Government : PUBLIC NOTICE TO ALL BENTON COUNTY PROPERTY OWNERS DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS WEEDS

PUBLIC NOTICE TO ALL BENTON COUNTY PROPERTY OWNERS DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS WEEDS

The Benton County Weed Commissioner announces that the deadline for destruction of Noxious weeds is June 1st, 2025, so as to prevent the production of seed by all varieties of listed Noxious weeds. This includes weeds on farmlands, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands, properties within city limits, and all lands within the limits of the County. Those persons not controlling their weeds in compliance with Iowa's Weed Law, Code of Iowa Chapter 317 Noxious Weeds, and Iowa Dept. of Agriculture & Land Stewardship Administrative Rules Chapter 58 Noxious Weeds will be notified to use appropriate methods to eradicate or control the weed problem. Failure to do so can incur penalties including, but not limited to, daily fines for non-compliance, and the Weed Commissioner or Deputies entering upon the land to control the weed problem, with all costs, including fines and administrative costs, levied against the landowner. Iowa law provides these assessments can be attached to the real estate tax of the land for collection. Weed eradication/control will still be required to be implemented in all cases where penalties are assessed.

The following weeds have been declared Noxious:

Class A Noxious Weeds for Eradication:

Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri)

Class B Noxious Weeds for Control:

a) Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense)

b) Teasel (Dipsacus spp.) biennial

c) Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula)

d) Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare)

e) Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)

f) European Morning Glory or Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)

g) All other species of thistles belonging in the Genus of Carduus

At all times: Palmer Amaranth must be eradicated. Each owner and each person in possession or control of any lands in Benton County shall seek cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture, which may include the department's farm service agency office for that county, the farm service agency's state office, or any other office or official designated by the department, if Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) is found on lands enrolled in the conservation reserve program as described in 7 C.F.R. pt. 1410

For Noxious weed identification and pictures, control recommendations, etc. visit the Benton County web site at www.bentoncountyia.gov Click on Departments, then IRM. Weeds may be destroyed in any manner appropriate to prevent seed production, and shall include mowing, pulling, burning, spraying, or cutting. Questions should be directed Eric Schares, Benton County Weed Commissioner, 205 2nd Ave, Vinton, IA 52246. (319) 472-2040.