Many items impact the reliability of a utility system and vegetation is typically one of the largest. Our industry often discusses best management practices, new technologies and tools available to improve our vegetation management programs, but we rarely can get together in the same room to discuss solutions. By focusing on a systematic approach to right of way integrated vegetation management, this program will focus on sharing advanced solutions that have worked for complex problems in vegetation management facing utilities in the United States.
The goal of this Right of Way Vegetation Management course is to look at how specific challenges impact reliability and how utilities can reduce that impact. Specifically, attendees will take away concrete information on
- The role of utilities in environmental stewardship along the right of ways (ROW)
- How to improve utilities outage response
- Project planning and forecasting
- Overall environmental protection based on regional and seasonal changes
Learning Objectives
- Discuss how technology and data analytics are changing Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) and Utility Vegetation Management (UVM) standards
- Demonstrate how IVM and sustainability go hand in hand
- Explain techniques to manage rightof ways in eco-sensitive areas
- Explain pollinator health and identify the challenges
- Explain the benefits associated with an ecosystem – based approach to IVM
- Explain the value and necessity of environmental stewardship in the ROW
- Examine the positive and negative effects of herbicides in ROW
- Identify and explain FERC Standards in Integrated Vegetation Management
Agenda
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2023 : CENTRAL TIME
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Central Time
Introduction to Integrated ROW Vegetation Management
Vegetation Management
- Why it is needed
- History
- Consequences
- Resultant regs (NERC, FERC, FAC-003, etc.)
Best Management Practices for Electric ROW Management
- General BMPs
Methods of Management
- Physical
- Chemical
- Biological
- Cultural
Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM)
- Defined
- Evolution
- Examples
Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) on Elec TX Right of Ways
IVM Part 2
- Benefits of IVM including selective management, adaptability, cost effectiveness, ecological strength
- Bramble and Byrnes multi-decade study
- Rachel Carson / Silent Spring
- Goodfellow
Video Examples and General Discussion
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. :: Lunch Break
IVM Part 3
Plant Identification
- Trees and shrubs
- Wildflowers
- General growth forms
- Indicator status – what can the plants tell you?
Is it a WEED?
- It depends on your objectives
- Height compatibility
- Property owner buy in
Invasive vs. Naturalized vs. Native
- Does it matter to a power company?
Seed Bank
- What is it?
- How to use it to advantage or detriment
IVM for Habitat Creation
- Pollinators, turtles, endangered birds, bats, snakes, salamanders, rare plants
- How ROWs can fulfill habitat requirements of each
- Specific management examples
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023 : CENTRAL TIME
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Central Time
Integrating Environmental Concerns and Risk Reduction
- Work strategies for planning and mapping out maintenance
- Setting successful timing windows to reduce harm
- Examples of inspection processes and crew quality assurance
Proper Pruning Techniques
- Aesthetics
- Tree health
- Effects on regrowth and cycle maintenance
Danger Tree / Hazard Tree
- What is the difference?
- How are they identified
- Species specific and general indicators
- Invasive pests
Future of IVM
- Updates on latest technology and effects on data acquisition and work processes
- Expanding goals of management – more than keeping the lights on
- Many measures of success in a dynamic system and how to position for the future
Instructor
Steve Letkowski, New Jersey Licensed Tree Expert #589
Steve Letkowski is an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist and Utility Specialist, working in the utility industry for over 10 years under New Jersey Tree Expert license #589. Mr. Letkowski received his Master of Science degree in Forest Pathology and Mycology from the State University of New York College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry. Steve has over 25 years of experience with vegetation work and “green” work. Mr. Letkowski is currently focusing on expanding and strengthening wildflower ID expertise and improving birding skills, as he continues to work as an Environmental Supervisor of Vegetation Management. In his spare time, Steve is a husband, father, dog lover, beekeeper, shiitake mushroom grower and amateur quail farmer – he learned many things not to do!
Mr. Letkowski believes that the best part about his work is getting paid to hike and identify trees and shrubs.