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Rights-of-Way Cost-Effectiveness of Wildlife-Oriented Vegetation Management |
Why change to wildlife-oriented practices?
Managing vegetation for wildlife, as part of an integrated vegetation management (IVM) plan, can be extremely cost-effective when compared to traditional management techniques. Several utility corporations have stepped forward to promote the use of IVM practices, citing the many benefits enjoyed from use of these combined approaches. Wildlife-oriented vegetation management, as part of a well defined IVM plan, not only brings ecological benefits and improved public image, but it also represents significant cost savings with regard to monitoring and maintenance activities. Top 10 reasons to let go of traditional vegetation management Mowing and chain saw use are environmentally damaging due to the release of hydrocarbons and direct damage to habitat. The operation of a chainsaw in a dense maple forest, for example, can release a gallon of bar-chain oil on each acre of ground. Mowing causes direct damage to the habitat. It increases the risk of erosion by leaving behind leaked hydraulic fluid, oil, and diesel fuel, leading to detrimental runoff. When cutting down a tree, its root system stays intact. New sprouting must still be addressed, sometimes even in the same growing season. Traditional ROW management work can be dangerous, resulting in high workman’s compensation rates (Hallmark, 1996). Many studies show fewer injuries per man-hour for herbicide applications than for mechanical treatments. Tractor use compacts the soil. It often requires reseeding, an additional expense in the vegetation management process. Use of these traditional non-specific techniques results in an uneven mix of different vegetation management cycles and treatments, frequently responsible for higher maintenance cost. Targeted herbicide applications do have a strong effect on roots, controlling further regrowth and sprouting abilities, thereby avoiding future reclearing practices and reducing maintenance costs. Stem densities of undesirable vegetation that is treated with herbicides are lowered from one season to the next, requiring less herbicide, and less cost, each time management activities are conducted. IVM and use of the Wire Zone-Border Zone concept of management prove to be a good combination, increasing the time between treatment cycles and reducing labor and chemical costs for ROW maintenance. It is no longer sufficient to merely remove tall-growing vegetation under lines by whatever means necessary. 
A grassy area along a portion of the Pepco Rights-of-Way bordered by forested land. |
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