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Clarke County adopts notice setting Palmer amaranth eradication date and weed-control rules
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Summary
The board adopted Res 26-048, directing landowners to eradicate Class A noxious weeds (including Palmer amaranth by May 15, 2026), control listed Class B species by June 1, 2026, and authorizing county enforcement measures, billing and fines for noncompliance.
The Clarke County Board of Supervisors on March 30, 2026 adopted Res 26-048, a Notice of Destruction of Noxious Weeds that directs landowners to eradicate all Class A noxious weeds and control Class B species in accordance with state law and sets dates, enforcement fees and potential fines.
Under the adopted notice — which the board cited as authorized by Chapter 317 of the Code of Iowa and Chapter 58 of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Administrative Code — landowners must eradicate all Class A species and control Class B species so they do not bloom or come to maturity during the growing season. The notice lists Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) as a Class A species with an eradication date of May 15, 2026. Class B species listed for control by June 1, 2026 include Canada thistle, teasel, leafy spurge, bull thistle, multiflora rose, field bindweed (European morning glory) and all Carduus thistles (for example, musk thistle), along with a broader list of other noxious species.
The board also approved Res 26-047, which establishes the county’s cost schedule for enforcing the Order for Destruction of Noxious Weeds: $40.00 per man-hour for labor and cutting weeds; $175.00 per hour for tractor and mower if needed; current county mileage rate for mileage; cost of certified letters; and a 25% administrative fee (administrative fee excludes Clarke County Secondary Roads and Conservation Departments). If landowners and tenants fail to comply, the weed commissioner or deputies may enter private lands five days after service of a destruction notice to perform control; the county will bill associated costs, and unpaid bills may be assessed to the violator’s tax rolls. The notice allows fines up to $10 per day for up to 10 days for noncompliance and directs the county auditor to publish the order in the official newspaper.
What this means for landowners: owners and persons in control of real estate in Clarke County should inspect for listed noxious species and take timely control measures. Those under federal CRP contracts are advised to consult their local USDA office and follow contract requirements in addition to county notice dates.
The board recorded a unanimous vote in favor of the notice and the enforcement cost resolution. The Auditor’s Office was directed to publish the adopted order and to process related administrative actions.