Utility E-book Details Benefits of BMP for Vegetation Management

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Free to download, the digital resource details best management practices for protecting native plants, wildlife habitat, utility infrastructure and your bottom line.

Utility vegetation management professionals maintain a busy schedule throughout the year. From site inspections and planned treatment cycles to budget management and annual program planning, the ongoing demands of this fast-moving industry can make it difficult for practitioners and their contract partners to keep up with the latest strategies and trends impacting the industry.

That’s why industry practitioners are encouraged to download a new utility vegetation management e-book, which details best management practices for utility sites and the benefits they can provide to vegetation management programs across the country. Developed by Corteva Agriscience, this interactive 10-page resource provides invaluable insights from environmental right-of-way (ROW) research and cost analysis studies to detail the positive impact Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) strategies can have on program-based objectives, including:

Cost-Efficiency of IVM

Results from third-party cost-efficiency research details the negative impact the exclusive use of mechanical mowing can have on the productivity and cost efficiency of utility vegetation management programs. By illustrating the support IVM practices provide to the development of compatible plant species, the e-book details how associated strategies can extend treatment cycles, support reclamation efforts and lower annual maintenance costs compared with ROW management programs that rely exclusively on mowing practices.

IVM and Environmental Sustainability

Environmental research shows the beneficial support selective herbicide applications provide to IVM programs and environments surrounding utility ROW corridors. These benefits include:

Significantly reduced carbon emissions than mechanical mowing programs
Selective control of incompatible plant species
Habitat development for tree-resistant cover types, birds, pollinators and other wildlife species

The e-book details how IVM practices can help utility companies achieve these results and showcase successful biodiversity management practices through Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting. In turn, this reporting can help utilities develop and protect their public reputation while offsetting unexpected headwinds over time.

Right-of-Way Safety

When unexpected interruptions in electrical service occur, the pocketbook and public image of utility companies are on the line. The e-book details how IVM strategies can enhance utility ROW accessibility to ensure crews can reach utility infrastructure and restore power as quickly as possible.

Wildfire Mitigation

The e-book also explains how supporting the development of beneficial low-growing plant communities can allow IVM programs to enhance the following wildfire mitigation efforts: