Rights-of-Way

The research shed light on the numerous benefits that both wildlife and corporations can achieve from wildlife-oriented vegetation management. To promote the transition from traditional vegetation management a list of best management practices (BMPs) for wildlife on ROWs has been developed. 

Their implementation is presented in a grassland, shrubland and wetland context, and in a species-specific manner. The vegetation list (Adobe PDF) acts as a tool to facilitate integrated vegetation management (IVM) planning that expands objectives to include wildlife habitat enhancement.

The good news is that linear projects, such as utility ROWs, can also have beneficial effects on wildlife habitats. When the proper mitigation measures are taken, ROW corridors can be sites of increased habitat diversity, can be used by wildlife as travel lanes between isolated patches of suitable habitats, can increase the amount of early successional habitat available to species, and much more. 

The vegetation management program (pictured above) along the Pepco Rights-of-Way in the Washington DC area provides habitat for migratory birds and small animals. The mixture of low-growing wildflowers, shrubs and grasses offers desired nesting and breeding cover. Pepco is a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings, Inc.