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1. What is roadside wildlife habitat?

The strip of vegetation between the edge of the road and adjacent farm or that you view while driving down the road is roadside habitat. Its home to many species of wildlife. Pheasants and quail, rabbits and grassland song birds use roadsides for nesting, feeding, roosting, and as hiding cover. Roadsides are also important travel corridors that provide wildlife safe access to other adjacent habitats. Hardin County roadsides represent a potential habitat resource of thousands of acres in our rural areas.

In addition to habitat, roadside vegetation provides other benefits. It reduces erosion and siltation in streams, reservoirs and wetlands. Healthy stands of native vegetation resist invasion by noxious weeds reducing herbicide use and maintenance costs. Native grasses and wildflowers are important components of quality habitat, while they also add color and beauty to the rural landscape.

2. Can I plant native plants in my roadside? What are the policies/procedures?

Hardin County IRVM plants roadsides into native vegetation where it is feasible, both from a safety and functional standpoint, but also from an economic standpoint. Hardin County does allow landowners to plant native vegetation into the right of way. The vegetation chosen cannot be so tall as to cause visibility problems, snow drifting problems, etc. The IRVM Program can help you choose the correct plant species for your location. Please keep in mind that the right of way has many users, such as the County Secondary Road Department, utilities, snowmobilers, etc. and that the area may be occasionally disturbed. Hardin County shoulder mows all over the county road system and native plantings are included in that mowing as well as occasional ditch bottom and back slope mowing.

Plantings must comply with the County’s Noxious Weed Policy and Brush Control Policy. Before you purchase seed, start work, etc. it is a good idea to contact the County Roadside Vegetation Manager to be sure your plant selection and location are suitable and you have the proper permits.

3. What can I plant into the Right of Way?

Access our resource that outlines the guidelines for this scenario.

4. Who do I call if I have a road visibility/other concern?

If there is a visibility concern (ie. poor visibility, blocked road sign, etc.), please contact the County Roadside Manager at 641-939-8263. If it is an emergency, please contact the Sheriff’s Office.

For other road related issues, please contact the Secondary Roads Department at 641-858-5058.

5. What do I do if I have noxious weeds in the roadside?

Hardin County manages over 6000 acres of roadside spread over 2000 miles of road. The IRVM Program manages noxious and invasive species in the roadside with several management tools. If an infestation of a state or county listed noxious weed is present in the County roadside, the County Weed Commissioner should be contacted. For more information, you can contact the County Weed Commissioner.

6. How do I get a "Do Not Spray" sign?

Hardin County does not provide signs to landowners, but in order to be involved in our Roadside Maintenance Agreement proper paperwork must be filled out. Roadside Maintenance Agreement Request Form (PDF)