Courthouse Main Entrance closed for remodeling starting September 3rd until further notice - The public will need to use the door on the Southwest corner of the courthouse.

Integrated Roadside Management

Cerro Gordo County's Integrated Roadside Management program (IRM) was developed to provide a cost-effective, environmentally safe management alternative to conventional chemical and mechanical vegetation management practices. IRM maintains a safe travel environment on the county right-of-ways, controls noxious weeds and soil erosion, sustains water quality, improves wildlife habitat, and provides the public with aesthetically pleasing roadsides.

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Why is IRM Important to Cerro Gordo County?

  • Roadside plantings are a long-term plan for cost savings.prairie
  • Native plants are beneficial to pollinators and other wildlife.
  • Roadside plantings beautify the landscape.
  • Native plants resist the spread of invasive species.
  • Native plantings preserve our natural heritage.
  • Native plants help drivers in the winter by reducing glare.

Noxious Weed Control

Cerro Gordo County Conservation is  responsible for enforcement of the Iowa Noxious Weed Law on both public and private property.  Roadside Vegetation Management staff utilize prescribed burning, spot spraying, and mowing to control invasive plants in County roadsides.  Roadside Vegetation Manager Ryan Wilcke is the appointed County Weed Commissioner.  Contact Ryan with questions/concerns about noxious weeds.

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Brush Control

Cerro Gordo County’s IRM program utilizes spot spraying and mechanical removal to control woody vegetation within the right-of-way, improving site distance around road signs and intersections, reducing snow traps, and improving conditions that might impede the maintenance of the right-of-way.  

Native Vegetationhydroseeding

Our Roadside Management Staff establishes native prairie in the ROW as a long-term , cost-effective management practice that discourages erosion and invasive plant growth, while promoting water infiltration and habitat diversity.  Our staff utilizes local ecotype, native seed provided through an annual Living Roadway Trust Fund grant as well as seed grown and harvested in seed production plots located at Lime Creek Conservation Area.

County Courthouse

220 N. Washington Ave.
Mason City, IA 50401
Contact · Report a Concern

Courthouse Hours

M-F 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed Holidays
Department Hours May Vary