POWER pushes to protect wildlife, cut utility costs

FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY - Strips of electrical and gas line right of way are being thought of more and more as critter corridors.

POWER - Promoting Our Wildlife & Energy Resources - is a new push to benefit wildlife while also lowering maintenance costs for utility providers by creating habitat along transmission lines.

Pushed by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Resource Conservation and Development councils, POWER will offer free technical assistance and payments to landowners for completing pre- approved wildlife habitat practices on rights of way that in turn eliminate utilities' need to manage vegetation.

Vegetation on utility rights of way must be managed so that it does not interfere with electric and gas operations. Left alone, trees growing under electric lines can reach to the wires and cause power outages and safety emergencies. Trees also interfere with gas pipeline operation by inhibiting access to underground lines.

POWER will target transmission rights of way that span longer distances and are wider than the smaller distribution lines carrying power or gas to individual homes or businesses. Records indicate Kentucky has 10,000 miles of gas and electric transmission lines with rights of way exceeding 100,000 acres.

"Many people don't realize that gas and electric rights of way can be managed to benefit wildlife," said Brian Clark, a state biologist. He said transmission line habitat could increase wildlife populations available for hunting or wildlife viewing.

Clark said right of way in the POWER program would be maintained in low-growth vegetation - grasses, wildflowers and shrubs - that could especially benefit creatures that depend on grassland and shrub habitat.

He said cottontail rabbits, bobwhite quail and grasshopper sparrows, all in decline for decades, should be significantly boosted.

Details are being developed for POWER availability early next year. Interested landowners can call 1-800-858-1549 or log on to fw.ky.gov and click on the "Special Programs" tab to find out more.