Establishing a Western United States Vegetation Management Right-of-Way Research Network

Abstract

Unlike the east coast with over 50 years of observations. electric transmission right-of-ways (ROW) on the west coast have not been extensively studied. We seek to change that through the establishment of a Western United States Right-Of-Way Research Network. Specifically, we seek to investigate how ROW corridors can help conserve flora and fauna, while serving as locations for student involvement in research and education. The establishment of the network on the west coast is challenging due to California consisting of variable environments. Utilities manage ROWs through the use of "Integrated Vegetation Management" which includes both mechanical and selected herbicide application. The goal is to ensure a low-growing, stable plant community beneath the transmission lines to reduce the risk of fire and service interruptions. The low-growing plant communities serve as habitat and food sources or mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and pollinators. Vegetation monitoring data will be collected with transect surveys to quantify variability between plots. Preliminary results indicate that pollinators use a mechanical plus herbicide ROW more frequently than unmanaged lands nearby.

Results

Key Terms: rights-of-way, pollinator, power lines, transect, sudden oak death, climate change, animal movement, topography