Transmission Line Right-of-Way at Wolcott Mill Metropark

About the Program
ITC Holdings Corporation’s Transmission Line Right-of-Way (ROW) at Wolcott Mill Metropark is located in Ray Township, Michigan, about 40 miles north of Detroit. The conservation goal for the 41-acre grassland project is to actively monitor and manage the grassland habitat to reduce invasive species and increase native plant diversity.

Practices and Impacts

• The team has been managing a 41-acre grassland ROW habitat that is located within a Huron Clinton Metropark, since 2006.
• ITC partners with environmental consultants and Huron Clinton Metropark Authority to monitor and manage invasive plant species and coordinate volunteers for the annual species survey. Invasive phragmites is controlled by mowing before the plants develop seeds. Woody plants are hand-cut to maintain natural open areas for native plants to grow. 
• Monitoring has shown that on average, there are 86 native plant species in the past three years of monitoring compared to 37 identified in 2010. Wildlife observations have also indicated that 16 bird species, one amphibian, 31 insect and one mammal species have been utilizing this area.
• The team uses adaptive management by evaluating the data collected each year to plan for future management.