This publication provides basic technical support for new and existing Iowa county roadside programs. This manual is also intended to provide guidance to policymakers and engineers interested in adopting or expanding integrated roadside vegetation management in county rights-of-way.
Intro to IPM and IVM
IPM Database
The National IPM Database (IPM Data) is a searchable database comprised of Pest Management Strategic Plans (PMSPs), Crop Profiles, Elements, and Timelines.
EPA Statement on Benefits of IVM on Rights-of-Way
This page on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website explains the economic and environmental benefits of implementing integrated vegetation management on utility rights-of-way.
https://www.epa.gov/pesp/benefits-integrated-vegetation-management-ivm-rights-way
Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health
Alternative Management of Roadside Vegetation
This paper published by HortTechnology evaluates the efficacy of alternative methods of vegetative control of roadside vegetation, including citric acid, clove oil, corn gluten meal, pelargonic acid, woodchips, bark mulches, and burning to conventional herbicides.
Integrated Vegetation Management | Utility Rights of Way Wildlife Research
Penn State’s research includes detailed reports and guides on IVM practices. Their website offers downloadable resources such as the “Understanding the Economics & Benefits of Integrated Vegetation Management” and the “Managing Utility Rights-of-Way for Wildlife Habitat Self Study Guide.” These documents provide valuable insights into balancing vegetation control, economic costs, and environmental quality.
https://sites.psu.edu/transmissionlineecology/integrated-vegetation-management/
IVM – Integrated Vegetation Management | Right-of-Way Stewardship Council
This council offers resources on best management practices for IVM on utility ROW. Their materials include standards for responsible vegetation management and accreditation requirements. These resources promote ecological and economic benefits of IVM and help utilities maintain power system reliability while improving environmental stewardship. Visit their website for more information
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Wildlife
This document introduces the use of IPM on agricultural lands and general guidance on integrating fish and wildlife considerations into IPM plans. The role of wildlife as an agent of integrated pest management is also introduced.
https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/SC/IPM_for_Wildlife.pdf
Right-of-Way Pest Management Strategic Plan
The PMSP serves as a primer for understanding ROW vegetation management through sustainable and effective strategies while balancing infrastructure needs with environmental management.
Managing Compatible Vegetation for Targeted Species and Biodiversity
This guideline, developed by the Utility Arborist Association Environmental Stewardship Committee, provides a primer on how to incorporate the management of compatible vegetation for target species and biodiversity into Integrated Vegetation Management programs.