Roadside Beautification Opportunities
Mark MastellerChief Landscape Architect
Iowa Department of Transportation
• Interstate Rest Area Improvements
• Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management
• Landscaping• Erosion Control• Grant Programs
Roadside Development
Roadsides are often referred to as “Iowa’s front lawn”
They provide the first impression for motorists
entering the state
Seeding – Native Grasses and Wildflowers
Seeding – Native Grasses and Wildflowers
Seeding – Native Grasses and Wildflowers
Landscaping – forestation style
Landscaping – informal style
Landscaping – screening views
Landscaping – snow control
Competing Uses of the ROW
• Gain access to adjacent property.• Store snow/drifting snow.• Accommodate drainage.• Place regulatory signs.• Place motorist informational signs.• Accommodate utilities.• Allow errant vehicles to regain control without
hitting a fixed object.• Visibility of adjacent businesses/signs.• Sight distance.
Landscaping – also the front lawn to your community
Landscaping - permits
Iowa DOT’s Living Roadways Partnership
• ISU Landscape Architecture• Trees Forever• FHWA
Iowa’s Living Roadways Partnership
DOT Funding Opportunities
DOT Funding Guidewww.iowadot.gov - index
• Living Roadway Trust Fundwww.iowadot.gov/lrtf/
• DOT/DNR Fund
