Changing Traditional Practices Means Getting out of Your Comfort Zone. The City of Florence Utilities (Florence, Alabama, U.S.) did just that when it initiated an integrated vegetation-management (IVM) program in 2005. While the driving force was to maintain rights-of-way (ROW) more economically, the enhanced wildlife habitat and reduced maintenance costs proved the program was beneficial to all involved — the utility, the landowners and the wildlife.

MORE THAN MOWING

Prior to launching its IVM program, Florence Utilities had an all-mowing program. The crews did the best they could, but they were always being pulled off scheduled clearance work to take care of “hot” spots. This resulted in the whole operation getting out of cycle. To remedy the problem, the utility switched to a combination mowing/herbicide program from 1998 to 2004 to maintain the 2500 miles (4023 km) of ROW.

HOW DO YOU CHANGE?

It isn't difficult for utilities to move from a mechanical and manual vegetation-control program to an IVM approach incorporating the use of herbicides. But, it does require some advance planning and, in particular, a consideration of the impact the change might have on property owners. Having a strategy in place and communicating throughout the process are essential. Planners must select the IVM strategy that is best matched to each situation's vegetation and topography.

It is always a good idea to walk through the new program with concerned customers and landowners. Before Florence Utilities began the IVM program, the utility's vegetation-management team contacted ROW system landowners personally to explain the new program. The landowners wanted to know how the herbicide treatment program would work and what the result would be on the ROW. The utility wanted the public to understand that it was sensitive to wildlife and that it wanted to be a good steward of the land. Landowners who have seen the results of the IVM program not only appreciate the utility implementing it, but also the advance notification and explanation they received.

THE RIGHT PROGRAM

Florence Utilities' IVM plan called for a low-volume foliar hydraulic application as the backbone of the program for most of the first year, with basal-bark applications carried out in the winter months. ROW were mowed in year one and then sprayed in year two according to a low-volume spray program.

By mowing first, field crews were able to get spray equipment in easily for a good application. Once sprayed, the ROW tract was scheduled for follow-up treatments.

Florence Utilities' IVM program continues to evolve. For the first time, in 2006, the utility used Habitat herbicide near stream crossings and ponds. Designed for use in sensitive aquatic areas, Habitat is primarily considered a product used by aquatic applicators to control aquatic weed species in larger bodies of water. However, it can actually be used in many more areas, including utility ROW, and is applied by licensed aquatic applicators. Habitat is ideal for use in ROW where aquatic areas exist, because it controls several terrestrial brush species including Russian olive, red maple, elm and black locust.

A BONUS FOR WILDLIFE

Since implementing its IVM program, Florence Utilities has seen better vegetation control and decreased maintenance costs. “Anytime we can reduce our costs, we're pleased,” says Richard Morrissey, electricity department manager for the City of Florence Utilities. “This program has improved our ability to maintain rights-of-way, because the tall woody brush species are being replaced with low-growing vegetation. Well-maintained rights-of-way mean less chance of power outages, and that's critical for us and our customers.”

The IVM program has resulted in lower-cost vegetation control with the added bonus of natural-looking ROW that support all types of wildlife. Although the utility has not done an actual study on how much more wildlife is present, many utility staff members have observed an increase. In one area that was sprayed, a large covey of quail was seen. Quail numbers have been on a steady decline in Alabama for several years, so it is heartening to see such a big covey. An increase in the number of deer and turkey roaming the ROW also has been reported.

There is research to support such observations. Harvey Holt, a professor of forestry at Purdue University, has found through his research that providing habitat diversity, such as that offered by a transmission or distribution line ROW, is critically important for wildlife to flourish. While mowing alone often reduces plant diversity, an IVM program results in more plant diversity, as shorter and taller plants provide attractive areas of cover, nesting and feeding for various wildlife. ROW maintained with wildlife in mind also serve as travel corridors for animals.

AN IDEAL BALANCE

Florence Utilities represents a solid example of the possibilities that exist when a utility implements a well-run IVM program. The program not only reduced costs and improved Florence Utilities' ability to maintain ROW, but it also created natural-looking ROW that support all types of wildlife, which is the ideal balance for any utility IVM program.

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Joe McPhail joined Florence Utilities as the line supervisor in 1998. A certified arborist/utility specialist by the International Society of Arboriculture, McPhail is now the line clearance supervisor for the City of Florence Utilities. He is in charge of maintaining vegetation beneath and around the utility's rights-of-way. jmcphail@florenceutilities.com