To all Johnson County property owners: Destruction of Noxious Weeds 

The Johnson 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 Code of Iowa, Chapter 317 Noxious Weeds and Administrative Code Chapter 58 Noxious Weeds, will be notified to use whatever appropriate method they choose to eradicate 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. In all cases where penalties are assessed, the weed control will still be required to be implemented. 

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 Johnson 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 Johnson County website at www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov. Click on Departments, then Secondary Roads. 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 to Chris Henze, Johnson County Weed Commissioner, 4810 Melrose Ave., Iowa City, IA 52246. (319) 356-6046.