guide management. Staff also described where harvested seed has been used, including Prairie Rail Trail shoulders and conservation areas.
What happens next: IRVM will continue winter projects, finalize seed processing and return with any levying or budget requests if needed for additional drainage district spraying.
