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Electric utility rights-of-way have traditionally supported little more than poles, lines, and towers. Delmarva Power has turned much of its right-of-way property into wildlife habitats.
Clearing power line rights-of-way is a fact of life for power companies. In the old days, trees and bushes were simply chopped down. Vegetation of all sorts was mowed, leaving little behind to support animal life. Mowing eliminated both good and bad vegetation.
Bad vegetation for a power company are tall trees that grow into power lines. These trees cause many power interruptions and inhibit access to linemen during storms and power outages making line repairs more dangerous. Low-growing vegetation doesn't interfere with power lines, allows easy access for work crews and provides food and cover for wildlife.
Delmarva Power's vegetation management program allows the company and the environment to coexist. This program benefits wildlife and reduces the company's long-term maintenance costs. In addition to producing needed habitat for our Atlantic flyway waterfowl, migratory songbirds and other wildlife, the low growing grasses, wildflowers and shrubs offer protection for our streams and bays and a last refuge for rare plants.
Through selective herbicide treatments, incompatible vegetation is eliminated in favor of low growing plants. From then on little maintenance is needed because the grasses, flowers and shrubs inhibit the growth of the larger trees.
Today, Delmarva Power rights-of-way are havens for ducks, deer, muskrats, raptors and other nesting birds and animals. Myrtle, blackberry, blueberry, holly, and dogwood grow on these properties, and over 90 rare plants call our rights-of-way home.
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