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Power and Plants: A Dairyland Power Cooperative Guide to Growing Plants Within Electrical Transmission Corridors

A Cooperative Effort Between the

College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point

Richard Hauer, Assistant Professor of Urban Forestry

Michael Demchik, Associate Professor of Forestry

John DuPlissis, Extension Forestry Outreach Specialist

Andrew Koser, Undergraduate Research Specialist

Andrew Noth, Undergraduate Research Specialist

and Dairyland Power Cooperative

Kurt Childs, Director Real Estate, Right of Way and Related Services

Mike Mooney, Supervisor, Vegetation

Jane Eggen, Real Estate

Dairyland Power Cooperative Alternative Vegetation Management Publication – Final Draft

Table of Contents

Preface ·························································································································································1

Section One – Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lights On····················································································3

Plants Compatible Underneath Transmission Lines (Zone A) ··········································5

Plants Compatible 40 to 60 Feet from Transmission Center Wire (Zone B) ·····················6

Section Two – The Safe and Reliable Transmission of Electrical Power ···································11

Moving Electricity – From the Power Plant to Your Home ············································12

A Constant Conventional Challenge – Regular Vegetation Management ·······················13

Unexpected Consequences – Avoiding Tree and Powerline Conflicts ····························15

We Are All Connected Through the Grid – A Growing Future·······································15

Section Three – Alternative Ways of Vegetation Management···················································17

Agriculture······················································································································18

Grazing ···························································································································19

Non-timber Forest Products ····························································································20

Christmas Tree Production······························································································23

Native Prairie Seed Source ·····························································································23

Nursery Stock ·················································································································25

Summary of Alternative Vegetation Management ··························································26

Section Four – Ecoregion Profiles·······························································································27

Climate, Soils, and Precipitation ·····················································································28

Suitability of Alternative Crops – Matching products to your site ··································30

Section Five – Sources of Assistance ··························································································31

Why and How to Seek Out Technical and Financial Assistance ·····································31

Financial Assistance Programs························································································31

Sources of Technical Assistance ·····················································································32

Section Six – Summary and Conclusions····················································································34

Appendix A – A Guide to Suitable Trees Under Utility Lines ····················································35

Appendix B·································································································································39


Project Credits

Technical Writing Team: Andrew Koser, Andrew Noth, Dr. Richard Hauer, Dr. Michael

Demchik, John DuPlissis

Graphic Design and Layout: Dr. Richard Hauer

Photo Credits: Richard Hauer, Dave Hanson, Laura Jull or as noted

Figure 3 Reprinted with permission of the Edison Electric Institute)

The authors gratefully thank Dennis Fallon (Excel Energy), Brain Asmus (Minnesota Power),

and Byron Johnson (Great River Energy) and Dairyland Power for their constructive reviews and

comments with this publication.


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Preface

rom it’s beginning in 1941, Dairyland Power Cooperative (Dairyland) has developed a

long history of electrical power generation and transmission. This heritage is further

illustrated through serving and meeting the needs of cooperative members who

distribute electricity (Figure 1). Today 25 cooperatives and 19 municipalities further carry this

strong bond through the final delivery of electrical power to people, farms, and businesses in 62

counties in four states (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois). Dairyland constantly strives to

deliver competitively priced energy and services to our customers and maximum value to our

owners, consistent with the wise use of resources. The outcome of this is that, we work with our

members to improve the quality of life

of the cooperative members and the

economic and social well-being of the

four-state region served by Dairyland.

We also take value in conducting our

business as responsible community

members, by acting as good stewards

of the environment, and following

sound safety practices.

The transmission of electrical power

from the power plant to member

cooperatives and municipalities is

dependent upon safe and reliable

delivery of power. Trees, shrubs, vines,

and brush are potential hazards to delivery of electrical power. Not only can someone be injured,

even killed if a tree or other vegetation is left to grow into or near an electrical line, in fact, trees

and vegetation are a leading cause of catastrophic failure of electrical transmission systems.

Electrical transmission systems are the high voltage utility lines that move electricity directly

from a power plant to substations that are connected to the distribution systems that move

electricity directly to you, the end user.

F

Figure 1. Dairyland Power Cooperative provides electrical energy to parts of four states.


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You play an important role in the safe and reliable transmission of electrical power. First, only

trees and other plants that do not have the potential to create power outages can be planted near

or under transmission lines. Trees and plants that grow greater than 12 feet are not compatible

with growing under or adjoining the transmission line. Section one outlines several trees that are

compatible for growing in this restricted zone. Section two provides a general overview of the

importance of safe and reliable transmission of electrical power and conventional ways to

achieve this outcome. Transmission line right-of-ways that Dairyland maintains also present a

unique opportunity for cooperative efforts with alternative vegetation management practices.

Section three conveys several ways that may interest you in alternative management or uses of

utility right-of-ways. To make certain that your vision and plans are compatible with Dairyland’s

required

maintenance of

the transmission

lines, we require

that you first

contact us so

everyone’s best

interest is

considered and

good intentions

do not become a

future problem.

We will work

with you and develop an agreement that outlines our access needs and to discuss what happens if

your alternative use of the right-of-way interferes with safe operation of the electrical

transmission line systems. Finally, sections four and five provide important considerations with

growing plants and sources of assistance with developing, installing, and maintaining alternative

vegetation management practices.


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Section One – Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lights On

andscaping adds beauty and function to property. Along with fall colors and the form

of the plant, plant heights are a very important consideration with selecting plants that

meet your needs, but also do not conflict with site conditions. Just as much as selecting

a plant for your soil conditions is important, picking a plant that matures at a height compatible

with growing under an electrical transmission line is essential (Figure 2). The right tree in the

right place is a commonly used expression that emphasizes this key point.

The distance from an

electrical transmission line

dictates the maximum

mature height of a plant.

Directly underneath a

transmission line, plant

heights can not exceed 12

feet (Zone A). Between 40

and 60 feet from the center

wire, mature plant heights

can grow up to 40 feet.

Finally, 60 feet from the

center wire, mature plant heights greater than 40 feet are allowed. Several trees, unfortunately,

are not compatible with growing underneath or within the transmission corridor and can not be

planted in this area for safety reasons (Table 1). This section provides descriptions and photos of

several plants that are compatible with growing underneath and near the transmission line.

Further, 50 trees that are suitable for growing underneath or near the transmission line are found

in Appendix A at the end of this publication. For more information on selecting plants in the

Dairyland service area, see these web-based locations:

http://www.mnpower.com/treebook/

http://www.midwestlandscapeplants.org/

http://woodyplants.nres.uiuc.edu/

http://plantselector.dot.state.mn.us/

L

Figure 2. Plant height restrictions for planting underneath or near transmission lines.


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Table 1. Tall growing trees that regularly exceed 40 feet in height can not be planted underneath or within 60 feet of transmission lines.

Common Name Scientific Name American basswood Tilia americana American elm Ulmus americana Balsam fir Abies balsamea Bitternut hickory Carya cordiformis Black walnut Juglans nigra Boxelder Acer negundo Bur oak Quercus macrocarpa Colorado blue spruce Picea pungens Eastern cottonwood Populus deltoides Eastern hemlock Tsuga canadensis Eastern white pine Pinus strobus Ginkgo; maidenhair tree Ginkgo biloba Green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica Hackberry Celtis occidentalis Honey locust Gleditsia triacanthos Kentucky coffeetree Gymnocladus dioicus Northern red oak Quercus rubra Norway spruce Picea abies Paper birch Betula papyrifera Red maple Acer rubrum Red pine Pinus resinosa River birch Betula nigra Silver maple Acer saccharinum Sugar maple Acer saccharum Swamp white oak Quercus bicolor White ash Fraxinus americana White oak Quercus alba White spruce Picea glauca Willow Salix sp.


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Plants Compatible Underneath Transmission Lines (Zone A) These plants listed below will either mature at heights below 12 feet or need minimal pruning to maintain a height below 12 feet. (Note: Selected images included on CD Resources with file reference in Appendix B) Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia) 10-15 feet tall by 10-15 feet wide The deep red flowers of the red buckeye mark the coming of spring and the passing of another cold, gray winter. An early bloomer, the red buckeye often attracts hummingbirds while in flower. Mature red buckeye produce nuts that are consumed by many wild animals. Uneaten nuts may become a nuisance, especially with trees planted near walkways and sidewalks. Fox Valley river birch (Betula nigra ‘Little King’ and Tecumseh CompactTM) 10 feet tall by 12 feet wide Two dwarf cultivars of river birch that grow to 10 to 12 feet tall. They exhibit the same gorgeous peeling bark as their larger counterpart. This tree is often seen as a multi-trunk specimen, a style that is quite befitting of river birches. Care must be taken to ensure these plants are well watered during establishment and during dry summer months. Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) 10-15 feet tall by 10-15 feet wide This native plant may is found in both shrub and tree form. In May, fragrant white flowers are found in clumps or panicles throughout the tree. Bright blue fruit persist in fall, adding an additional source of seasonal interest. Burning bush (Euonymus alata) 10-15 feet tall by 10-15 feet wide Often found as a multi-stemmed shrub, some varieties of burning bush take on a tree form. An intense red fall color gives this species its dramatic common name. Corky “wings” found on branches and twigs catch snow in winter giving the plant another source of seasonal interest. Burning bush does have the potential to become an invasive plant. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) 8-10 feet tall by 5-10 feet wide As its name suggests, the red berries of this native tree persist throughout winter. Small white flowers which bloom each spring provide an additional season of interest. Leaves turn black in fall after the first frost. You need both a male and female plants for fruiting with the cultivars ‘Raritan’ and ‘Jim Dandy’ making great male pollinators. Crab apple (Malus spp.) variable height and widths Hundreds of crab apple cultivars have been documented and more are developed each year. Many are selected for their spring flowers or resistance to disease. Common diseases include fireblight, cedar apple rust, and apple scab. Disease resistant cultivars area advised over non-resistant trees. Fruit adds additional seasonal interest but may be a nuisance especially near sidewalks. Example small stature cultivars are listed below.

‘Camzon’ 10 feet tall by 8 feet wide ‘Lanzam’ 8-10 feet tall by 8 feet wide ‘Lollizam’ 8-10 feet tall by 8 feet wide


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‘Mary Potter’ 10-12 feet tall by 15-20 feet wide ‘Red Jade’ 10-12 feet tall by 15-20 feet wide ‘Sargent’ 6-8 feet tall by 6-8 feet wide

Dwarf Alberta spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’) 5-10 feet tall by 5-10 feet wide The dwarf Alberta spruce is a natural occurring dwarf cultivar with dense, bright green foliage. Its needles are extremely fine, giving the tree a soft, attractive look. It makes an excellent specimen plant. Care must be taken to ensure young plants are properly watered both in the dry summer months to prevent desiccation and in fall to prevent winter damage. Dwarf Serbian spruce (Picea omorika ‘Nana’ and ‘Pimoko’) 5-10 feet tall by 5-10 foot wide These slow-growing Serbian spruce varieties exhibit globular or “ball” shape forms. Everyone needs a ball in their yard. The needles on this spruce display an interesting mix of bluish grey and green. Also try ‘Pendula Bruns’ as a dwarf weeping form. Hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata) 10-15 feet tall by 10-15 feet wide Often grows naturally as a shrub form, the hoptree can easily be trained as a small tree. A native plant, it is considered threatened or endangered in parts of its northern range. Its fruit is a wafer shaped papery samara (winged seed) which gives the tree another common name, waferash. Staghorn or Smooth Sumac (Rhus typhina, Rhus glabra) 10-15 feet tall by 10-15 feet wide Staghorn sumac is often seen as a clump of small trees or a large loosely packed shrub. Large compound leaves measure over a foot long give the tree and umbrella-like appearance. Intriguing crimson fruit persist much of the year. American bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia) 10-15 feet tall by 10-15 feet wide The American bladdernut produces bell-shaped flowers each spring that develop into a hollow, air-filled seed pod. Often found as a shrub, this plant may be trained as a tree. If a tree form is desired, emerging suckers will need to be routinely removed. American bladdernut prefers rich, moist soils. Wayfaring tree (Viburnum lantana) 5-10 feet tall by 5-10 feet wide This viburnum is found as both a large shrub and small tree. Wayfaring tree features, white spring flowers, red and black summer fruit, and deep red fall color. Plants Compatible 40 to 60 Feet from Transmission Center Wire (Zone B) These plants are not suitable for planting directly underneath the transmission line. Exceptions, however, are possible for some varieties found to mature at heights less than 12 feet. Place these plants at least 40 to 60 feet from the center wire. (Note: Selected images included on CD Resource with file reference in Appendix B) Amur maple (Acer ginnala) 15-20 feet tall by 20-25 feet wide This small multi-stemmed maple is often used as a windbreak or in roadside plantings. Still, its brilliant scarlet fall color makes this attractive tree an excellent specimen plant. Amur maple is a


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prolific seeder and may have some invasive tendencies. Although extremely cold hardy and adaptable, Amur maple does not tolerate alkaline soils or salinity. Striped maple (Acer pensylvanicum) 15-20 feet tall by 15-20 feet wide Native to New England and the Appalachian region of the United States, striped maple is named for the vertical white stripes found along its trunk. In spring, strings of yellow, bell shaped flowers hang from the crown. Striped maple is usually found in the forest understory and does not do well in full sunlight. Three-flowered maple (Acer triflorum) 20-25 feet tall by 15-20 feet wide This maple is truly a year-round specimen tree. In spring the three-flowered maple produces clusters of three yellow flowers. As the flowers fade, winged samara from and persist into summer. Fall colors ranges from orange to yellow each year. Finally, the tree’s peeling bark give the three-flowered maple year-round interest. Shantung maple (Acer truncatum) 20-25 feet tall by 15-20 feet wide Originally from Northern China, the Shantung maple has been emerging as a specimen tree throughout much of the United States. This maple features unique star-shaped leaves and brilliant red fall color. Like other trees with expansive native ranges, it is important to purchase plants from a seed source that matches your climate. Speckled alder (Alnus incana) 15-25 feet tall by 15-25 feet wide This native plant is commonly found in wetlands and riparian areas. Twigs and bark are “speckled” with corky lentils, giving the plant its common name. Coarse, wrinkled leaves give this plant a “rough” appearance. Apple serviceberry (Amelanchier X grandiflora) 15-25 feet tall by 10-20 feet wide This naturally occurring serviceberry hybrid is most commonly found as a shrub, but is easily trained and sold as a small tree. Spring flowers initially emerge with a slight pink tint, but lose this color when fully developed. Apple service berry has showy fruit which may be consumed by humans or left for birds and wildlife to enjoy. Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) 15-25 feet tall by 10-20 feet wide In addition to apple serviceberry, many species and varieties of serviceberry are abundant and often seen in the landscape as a large multi-stemmed small trees and shrubs. Each spring, brilliant white flowers completely envelope the crown of this tree. Fall color is also impressive, ranging from yellow-orange to red. The berries produced by serviceberry are consumed by birds, small mammals, and humans alike. Suckering may transform this small tree into thicket unless continuously maintained. American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) 20-30 feet tall by 20-30 feet wide American hornbeam is native to most of Eastern North America and parts of Central America. This attractive tree goes by many names, including blue beech and musclewood. Its smooth gray bark is accented with ridges that mimic rippling muscles. American hornbeam is adapted to wet sites and displays an attractive orangish-red fall color.


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Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) 20-30 feet tall by 20-25 feet wide Eastern redbud is well known for its striking reddish-purple flowers in spring. In summer, this tree is easily recognized by its glossy heart-shaped leaves. Brown seed pods persist throughout winter. Eastern redbud is an attractive alternative to common non-native plants. Use a northern strain for best hardiness in zone 4. Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) 15-20 feet tall by 15-20 feet wide Pagoda dogwood is a native plant that exhibits a unique layered branching structure. Small clusters of white flowers develop in the spring. Pagoda dogwood is intolerant of dry conditions and often exhibits twig blight and dieback when stressed. Related redtwig, silky, and grey dogwood are shrub forms that nicely compliment pagoda dogwood in the landscape. Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) 15-30 feet tall by 15-30 feet wide The hawthorn rivals crabapple in terms of the vast number of different hybrids and cultivars currently available. When selecting a hawthorn, a balance between disease resistance and flowering beauty is advised. As its name suggests, hawthorn has many sharp thorns. In the 1800s many Europeans used this tree as a protective hedge. Hawthorn berries are favored by songbirds. Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) 20-25 feet tall by 20-25 feet wide Witch hazel is one of the few temperate plants that flowers in late fall. These flowers persist throughout much of winter and add a unique seasonal interest. This multi-stemmed tree is easily identified by its wavy, oval leaves and arching form. Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis) 10-20 feet tall by 5-10 feet wide While Chinese juniper may grow as tall as 70 feet in the wild, most landscape plants are small growing shrub and tree forms. Care should be taken to ensure the cultivar selected matches the size requirements of the site. Habit ranges from spreading vase shape to compact conical form. Several varieties exhibit blue tinted foliage and berries. Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) 10-30 feet tall by 5-15 feet wide This native plant is often found in dry, rocky soils and limestone bluffs. As a result it is both tolerant of drought and alkaline soils. However, eastern red cedar grows best in the fertile bottomlands of its native range. Berry-like cones provide a food source for birds. Amur maackia (Maackia amurensis) 20-30 feet tall by 20-30 feet wide Amur Maackia is a slow growing tree well suited to small planting spaces. In spring look for long slender clusters of creamy white flowers. Amur maackia is extremely cold tolerant and virtually pest free. Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) 15-20 feet tall by 10-15 feet wide Star magnolia is a slow growing deciduous tree with dense, dark green foliage. Spectacular white flowers make this tree a spring showpiece, while its unique bright pink fruit is a source of added interest in late summer and fall. Star magnolia is fairly adaptable and pest free, but may suffer in areas where the magnolia scale insect is established.


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Loebner magnolia (Magnolia x loebner) 20-30 feet tall by 15-20 feet wide Loebner Magnolia is a hybrid of star magnolia and kobus magnolia. The plants produce large white flowers early each spring. Flowers are showy, but tend to brown if exposed to a late frost. Mugo pine (Pinus mugo) 10-20 feet tall by 10-20 feet wide Mugo pine is often found as a broad, bushy shrub within the landscape. This pine is fairly resistant to drought and winter burn. Watch out for potential insects as the mugo pine is very susceptible to the pine needle scale and is the preferred host of the European pine sawfly. American plum (Prunus americana) 15-20 feet tall by 10-15 feet wide The American plum marks the beginning of spring with brilliant white flowers. Bears edible fruit that can be in jellies, jams, or desserts. While the American plum is considered a very low maintenance tree, it does have the tendency to sucker readily. Newport cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera ‘Newportii’) 15-20 feet tall by 15-20 feet wide With its reddish purple foliage, this plum (not a fruit tree) would make an excellent specimen plant within a landscape. Touted as the hardiest of the purple leafed plums, Newport cherry plum is tolerant of both clay and alkaline soils. However, it is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including verticillium wilt. Amur chokecherry (Prunus maackii) 20-35 feet tall by 15-25 feet wide Amur chokecherry is most easily distinguished by its beautiful bronze, peeling bark. This prominent plant feature provides year-round interest. Amur chokecherry is very cold tolerant, features delicate clusters of white flowers, and produces a pitted fruit which attracts wildlife. This plant is virtually pest free. Canadian plum (Prunus nigra) 10-20 feet tall by 10-15 feet wide The Canadian plum features thorns similar to those found on hawthorn. While native to much of Dairyland’s service area, this tree is much less common than its close relative, the American Plum. Most popular cultivars are prolific flowerers. Pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica) 25-30 feet tall by 20-25 feet wide This native cherry produces delicate clumps of white flowers each spring. In summer, small, red pitted cherries form which attract birds and other wildlife. Pin cherry is a fast growing, shrubby tree that is commonly found in sunny locations. The leaves of pin cherry are poisonous to livestock. Canada red chokecherry (Prunus virginiana ‘Canada Red’) 20-25 feet tall by 15-20 feet wide Canadian red chokecherry is most easily distinguished by deep red foliage. This plant naturally grows as a large shrub, but may be trained as a tree early on in its life. Suckers should be routinely cut back to prevent this cherry from reverting back to its multi-stemmed form. As its name suggests, the Canadian red chokecherry produces small edible fruit that attract a variety of birds and animals. This chokecherry may develop black knot, usually a benign, yet aesthetically disruptive disease.


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Weeping willow pear (Pyrus salicifolia) 15-20 feet tall by 10-15 feet wide This pear is distinguished by its silver foliage and pendulous branching habit. Originally from the Middle East, the weeping willow pear tolerates low quality, droughty soils. Other features of this pear include brilliant white spring flowers and inedible summer fruit. Weeping willow pear is highly susceptible to fireblight. American mountain-ash (Sorbus americana) 20-30 feet tall by 15-20 feet wide This medium-sized tree features compound leaves and bright red persisting fruit. This fruit is a favorite of many birds but may become a nuisance if planted near a driveway or sidewalk. Young trees feature smooth, speckled bark that cracks and splits with age. Korean mountain-ash and European mountain-ash are similar trees. Japanese tree lilac (Syringia reticulata) 20-25 feet tall by 15-20 feet wide Creamy white, fragrant flowers emerge in late spring and persist for several weeks. Japanese tree lilac may be multi-stemmed or trained as a single-tree form. Unlike other lilacs, Japanese tree lilac is fairly resistant to powdery mildew, scale insects, and borers. Arborvitae/White cedar (Thuja occidentalis) 15-25 feet tall by 5-20 feet wide This native plant is very common in the landscape. Many cultivars exist with a variety of forms and habits. This evergreen is prone to winter burn and is a preferred browse of deer during the winter. Protective coverings will protect newly established plants from both. Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) 15-25 feet tall by 15-25 feet wide Similar to the Wayfaring tree, nannyberry features white spring flowers, black summer fruit, and a deep red fall color. Nanny berry serves as a native alternative to its European counterpart. Nanny berry is susceptible to powdery mildew, a benign, yet aesthetically disruptive plant disorder.


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Section Two – The Safe and Reliable Transmission of Electrical Power

The power and importance of electricity is realized daily as a regular part of our everyday life.

Many of the appliances that make life more convenient are powered by electricity. Waking up

each morning is made easier by an alarm clock, a coffee maker, an electric shaver, a hair dryer, a

toaster, and electrical lighting. The Dairyland Power Cooperative (Dairyland) system of

electrical cooperatives is an important and everyday part of your economic and social well-being

(Figure 1). An important part of our mission is, as a cooperative organization, to provide

competitively priced energy and services to our customers and maximum value to our owners,

consistent with the wise use of resources.

Dairyland is committed to providing safe and reliable transmission of electricity. Power outages

create inconveniences that range from minor to major problems. For example, without

refrigeration, meat and produce can quickly spoil. Communication systems, including television,

radio, computers, and even telephones may be lost. Tasks that are normally accomplished with

ease over the course of the day can become time consuming or even impossible without

electricity.

Disruption of electrical service is often more than just an inconvenience. Serious economic loss

and safety concerns can result from power outages. Lost productivity and sales can cost

businesses both time and money. Management of vegetation within utility corridors is an

important part of safely and reliably delivering electricity to you. This often involves removing

and pruning trees, that if left alone, will likely grow to contact electrical lines that lead to power

outages and possible human injury. As an example of the importance of vegetation management,

the August 2003 blackout that left much of Northeastern United States and parts of Eastern

Canada and 50 million people without power for several days was initially started by a

transmission line contacting a tree branch. This event cost businesses and consumers an

estimated $6 billion in lost income. Whether electricity is needed to run a milking machine on a

dairy farm or a cash register system at a local retail store, many people depend on electrical

providers to deliver safe and reliable energy.


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Moving Electricity – From the Power Plant to Your Home

In order to more fully understand the challenges that utility companies face in providing safe and

reliable electrical service, one must first have a general understanding of how electricity is

delivered from the power plant to a home or business. Modern power grids are composed of

power generators that create electrical energy and transmission and distribution systems that

deliver the electrical energy to a specific location (Figure 3). Electrical energy is generated at

larger power plants to take advantage of economies of scale. Transmission systems are the high

voltage lines that move electrical energy from power plants to the local substation. Electricity is

delivered over long distances in larger quantities more effectively and efficiently at higher

voltages. Outages on main transmission lines can have significant regional consequences such as

the August 14, 2003 Eastern U.S. blackout has taught us. At transmission substations,

transformers reduce the voltage for transport across the distribution system. Distribution systems

carry electricity directly from the local substation to residential and commercial customers.

Distribution systems carry electricity shorter distances and operate at lower voltages. Outages in

these distribution systems are generally very localized, impact fewer people (in the hundreds or

thousands), and usually do not have regional consequences. Maintenance of both transmission

systems and distribution systems is essential to maintaining a reliable power supply.

Figure 3. Electricity flows from the power plant to your home over transmission lines and distribution lines to your home. (When electricity leaves a power plant (1), its voltage is increased at a “step-up” substation (2). Next, the energy travels along a transmission line to the area where the power is needed (3). Once there, the voltage is decreased or “stepped-down,” at another substation (4), and a distribution power line (5) carries the electricity until it reaches a home or business (6). Reprinted with permission of the Edison Electric Institute)


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Dairyland supplies power for nearly 575,000 customers in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and

Wisconsin by serving as a generation and transmission source for 25 local distribution

cooperatives and 19 municipalities. In order to connect these distribution systems to Dairyland’s

power generating sites, over 3,100 miles of transmission lines have been built and must be

maintained regularly. Maintaining Dairyland’s electrical transmission system requires regular

vegetation management.

A Constant Conventional Challenge – Regular Vegetation Management

Dairyland is constantly monitoring and improving its transmission system. Each year 50 to 60

miles of line are rebuilt and additional transmission lines are added to serve new loads. While a

property owner retains ownership of the transmission corridors that cross many properties,

Dairyland holds an easement that allows access to perform regular maintenance within the right-

of-way. This includes removal of trees, shrubs, and other vegetation that may interfere with the

ability to perform maintenance or the transmission of electricity. One of the most time

consuming and expensive maintenance concerns that all utilities face is vegetation management.

A power outage occurs by connecting two conducting lines or by providing a path for electricity

to travel to the ground. There are several ways that vegetation, and trees in particular, can cause

power outages. First, if left to grow without intervention, many tree species can naturally grow or

sway into power lines and provide a direct path for electricity to travel to the ground from an

energized line. Second, power lines also sag and sway in certain conditions, causing a direct

contact or a flashover that occurs from electricity arching from the energized lines to the tree in

proximity to the line (Figure 4). Third, severe ice and wind storms can break limbs or topple

entire trees onto lines. Regardless of the cause, catastrophic power outages occur when the flow

of electrical power is impeded by vegetation conflicts with energized wires.

Utility corridors are established directly below and along the sides of transmission lines in an

effort to prevent vegetation induced power outages. Federal and state rules and regulations

provide guidelines that utility companies maintain certain right-of-way utility corridors that are

clear of any tree that has the potential to interfere with the safe and reliable operation of the


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electrical system (Figure 5). This width and distance to vegetation varies by the voltage. In

general, as the voltage increases, the distance that vegetation must be kept away from

transmission lines increases.

Vegetation management plans are used to control undesirable tree and plant species located

within the utility right-of-way corridor. These vegetation management plans detail the most

effective and efficient ways to maintain the right of way in a safe and reliable manner for the

transmission of electricity. In the case of power line right-of-ways, any tall growing trees, shrubs,

brush, and vines are considered undesirable species. These plants must be removed to provide for

safe and reliable operation of the electrical system. Vegetation management is traditionally

accomplished through the mechanical removal or the application of herbicides to remove

vegetation.

Figure 4. Even trees that do not contact but grow close to an electrical line area dangerous and can result in a flashover. (photo by Fletcher Johnson)

Figure 5. A standard vegetation clear zone for the safe and reliable supply of electrical energy to you.


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Unexpected Consequences – Avoiding Tree and Powerline Conflicts

Naturally growing trees and brush that grow too tall are regularly removed in utility corridors.

Tall growing trees naturally growing or planted underneath transmission lines or those that may

strike a line when falling must either be removed or moved outside of the right-of-way. Problems

can also arise when the eventual size of a mature tree is not considered when planting near a line.

For example, a small silver maple tree that was purchased at a nursery can quickly grow and over

time will become entangled in overhead power lines!

Dairyland must remove all trees that are potential hazards now or those that may become hazards

in the future. As a result all trees that have the potential to reach 12 feet in height at maturity will

be removed from the right-of-way corridor. Federal and state guidelines necessitate Dairyland to

conduct right-of-way vegetation management to reduce power outages and also provide for your

safety. It is Dairyland policy and practice that all property owners are regularly notified about

planting and vegetation management (Figure 6).

We Are All Connected Through the Grid – A Growing Future

It is important to remember that whatever you do within the utility corridor affects both you and

your neighbor. Power outages can cause direct financial losses to farms and businesses, but more

importantly the costs of repairing lines and restoring power affect all of us. Adhering to the

guidelines and suggestions outlined within this publication will help Dairyland Power

Cooperative to provide safe and reliable electrical service to our customers.

Throughout this publication you will find ways to select vegetation that is compatible with

electrical transmission lines, benefiting both you and Dairyland. Potential collaborative ideas for

alternative vegetation management are also addressed. Section three provides several potential

alternatives to the conventional practices currently used. Several alternatives to traditional

vegetation management will not only control tall growing trees and shrubs, but also increase the

use of the right-of-way corridor. Many of the options listed will potentially reward you

financially and recreationally.


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Figure 6. Standard Dairyland notification left at or mailed to a property owners home describing vegetation management.


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Section Three – Alternative Ways of Vegetation Management

raditional vegetation management is very costly and time consuming but does have

benefits. In addition to safe and reliable transmission of electrical power, traditional

vegetation management usually leads to increased wildlife and plant diversity. The

science of electrical transmission right-of-way vegetation management, for example, has shown

through the long-term 50-year Brambles and Byrnes research study in Pennsylvania that many

bird species respond favorably to vegetation management. Many woody plants sprout and

produce vigorous re-growth in response to cutting. Even with mechanical control and the use of

chemical herbicides, Dairyland typically maintains and revisits utility corridors at least once

every five years. In contrast, Alternative Vegetation Management focuses on reducing the need

to conduct vegetation management to control undesirable plant species. These alternatives may

be biological in nature (i.e., planting desirable and competitive plants), mimic natural

disturbances (i.e., herbivory and controlled burning), or result from current land uses.

A goal of using alternative plant covers in right-of-ways is to reduce the need to do vegetation

management. Vegetation management is costly and time consuming. Ultimately this means the

electrical power you consume costs less to distribute. Changing the vegetation in a right-of-way

from plants which are a nuisance (those that Dairyland is obligated to cut or spray) to shorter

stature plants (less than 12 feet tall) that can be useful to the landowner just makes good sense.

This change in types of plants and cover growing on the site, however, requires active

management by the landowner. Decisions to plant red pine (a tall growing species) under a

powerline will result in the eventual removal of these trees by Dairyland. Planting a prairie of

native grasses, rows of blueberries or even a meadow of wildflowers will not interfere with

power transmission and can provide benefits to the landowner and the ecosystem. Choosing the

right plant for use within powerline right-of-ways is a benefit to everyone involved.

Each right-of-way management option has costs and benefits. An important premise behind

alternative vegetation management is that the same level of electrical safety and reliability are

met at a cost the same or less than current vegetation management by Dairyland. In addition to

potentially lowering consumer costs, vegetation management alternatives provide recreational

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and economic opportunities for landowners. If you are interested in alternative vegetation

management, you need to understand that some practices may require time and money for initial

startup. Others may demand constant maintenance or attention. The size and intensity of each of

these alternatives depends on the equipment at hand and time available.

An important first step is contacting Dairyland to discuss your idea. This will avoid creating a

future disruption to the maintenance and repair of transmission lines and the utility right-of-way.

This will also let Dairyland know about your project to avoid inadvertent removal or

modification during standard vegetation management. Finally, within the right-of-way, a path for

the movement of utility equipment is always needed.

Alternatives to vegetation management are not limited to the options listed in this publication.

There are many other crop or vegetation cover types that meet the 12-foot-height restriction set

within utility right-of-ways. Each alternative vegetation management practice will help guide

your decision making if this is right for you.

Agriculture

One alternative vegetation management approach is agriculture within the utility corridor. This

commonly occurs throughout the Dairyland system and is an important part of the economy of

many of the electrical end-users of Dairyland’s system. Suitable crops underneath the

transmission line range from crops such as corn, soybeans, small grains, alfalfa, vegetables,

grains, and nuts to specialty crops such as herbs, botanicals, and mushrooms. In areas were trees

are located outside the corridor, the partial shading and protection associated with nearby trees

may hinder some traditional agricultural crops and favor specialty crops. It is important to

research the site requirements of potential crops before deciding which to plant.

Requirements:

Time: Dependent on crop type and intensity of production. Annual crops will require

more labor than established perennial plants. Once established many specialty forest crops require little maintenance for continued production.


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Capital: Dependent on crop type and intensity of production. Plant costs are dependent

on species, availability, and size of plant material. Some specialty forest crops such as mushrooms require the construction of additional structures (cut logs for cultivation media).

Access: Space is needed to allow Dairyland access to maintain utility lines. Storms may

necessitate trampling of crops to repair damaged utility lines.

Additional Information:

Center for Integrated Natural Resource and Agricultural Management College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences 115 Green Hall 1530 North Cleveland Avenue St. Paul, MN 55108-1027 (612) 625-5212 http://www.cinram.umn.edu/ Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences 411 Borlaug Hall 1991 Buford Circle Saint Paul, MN 55108-1013 (800) 909-6472 http://www.misa.umn.edu/ USDA National Agroforestry Center North 38th Street & East Campus Loop UNL-East Campus Lincoln, NE 68583-0822 (402) 437-5178 http://www.unl.edu/nac/index.html

Grazing Grazing is an effective way to control woody vegetation. Cattle, goats, sheep and horse all can

keep utility corridors in a shorter vegetation cover. This will reduce the need to do right-of-way

maintenance and reduce the cost when it is needed.


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Grazing can be adapted easily to utility corridors. Grazing can be limited to the right of way or

extended to the surrounding land if this meets landowner goals. The regular disturbance

associated with grazing combined with competition from forage crops will greatly reduce

regeneration of woody trees and shrubs.

Requirements:

Requirements for entering into livestock production vary greatly. A new producer may

only need fencing, watering facilities and minimal livestock housing; however,

management skills and knowledge of livestock needs are an important barrier for new

producers.

University of Wisconsin-Extension Pasture Management and Grazing website is an

excellent resource for those considering grazing and livestock.

http://www.uwrf.edu/grazing/

Non-timber Forest Products

Non-timber Forest Products (NTFP) can also be used and is an interesting area to explore for

alternative vegetation management. There are a great variety of products harvested from forests

in the United States that are not timber-based. Woodlands outside the utility right-of-way offer

many other sources of income in addition to timber production. Various terms have been used to

describe non-timber forest products, including secondary, minor, special or specialty non-wood,

and non-traditional. However, non-timber forest products are neither minor nor secondary. Many

of the products have as long a tradition in human history as do timber products.

Fruit-or nut-bearing trees, maple syrup, ginseng, mushrooms, cones or seeds, botanical and

aromatic oils, honey and weaving materials are to name just a few (Table 2). Non-timber forest

products can be classified into four general product lines: edibles, specialty wood products, floral

greens, and medicinal and dietary supplements.


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Table 2. Potential nut and berry producing plants compatible under or to the sides of utility right-of way corridors.

Plant Species Form Mature

Width (ft)Mature

Height (ft)Hardiness

Zone Potential Uses of These Plants

Hazelnut, Hybrid (Corylus spp.) Shrub 10 15 3 to 5 in shell, confectionary

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)

Small Tree 15 to 20 20 to30 3 to 5 jelly, syrup, jam, wine

Elderberry (Sambucus spp.) Shrub 6 to 12 6 to10 3 to 6

jelly, wine, cold remedies, food coloring

Plum (P. americana and P. nigra)

Small Tree 20 to 35 15 to 25 3 to 8 pies, preserves

High Bush Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum) Shrub 12 12 3 to 5 jelly, preserves, sauces

Western Sand Cherry (Prunus besseyi) Shrub 4 to 6 4 to 6 3 to 6 jelly, jam

Juneberry (Amelanchier spp.) Shrub 8 to 10 5 to 15 2 to 5 pies, preserves

Gooseberry and Currants (Ribes spp.) Shrub 3 5 2 to 7 pies, preserves

Blueberry (Vaccinium angustofolium) Shrub 3 5 3 to 8 pies, preserves, sauce

Edible Forest Products: Examples of edible forest products include mushrooms, berries, nuts,

saps and resins, ferns, and wild tubers and bulbs. These are either sold fresh or preserved for

longer storage and sale. Many of these examples would work very well underneath transmission

lines.

Specialty Wood Products: Specialty wood products are considered non-timber if they are

produced from trees or parts of trees, but not sawn wood. These are items that are collected

without harvesting the tree as a whole. Burls, twigs, branches, and cypress knees are processed

directly into specialty wood products and bypass intermediate processing into lumber. Specialty

wood products include handicrafts, carvings and turnings, utensils, and containers. Also included


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in this product line are furniture made from branches, twigs, and vines, as well as tools and

musical instruments made from wood that is not sawn from logs. Height restrictions within the

right-of-way restrict these approaches within woodlands and forests to areas beyond 40 feet

from the utility pole.

Floral Greens: Many forest plants and parts of plants are used in decorative arrangements, to

complement and furnish the backdrop for flowers, as well as for the main component of dried

ornaments. The end uses for many forest-harvested floral greens include fresh/dried flowers,

aromatic oils, greenery, basket filler, wreaths, and roping. Examples of forest plants collected in

the United States include baby’s breath, birch tops, bittersweet, blueberry, cattails, dogwood,

evergreen boughs, grape vine, holly, mistletoe, pussy willow, Spanish moss, sphagnum moss,

and white birch bark.

Medicinal and Dietary Supplements: The use and trade of herbal medicines derived from forest

products has a long history and may constitute the highest valued segment of the non-timber

forest product industry. Forest-harvested plants used for their therapeutic value are marketed

either as medicines or as dietary supplements. Plants that have been tested for safety and efficacy

and meet strict U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards are marketed as medicines

or drugs. Plants and plant products that do not meet the strict FDA standards are marketed as

dietary supplements in the United States. These products are legally considered food items and

product labels can make no claims about their medical benefits.

The total value of the non-timber forest product industry is difficult to determine as few records

are compiled to estimate this sector. Often the non-timber forest product segments are widely

fragmented with many small suppliers, while others are dominated by a few large companies.

The few studies that have focused on non-timber forest products suggests the industry adds a

great deal of value to local, regional, and even national economies. One example is ginseng, a

major crop in Marathon County, WI. Ginseng can be grown in woodlands or under artificial

shade structures because it needs between 70 percent to 80 percent shade. Prices for ginseng are

well over $20 per pound.


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Overview of NTFP markets in the Dairyland Service Area: Non-traditional forest product

markets vary by season and year. A potential grower must be conscious of local market nuances.

Niche markets exist for decorative woody florals, hazelnuts and native seed production. The

markets, however, can vary by area and over time. Decorative woody florals are potentially sold

to floral retailers. Hazelnuts and berries, advertised as locally grown, have the potential to be

sold in restaurants and specialty confectionary shops (Exhibits 1 and 2). Currently there are no

bulk hazelnut facilities within the Midwest, but studies are being conducted to determine

feasibility.

Christmas Tree Production

Christmas tree production is a significant industry throughout much of Dairyland’s service area.

However, a successful operation requires extensive effort and has numerous costs associated

with it. Expenses include labor, fertilizer, equipment, insurance and the application costs

associated with the use of herbicides, fungicides and insecticides. Interested first-time growers

are urged to attend state association meetings and talk to people already in the business. Since

the trees traditionally grown as Christmas trees have the potential to grow into electrical lines,

they must be harvested prior to exceeding 12 feet. Trees that grow taller than that will be

removed by Dairyland for safety reasons.

Native Prairie Seed Source

Growing native prairie seed is another possibility, however, it is also not without risk for several

reasons. In addition to requiring specialized harvesting equipment, above average seed years

depress market prices that can influence profitability. Growers also need to be sure their seed

mixes do not contain undesirable weed seed stock and might need have their seed certified

through their state department of agriculture prior to sale. Potential buyers of native seed include

department of transportation and natural resources for use in roadside embankment stabilization

projects and prairie restoration efforts respectively. Many private ecological restoration

companies are also potential purchasers of this seed. To learn more about markets in your areas


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Exhibit 2. Case study of berry production operation.

The Stensing berry farm is a 1.5 acre, family run business, specializing in the production of blueberries, chokecherries, plums, highbush cranberries and pin cherries. The cherry, plum and cranberry shrubs serve as a “living snow fence.” A “living snow fence” represents a barrier to wind and traps snow in winter. The drifting snow insulates the lower growing blueberries from harsh winter weather. The cherry, plum and cranberry rows are spaced 32 feet apart with blueberries blanketed in between. The choke cherry and plum rows require periodic pruning to maintain proper air circulation for the blueberries. Air circulation reduces the risk of mummy berry fungus infestations in the dense blueberry thickets. The Stensings were able to harvest blueberry, choke cherry and plum crops after three years while the pin cherry and highbush cranberries required five years before bearing fruit. The farm was established to supply the family with a homegrown fruit but now supplies an eagerly awaiting public an opportunity to pick their own blueberries. In addition to commercially selling blueberries, the Stensings also provide local nurseries with seed stock from their living snow fence shrubs. Larger berry farms are able to sell their product to wholesalers for uses in wine making and jelly production. Jerry Stensing offers these words of advice to interested entrepreneurs, research the berries that will do best in your area and focus on those. It is hard work that you will not get rich doing it but you will be rewarded with the “fruits of your labor.” (Obtained from questionnaire answered by Jerry Stensing of Waskish Minnesota on April 10, 2006.)

Exhibit 1. Case study of hazelnuts production.

A local newspaper article prompted the Cerling family of Wykoff, Minnesota to plant hybrid hazelnuts for food production. The initial one acre patch was stocked with 400 seedlings from Badgersett Farms of Canton, Minnesota. Today the plot is five times its original size, but has come at the expense of hard work and lessons learned. The Cerlings have implemented a variety of methods to improve seedling survival and say growing hazelnuts is a work in progress. They have made use of plow, Rota tiller, herbicides, mowing and mulches throughout the years with varying success. The Cerlings accept that a small percentage of trees will die after planting, but have decided to eliminate herbicide use and rely exclusively on mowing to reduce herbaceous competition in the first few years after planting. The Cerlings recommend watering immediately after planting and during periods of drought for several years thereafter. Harvests can be expected five years after the initial planting and every year thereafter. The Cerling land is entered in the government’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) which prohibits the commercial sale of hazelnuts. The Cerlings offer these words of advice for new growers. Hazelnuts cultivation requires copious amounts of work, especially during the first few years after planting. Harvesting by hand is required due to the unsynchronized nut ripening in upper Midwest which ranges from mid August to mid September. (Obtained through Conversation with Teresa and Roy Cerling Wykoff, MN April 7 and May 2, 2006.)


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see Non-timber Products in the United States (2002, edited by E. T. Jones, R. J. McLain and J.

Weigand. University Press of Kansas) or the following website links:

http://www.specialforestproducts.com/index.php

http://www.sfp.forprod.vt.edu/

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/um/sfp_htm_directory.pdf

http://www.minnestalgia.com/

http://www.sfp.forprod.vt.edu/pubs/pubs.htm

http://www.extension.umn.edu/specializations/environment/ntfp.html

Nursery Stock

A plant nursery specializes in growing and selling woody and herbaceous plants for retail or

wholesale profit. An electrical transmission line right-of-way is a potential site for a nursery.

This can be a very rewarding experience for anyone with a strong horticultural, agricultural, or

gardening background. Starting a nursery, however, also requires a solid business understanding

in order to maintain finances, market sales, and manage employees. As important, most states

require people who grow trees, shrubs, and other nursery plants for sale and distribution to be

licensed and plant material certified to be insect and disease free. Your state department of

agriculture is responsible for this and each has a nursery program.

A plant nursery requires some investment of capital for equipment, irrigation system, plant

materials/seed, supplies, and storage buildings for equipment and supplies. With any business

startup, the initial costs will reflect the size and intensity of the operation and is dependent on

your goals and interests. Some important example requirements and areas of additional

information are listed below.

Requirements:

Time: similar to farming, the production of nursery crops can be time consuming.

Capital: depends on equipment and facilities already available and size of operation

Suitable site: must meet the requirements of the stock selected; soil type, pH, available water, available light, and climate type are just a few of the site


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characteristics that must be considered when deciding whether the production of nursery stock (and what species of stock) is right for you

Water: the production of nursery stock often requires additional irrigation.

Additional Information: American Nursery and Landscape Association 100 Vermont Ave, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC, 20005-4914 (202) 789-2900 http://www.anla.

Illinois Nurserymen’s Association 1717 South 5th Street Springfield, IL 62703 1-888-525-3900 http://www.ina-online.org/

Iowa Nursery and Landscape Association 1210 Frederick Avenue St. Joseph, MO 64501 (816) 233-1481 http://www.iowanla.org/

Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association 2151 Hamline Ave N Ste 109 PO Box 130307 St Paul MN 55113-4226 (651) 633-4987 http://www.mnlandscape.org/

Wisconsin Green Industry Federation 12342 West Layton Ave. Greenfield, WI 53228 (414) 529-4705 http://www.wislf.org/

Summary of Alternative Vegetation

Management

Remember a key first step is contacting

Dairyland prior to developing

alternative vegetation management

projects. We will assist you in

determining if the practice is

compatible with the safe and reliable

transmission of electrical power.

Growing plants is also more than just

the practice of set it and forget it!

Critical consideration before plants are

selected are needed and addressed in

section four.


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Section Four – Ecoregion Profiles

nderstanding the soils and climate of the Dairyland Power Cooperative service area is

important when selecting crops for alternative vegetation management. Dairyland’s

service area is largely located within the driftless area (Figure 7). This area of

Southeastern Minnesota, Southwestern and West central Wisconsin, Northwestern Illinois, and

Northeastern Iowa is characterized by its highly eroded, driftless topography not glaciated and

relatively extensive forested landscape. The soils in this region are loess (wind blown silt)

derived silt loams and sandy loams.

The historical vegetation in this area consisted of southern hardwood forests, oak savanna,

scattered prairies, and floodplain forests and marshes along the major rivers. Early European

settlers cleared the land on ridgetops and valley

bottoms for agriculture. However, the steep slopes

between valley bottom and ridgetop, which were

unsuitable for raising crops, grew into oak-

dominated forests as fire suppression efforts

controlled the ubiquitous pre-settlement wildfires

that maintained these oak savannas.

Current land use in this region is a mix of forest,

agriculture, and grassland with some wetlands in the

river valleys. The primary forest cover is oak-

hickory dominated by oak species and shagbark

hickory. Maple-basswood forests, dominated by

sugar maple, basswood and red maple, are common in areas that were not subjected to regular

wildfires. Bottomland hardwoods are common in the valley bottoms of major rivers and are

dominated by silver maple, ashes, elms, cottonwood, and red maple. Relict conifer forests

including white pine, hemlock and yellow birch are a rarer natural community in the cooler,

steep, north slope microclimates.

U

Figure 7. The driftless area within the four state region of Dairyland Power Cooperative.


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Climate, Soils, and Precipitation

Interpreting Climate: How does the climate of this region affect plant materials and choosing

which ones will succeed and which one will fail? One simple measure which has served the

gardening and landscaping industry is the USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zones (Figure 8). These

planting zones represent local weather records and are based on the average annual minimum

winter temperature. Information for most plant species cold hardiness is readily available and is

one simple way to help determine if the crop you are interested in growing will survive on your

site. The average growing season in the region is highly variable and ranges from 129 to 170

days. Extreme minimum temperature ranges from -30oF in the south to below -40oF in the

northern part of the Dairyland service area.

Soils: Soils are an important substrate of plant life. Much of what you will be able to do on your

property is directly dependant on the soil. One of the best ways to learn about the soils on your

property is to contact your local Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) office. The

NRCS has compiled data classifying and characterizing soils for each county into a series of Soil

Surveys. These surveys include information on soil properties, fertility and capability to grow

agricultural and forest crops. A soil test may also identify soils that are unique to your site and

may not be listed in a soil survey. Your local NRCS or extension service can assist you in

selecting and sending a soil sample to a lab for analysis.

Precipitation: Annual average precipitation ranges from 29 inches in the west to 34 inches in the

southeast area of the Dairyland service area. Annual average precipitation can be broken down

into two components by season. Snowfall forms the major component and falls during the

dormant season while rain falls during the growing season. Annual average snowfall ranges from

32 inches in the south to approximately 50 inches in the north while growing season precipitation

ranges roughly from 11 to 16 inches across the region. Average annual precipitation is an

important factor to consider but this is something that you can possibly manipulate through

irrigation. However, irrigation systems are often costly and the potential benefits may not

outweigh the capital needed for installation. Where irrigation is not feasible you will want to


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Figure 8. Hardiness zones within the four state region of Dairyland Power Cooperative. (Adapted from USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, USDA Miscellaneous Publication No. 1475)


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consider plants that are adapted to the normal precipitation of this region and can tolerate periods

of minimal precipitation.

Finally, consider that plants that grow near your site or in the local area. These plants are an

excellent indicator of what will succeed and thrive on your property. Look for plants that are

similar in needs for soils or frost hardiness zones and use them to help you determine which

plants might be right for your project.

Suitability of Alternative Crops – Matching products to your site

There are many types of specialty forest products that can be grown for pleasure or profit.

However, to be successful you need to understand the capability of your site and the growing

requirements of the species you would like to cultivate. To determine which plants will thrive

and which ones will do poorly, you need to learn about your local conditions and use that

information to select the plants that have the best chance to succeed on your site. This does not

necessarily limit whether you can cultivate or grow herbal and medicinal plants as opposed to

fruit and nut crops. Rather, this information is important to determine which will best help you

reach your goals. There are many factors to consider when planning a project, some that include:

What are the sunlight requirements of the plant? Many plants can tolerate or need full

sunlight, while others do well in partial shade or require it.

What types of soils do you have? Some plants can tolerate sandy soils that have low

available water capacity others can tolerate heavy clay soils that experience seasonal

flooding or surface ponding.

What is the length of your growing season? All plants require a minimum number of

growing days to complete their growth requirements, varying from two to four months

and is largely determined by temperatures above 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

How much precipitation do you receive each year? Water is one of the greatest

contributing factors to the growth of plants.

All of these questions are important and you need to consider them carefully when considering

what type of crop you would like to grow.


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Section Five – Sources of Assistance

here are many federal, state, and regional sources of assistance that can help you

develop an alternative vegetation management plan within the electrical utility right-of-

way. Most provide advice at no cost. Site visits are also possible at times. This section

provides important details pertaining to these assistance sources

Why and How to Seek Out Technical and Financial Assistance

Financial and technical assistance programs exist to provide incentives to manage private

resources for the public good. Technical assistance programs do this by providing for

professional natural resource planning assistance on private lands. Financial incentive programs

compensate people for the lack of market incentive to invest in “public goods” like clean water,

clean air, and improved wildlife habitat. They also encourage landowners to make long-term

investments to develop and improve the natural resource base on their property including natural

resource management practices which improve and maintain the health of land and water

resources.

Financial Assistance Programs

One source of financial assistance can be the power company itself through an easement

agreement that allows the power transmission corridor to cross private lands. Power companies

pay for the easement rights that allow a utility right-of-way to cross private property. A

landowner who is willing to establish and maintain alternative vegetation within the power

transmission corridor may also be able to negotiate seed money to establish and maintain this

type of project if it will directly reduce the utility maintenance costs.

Another potential source of financial assistance for establishing alternative vegetation, such as a

specialty forest products project, might include federal or state cost-share assistance programs.

Federal programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program administered by the

Natural Resources Conservation Service or the Forest Landowner Enhancement Program

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administered by your state Department of Natural Resources forester can help you establish a

wide array of practices. These programs can cover up to 50% of the eligible costs which are

refunded to you upon completion of the work.

Sources of Technical Assistance

Many varying sources of technical assistance exist. A primary objective of technical assistance

providers is giving sound advice with an intent to improve the natural and economic health of a

region. This assistance may be available at no cost, but often a fee is charged to cover the time

involved with assistance. They exist at the federal and state level in both the public and private

sectors. Examples are provided below.

DNR Service Foresters: Depending on where you live there may be a DNR forester available to

visit your land and answer your questions. The role of department foresters is to motivate and

guide landowners to practice sustainable forestry. The DNR foresters make site visits with

personalized, individual service, and they administer a number of planning, property tax

incentive, and cost-sharing programs.

Private Consulting Foresters: Private Consulting Foresters are independent contractors that

perform technical forestry work on a fee or contract basis for work they do. Private consulting

foresters provide a wide range of forest management services. Careful research or talking with

your DNR Forestry representative can guide you to a consultant who specializes in agroforestry

or specialty forest products.

Natural Resources Conservation Service: The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

provides technical and financial assistance to help agricultural producers and others care for the

land. The assistance they provide is based on an understanding that the land – the landscape as a

whole – must be the focus of conservation. Using this comprehensive approach, the people they

help are able to help the land function as a living sustainable system that provides a high

standard of living and a quality of life for today and for future generations.


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The NRCS provides conservation assistance through a nationwide network of conservation

districts and local offices. Staff work directly with landowners to provide technical and financial

conservation assistance. The NRCS employees help landowners develop conservation plans and

provide advice on the design, layout, construction, management, operation, maintenance, and

evaluation of the recommended, voluntary conservation practices.

Sources of Educational Assistance: Several sources of education assistance can provide you

expertise needed to carry your ideas forward. They also serve as a safety check to verify the

project idea is suitable to move forward with. One source is the National Agroforestry Center

(NAC). The NAC accelerates the application of agroforestry through a national network of

partners. Together,

they and partners

conduct research,

develop technologies

and tools, coordinate

demonstrations and

training, and provide

useful information to

natural resource

professionals.

The University

Cooperative

Extension Service

provides assistance to landowners through continuing education programs and workshops as well

as publications. You can locate your local extension service through the blue pages of your

phone book. The strength of Extension Service is its mission to provide a balanced discussion of

the issues affecting natural resources; providing science-based educational programs and

materials on sustainable land management; applied research on sustainable natural resources

techniques and their impacts on natural systems and processes.


– 34 –

Section Six – Summary and Conclusions

n summary, this booklet has introduced several functional-land-use opportunities that will

not interfere with overhead power lines. In addition, a comprehensive list of low growing

trees that are suitable for planting in utility corridors is found in Appendix A. This

publication was jointly developed between Dairyland Power Cooperative and the University of

Wisconsin-Stevens Point and has a wide range options that will benefit both agricultural and

residential property owners.

I


– 35 –

Appendix A – A Guide to Suitable Trees Under Utility Lines


– 36 –


– 37 –


– 38 –


– 39 –

Appendix B – Selected Images and File Name Reference


– 40 –

Plants Compatible Underneath Transmission Lines (Zone A) – These plants listed below will either mature at heights below 12 feet or need minimal pruning to maintain a height below 12 feet. Red buckeye Red Buckeye Flower Fox Valley river birch (Betula nigra ‘Little King’ and Tecumseh CompactTM)

River Birch Form 20 year old Tecumseh Compact

Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) White Fringe Tree Fruit, Fringe Tree Form and Flower

Burning bush (Euonymus alata) Burning Bush Form, Burning Bush Fall Color Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) Winter Berry Fruit and Leaf, Winterberry Form Crab apple (Malus spp.) Crab Fruit Small, Crab Small Form Dwarf Alberta spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’)

Dwarf Alberta Spruce Form

Dwarf Serbian spruce (Picea omorika ‘Nana’)

Serbian Spruce Weeping Pendula Bruns, Serbian Spruce Pimoko

Hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata) Hop Tree Form, Hop Tree Leaf and Fruit Staghorn or Smooth Sumac (Rhus typhina, Rhus glabra)

Staghorn Sumac Fruit, Staghorn Sumac Form

American bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia)

American Bladdernut Flower and Leaf, American Bladdernut Fall Color

Wayfaring tree (Viburnum lantana) Wayfarying tree fruit, Wayfaring Tree Fall Color, Wayfaring Tree Form

Black Chockberry Chokeberry Fruit and Leaf, Chokeberry Form Leprechaun Ash Leprechaun Ash Form, Leprechaun Ash Leaf Plants Compatible 20 to 30 Feet from Transmission Center Wire (Zone B) – Amur maple (Acer ginnala) Amur Maple Form, Amur Maple Fruit and Leaf Striped maple (Acer pensylvanicum) Striped Maple Bark, Striped Maple Bark Form Three-flowered maple (Acer triflorum)

Three-flower Maple Form

Shantung maple (Acer truncatum) Shantung Maple Form Speckled alder (Alnus incana) Speckled Alder Form Apple serviceberry (Amelanchier X grandiflora)

Apple Serviceberry Fall Color, Apple Serviceberry Form

Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) Serviceberry Form, Service Berry Fruit, Serviceberry Flower

American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)

American Hornbeam Form, American Hornbeam Bark

Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) Redbud Form2 Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) Pagoda Dogwood Form, Pagoda Dogwood Fall

Color, Pagoda Dogwood Fruit


– 41 –

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) Hawthorn Fruit, Hawthorn Form Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Witch Hazel Form, Witch Hazel Leaf Chinese Juniper (Juniperus chinensis) Chinese Juniper Form, Chinese Juniper Cone Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Eastern Red Cedar Cone, Eastern Red Blue Form, Eastern Red Natural Form

Amur Maackia (Maackia amurensis) Amur Maackia Flower, Amur Maackia Form Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) Star Magnolia Form Centenial, Star Magnolia Leaf

Centenial, Star Magnolia Flower Loebner Magnolia (Magnolia x loebner)

Loebner Magnolia Form 2, Magnolia Flower, Loebner Flower

Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo) Mugo Pine Form, American plum (Prunus americana) American Plum Flower, American Plum Fruit Newport cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera ‘Newportii’)

Newport Cherry Form, Newport Cherry Flower

Amur chokecherry (Prunus maackii) Amur Chokecherry Form, Amur Chokecherry Bark

Canadian Plum (Prunus nigra) Canada Plum Flower Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica) Pin Cherry Fruit and Leaf, Pin Cherry Form Canada red chokecherry (Prunus virginiana ‘Canada Red’)

Choke Cherry Flower, Choke Cherry Fruit

Weeping willow pear (Pyrus salicifolia)

Weeping Willow Pear Form and Flower

American mountain-ash (Sorbus americana)

American Mountainash Fruit, American Mountainash Form

Japanese tree lilac (Syringia reticulata)

Japanese Tree Lilac Form2, Japanese Tree Lilac Fruit

Arborvitae/White cedar (Thuja occidentalis)

Arborvitae Columnar Form, Arborvitae Form

Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) Nannyberry Form

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