Nearly Two Decades of Integrated Vegetation Management on Electric Transmission Rights-of-Ways

Kenneth E. Finch and Scott D. Shupe

One Northeast utility has routinely used herbicides to control vegetation on its electric transmission rights-of-ways since the 1950s, including extensive helicopter application during the 1960s and 70s. This utility has reduced its herbicide usage rates from more than six gallons of concentrate per acre when helicopter spraying, to less than one gallon per acre today following Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) strategies. IVM is that component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) which balances the use of cultural, biological, mechanical and chemical procedures for controlling undesirable vegetation on rights-of-ways. The IVM strategies employed include a 7–8 year cyclical treatment program, site specific vegetation inventories, prescription programming, regular crew training and familiarization programs, and a recent "partnership" with vegetation management contractors. In addition to effective vegetation control, the IVM methodology has provided reduced regulatory conflicts, greater public acceptance, enhanced wildlife habitat and right-of-way aesthetics, reduced worker exposure and significant cost savings.

Keywords: Reliable electric service, cost effective, long-range program, Integrated Vegetation <%-2>Management (IVM), desirable and undesirable vegetation, selective treatment, herbicide use reduction