Integrated Vegetation Management on Utility Rights of Way

The Connecticut Light & Power Co. (CL&P) and Western Massachusetts Electric Co. (WEMCO), both subsidiaries of the Northeast Utilities System, have enrolled in Project Habitat, a wildlife enhancement program of BASF Agricultural Products that is designed to improve wildlife opportunities within rights of way. Member utilities rely on integrated vegetation management with low-volume herbicide applications to transform rights of way into havens for wildlife by encouraging the growth of diverse vegetation.

Rights of way are primarily dedicated thoroughfares for transferring energy throughout the country. When managed according to Project Habitat guidelines, they can also become an example of early successional habitat. This type of habitat, which is vital to the well-being of wildlife, includes annual and perennial forbs, grasses and legumes.

Scott Vance, a wildlife biologist for the National Wild Turkey Federation who advises utilities in developing their rights of way, says: "Well-managed rights of way offer resources that are attractive for wildlife of all kinds. The lower vegetation canopies allow for cover, yet are open enough for wildlife to watch for predators. And rights of way provide food, nesting areas and travel corridors so wildlife can move to and from other habitats and water sources."

Utilities that belong to Project Habitat practice integrated vegetation management, a practice that reduces mowing, which can be harmful to wildlife, and allows longer periods to elapse between vegetation control cycles because resprouting is restricted. Integrated vegetation management can lower the cost of maintenance, which in turn helps the utility keep energy prices lower for the consumer.