A Framework For Applying Integrated Vegetation Management On Rights-Of-Way

Abstract

Integrated Vegetation Management, or IVM, is purportedly being used by many right-of-way management organizations across the United States. In many cases, IVM is just a name applied to old management approaches. Yet IVM is more than just a name. It is an in-depth and sophisticated system of information gathering, planning, implementing, reviewing, and improving vegetation management treatments. IVM is used to understand, justify, choose among, selectively apply, and monitor different types of treatments, with an overall goal of eliciting site-specific, ecosystem-sensitive, economically sensible, and socially responsible treatment effects that lead to refined achievement of management objectives. We propose a six-step system to IVM that can act as a framework of activities to aid managers and other related stakeholders in communicating, organizing, and conducting IVM business. Each step produces information that must be integrated into the management system. Our six-step system is consistent with Integrated Pest Management and other IVM-like systems developed in forestry and agriculture. We present an IVM system with some unique perspectives and ideas from the literature, and incorporate information from and experience with the electric utility industry.

Milkweed and floral resource availability for monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) in the United States

“…The observed low floral frequency on Rights-of-Way indicates untapped potential to offer high-quality breeding resources for monarchs through targeted efforts to enhance floral resources. For example, conservation management such as integrated vegetation management (IVM) is designed to promote desirable (typically native) low-growing plant communities through ecologically sound practices (Nowak and Ballard, 2005;Yahner and Hutnik, 2004). IVM techniques, such as selective herbicide application and fall mowing, have been shown to increase floral resource abundance (Russell et al, 2018;Kuder, 2019), with some exceptions (Mahan et al, 2020), highlighting the opportunity to implement focused improvements in areas where floral resources are low and milkweed densities are already high.…”

Early Vegetation Responses to Eight Right-of-Way Integrated Vegetation Management Techniques in Northern Canada

“…As monitoring continues and knowledge of the ecosystem dynamics increases over time, vegetation management strategies can be adapted and improved. This continuous evaluation and adaptation of management techniques is fundamental to integrated vegetation management (Nowak and Ballard 2005) and this study provides the foundation for the development of an IVM program for Yukon ROWs.…”

“…Certain low-growing plant communities or "cover types" have been proven to reduce tree establishment on ROWs, and strategic management can facilitate their development (Bramble et al 1991;Meilleur et al 1994;Yahner and Hut-nik 2004;McLoughlin 2014). Integrated vegetation management (IVM) encompasses the systematic approach of understanding and manipulating ROW plant communities to meet management objectives with minimum cost and environmental impact (Nowak and Ballard 2005).…”

“…A key component of IVM is understanding local vegetation dynamics, especially identifying low-growing plant communities that resist the re-growth of trees and the techniques that encourage the formation of such communities (Niering 1987;Nowak and Ballard 2005). In southern jurisdictions, maintaining or enhancing shrub cover is the most effective method of inhibiting target species establishment; this objective is typically achieved by selective herbicide application to individual tree and tall shrub stems or foliage (Niering and Goodwin 1974;Dreyer and Niering 1986;Bramble et al 1991;Meilleur et al 1994;Yahner and Hutnik 2004).…”

Manejo Integrado da Vegetação (MIV) em áreas de linhas de transmissão de energia elétrica (LTEE) e seu potencial impacto no solo: revisão de literatura

“…Um dos exemplos citando em EPRI (2022), seria a possibilidade associando a contribuição para a conservação da biodiversidade em várias escalas, gerenciando o habitat de espécies ameaçadas e em perigo de extinção, ou favorecendo o habitat de plantas sucessionais que podem estar ausentes na região.Etapa 3 -Definição das opções de tratamento: O manejo da vegetação pode ser agrupado em quatro categorias: física ou mecânica ou manual, químicos, culturais e biológicos (US EPA, 2008; EPRI, 2022). Esta etapa é uma parte crucial da prescrição(NOWAK & BALLARD, 2005). A coleta das informações do passo anterior, irão garantir o sucesso na escolha do tratamento adotado.…”