Resource Library
If an Eversource powerline runs through one of your preserves, this right-of-way (ROW) probably provides important habitat for rare and declining species of plants and animals that require open habitats. When Eversource alerts you that they will be conducting work on the ROW on your property, you have the opportunity to meet with an Eversource representative to discuss how this can be accomplished while minimizing impacts to important habitats.
Reports on Vegetation Management on Powerline Corridors
View two reports, authored by Robert Askins, Professor Emeritus of Biology, Connecticut College and the Connecticut Botanical Society, which describe proven methods for maintaining transmission lines while preserving a biologically rich plant community dominated by native shrubs, grasses and wildflowers. Click on the links below to access the reports:
- Assessment of Changes in Vegetation Management on Powerline Corridors in Connecticut »
- Connecticut Botanical Society Position Paper on Right-of-Way Position Paper Management »
In early April 2019, Eversource hosted a forum on their vegetation management practices for several environmental stakeholder groups concerned with varying taxa (birds, plants, amphibians, reptiles, etc.) at their campus in Berlin, CT. CLCC hosted a second forum on August 12, 2019.
Additional Information from Eversource
- PowerPoint Presentation, August 12, 2019: Eversource Transmission Vegetation Management »
- Write-ups of Typical Transmission Project Activities »
- Eversource’s Commitment to Environmental Sustainability »
Additional Information offered by others
From Kimberly Stoner, Entomologist, CT Agricultural Experiment Station
- Advocating for Your Right of Way—Basics »
- Sample Eversource Letter »
- Citizens Guide to Siting Council Procedures for Electric Transmission Line Facilities »
- CT Siting Council—Petition 1293 »
- Links to Useful Websites and Documents Relating to the Connecticut Siting Council and Rights of Way »
From the Connecticut Botanical Society
- ROW Vegetation Management Recommendations provided to Eversource » This document consists of an introduction that explains why the guidelines are needed, and how they were developed, followed by a set of recommendations.
- BMP guidelines from the Invasive Plant Council that provide detailed information on preventing the spread of invasive plants through topsoil and mulch » The CBS recommendations refer to this detailed document, which is considered key to the maintaining ecological integrity of ROW communities.
- The cover letter that went to Eversource with the above recommendations. »
- Connecticut Botanical Society Position Paper on Right-of-Way Position Paper Management »
- Connecticut State Listed Plants Known in Power Line ROWs »
- Connecticut Botanical Society 2019 (all) Listed Species in ROWs »
- Thirteen Most Imperiled Connecticut Communities »
- Useful Links re Rare Plant and Community Inventory »
- Botanical Consultants for de novo Surveys in Connecticut »
From Dr. Robert Askins, Professor Emeritus of Biology, Connecticut College
- Assessment of Changes in Vegetation Management on Powerline Corridors in Connecticut. »
- Guidelines for Managing ROWs for Birds and New England Cottontails »
From Lisa Wahle, CT DEEP
- Notice to Landowners regarding Eversource work in New England cottontail Focus Areas »
- New England Cottontail 2020 Focus Areas »
From Gary Therrien, landowner
From Catherine Rawson, Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy