Precious environment to all Arlingtonians



Executive Summary

Overview

During the winter of 2003 – 2004 clearing of electric transmission lines in Arlington County along the Four Mile Run stream, particular those on and/or near the W&OD and County shared trails, caused alarm among some citizens and staff. In response to those concerns, a meeting was held with the Arlington County’s Urban Forestry Commission, interested citizens, officials of Dominion Virginia Power and County staff to discuss the current practices and any opportunities for improvement. At that meeting staff proposed to draft a management plan that would address the issues raised.

The attached pages are designed to continue conversations with the various stakeholders to respectfully address all community concerns. The working draft attached in an unfinished document developed by professional members of Arlington County staff and reviewed by the Urban Forestry Commission. The document does not yet reflect the views of Dominion Power and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.

Listed below are highlights of the recommendations that staff have produced for improving upon the cooperation, planning and management of all the involved parties.

Opportunities for Dominion Virginia Power

• Future tree pruning and removals are reduced by pursuing alternative landscape management prescriptions so that the right trees end up in the right places.

• Dominion Power will continue monitoring and spot treatment of invasives where appropriate and on an annual basis.

• Dominion Power will continue caring for the urban environment by continuing their one-for-one tree replacement policy.

• Dominion Power understands that urban areas such as Four Mile Run are community resources that are highly valued and that any disturbances to these areas must be mitigated appropriately and promptly.

• Dominion Power can gain public support by providing clear notification to the community as outlined in the Management Plan.

• Annual / regular maintenance would result in less loss of canopy and less impact observed.

• DVP should hire more foresters so that work of contractors in urban areas is more closely supervised. This paper suggests that there be an additional forester dedicated to Northern Virginia.

• Use of environmentally appropriate herbicides and other equipment that won’t create as much soil disturbances

• Explore the feasibility of alternative transmission line configurations such as raising the line.

Opportunities for Arlington County

• Professional staff will assist in identifying individual trees that should be saved within the work zone

• Create and manage a replanting plan that includes trees, shrubs and grasses to help sustain wildlife populations.

• PRCR staff will have an increased presence while Dominion Power maintenance operations occur.

• PRCR will provide signage in areas where herbicides have been applied.

• Convene an annual meeting with other jurisdictions to discuss Dominion Virginia Power line clearance issues.

• Consider allowing the electric company to raise the height of transmission lines

• Create a better communication plan with citizens.

Transmission Line Clearing

by Stephen Temmermand

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide discussion points on how best to mitigate the impacts of required electric transmission line clearing in Arlington County so that a clear plan can be developed that will address all community concerns in a respectful way. The outline of a draft Management Plan is attached as Appendix 1.

Background

Shared trail uses are the highest

Nationwide, walking is the number one form of exercise and is also the number one form of recreation. Trail systems not only play a huge role in encouraging exercise and recreation, but they are used as well for bicycling, jogging, skating, cross country skiing, commuting, bird watching, and a whole host of other activities. In Arlington, shared trails have the highest use of any recreational facilities according to the scientifically valid Open Space Master Plan citizen survey more than half of all Arlington citizens have used the trail system within the past 2 years. This amounts to about 90,000 to 100,000 people. Among all the trails in Arlington, the W&OD trail and County trials paralleling Four Mile Run are the most heavily used.

Among the reasons for the popularity of the trails that run along Four Mile Run are their ability to connect neighborhoods and neighboring cities and towns, but also essential to the experiences of their many users is that they provide a rare and dwindling opportunity to connect with nature in a wooded and stream environments. These types of environments are precious to all Arlingtonians and many feel a strong emotional connection to these public areas.

Relationship between NVRPA and Utility Company

The former W&OD railroad sold their property to the predecessors of our current electric utility company Dominion Virginia Power. While retaining rights that permit them to access the property to maintain their electric lines by trimming and removing hazardous trees and shrubs, they sold an interest in the property to the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA) that has allowed for the creation of W&OD trail.

Cooperation between NVRPA and Arlington County

The cooperation between the NVRPA and Arlington County has been wonderful for both entities in that planning, developing and maintaining this property has been mutual and provides tremendous benefits for all Arlington citizens and those who choose to visit with us. Through this cooperation many Arlington County trails connect directly to the W&OD in such a manner that the typical users would not easily know where one begins and the other ends.

Dominion Virginia Power

Dominion Virginia Power (DVP) is the main supplier of transmitted electricity to essentially everyone in Arlington and many of its neighboring communities. It goes without saying that everyone should recognize that providing reliable power in a safe manner is in the best interest of all citizens and is a primary concern of DVP.

The electric power company uses two types of lines to transfer electricity. The first type of lines is used for very high voltage. These are carried by metal towers and along the trails mentioned above transfer electrons that pushed with a force of 230,000 volts. The second type of lines are called distribution lines which carry electricity at much lower voltage levels and are not addressed in this paper.

Electricity being pushed at this high voltage can jump across the air considerable distance. A quick glance at the length of the insulators hanging from the towers immediately tells the knowledgeable observer that direct contact with the power lines is not necessary for the undesired transfer of electricity to occur. Trees or other objects coming near these lines have the potential to catastrophic events. A walk or ride along the trails will allow an observer to see just how close some berms, hillsides and trees have come to the wires.

While a long term solution to vegetation management in this corridor may be to change the configuration of the transmission line (raising the line, lowering the voltage, relocating or re- routing) these alternatives are beyond the scope of this paper. Unfortunately, the towers carrying the transmission lines are not tall enough to allow significant canopy underneath. DVP reports that the lines they carry are the lowest towers for any they have that carry such strong power. In the summer time when electrical demands are strong and ambient air temperatures are high, increased heat to the transmission lines causes severe sagging in the lines - further lowering already low conductors. This requires keeping vegetation closer to the ground and further away in horizontal distances than higher lines would need.

If the possibility of an unwanted transfer of electricity were to occur it would likely creates two major concerns: 1) Potential break in the conductor - Loss of this line could have untold affects on the community. Closed schools, hospitals, businesses are among the issues in the best-case scenario. In the worst-case scenario, DVP officials indicate that a conductor loss could affect the whole national electric grid. 2) Inadvertent energizing of a tree or shrub with this high voltage or a downed high voltage power line represents an extremely unsafe condition that should never happen. The danger to humans is extraordinary and it is unlikely that children or most adults would ever consider looking for danger signals to spot an accidentally energized tree or shrub.

Another interest of DVP is minimizing the environmental impacts from their operations. See Appendix 3 for a copy of Dominion Virginia Power’s environmental responsibility statement.

Issues faced

Hurricane Isabel damage

Hurricane Isabel created intense damage to Arlington’s canopy. The Parks and Natural Resource Division had used over one half million dollars in cleaning up the storm damage, most of which was spent on tree issues. Some areas were hit hard. For example, where a connector trail comes down to meet the Glen Carlyn restroom parking lot, we lost three fairly large trees in a very small triangle. Part of the damage visible to the tree canopy along the trails is a result of this storm.

Trimming and removals of hazardous trees

There is little doubt that most reasonable people understand that finding the solutions to balancing all the community concerns is the best goal of any plan of action. Some but not all of these concerns are shown on the diagram on the first page. Concerns include respecting the environment (including considerations of watersheds, wildlife habitat, invasive species and soil erosion), safe places for people to walk or lean against a tree, preserving as many trees as possible, minimizing soil disturbance, preventing the spread of invasive plants, maintaining and improving wildlife habitat and maintaining an environment that helps rejuvenate the human spirit. Reasonable people would also agree that the electric company needs to prune around their transmission lines.

Why then the need for this discussion? It is the belief that the power company is removing more trees, pruning severely and disturbing more soil than is required to meet their goals that has stirred the stronger emotional responses. In some cases, the need for tree pruning or removal is not obvious until after the work has been completed. As an example let’s talk about an area that has already been mentioned, the small triangle near the Glen Carlyn restroom parking lot. It had to have all the trees removed either because they were too close to the power lines or because they were hazardous and getting ready to fall. A look at the stumps shows just how decayed several were.

Dominion Virginia Power’s Cooperation with Arlington County

Dominion Power’s has shown an increased sensitivity to the environmental impacts of their transmission vegetation maintenance. This increased cooperation with Arlington County this year has included:

▪ Removal of invasive species

▪ Providing tree replacements for trees removed.

▪ Tree planting is happening under Arlington staff developed plans

▪ Removing trees identified as severely hazardous by Arlington’s Urban Foresters while in the area rather than just pruning only the limbs which affect their lines. This keeps the County from having to return to the same area for hazard mitigation thereby reducing the environmental impacts of multiple equipment operations.

Understanding the environment under transmissions lines.

Any plan for the vegetation management of an area requires a basic understanding of the nature of the habitat. Ecologists use many different terms to describe environments and often they have several meanings but all help us to understand the interaction of the plants and animals that exist within the same environment.

The word community is usually taken to mean a grouping of interacting species. When most people think of an environment or community, it is the easily observed physical characteristics of plants that dominate their thoughts. When on the W&OD or Four Mile Run trails, the form and structure of the terrestrial communities are most readily observed by the nature of the vegetation. To the casual observer, the plants are easily subdivided by the height and often put into categories of trees, shrubs, and grasses. (Another subdivision could be labeling trees as evergreen and deciduous). This highly developed vertical stratification is a distinct feature of wooded areas that is even more obvious from our trails.

The density of the canopy has tremendous influence on the structure of the rest of the environment. If it is well developed (closed) the lack of sunlight will help limit the development of the understory trees, the herbaceous layers, and the shrubs. If the canopy is open, the increased sunlight will help promote a well developed shrub and tree understory strata.

Of course many other factors influence plant development including such things as fertility of soils, slopes, soil moisture content, soil pH, pollutants, wind, activities like pedestrian traffic, patterns of light and shade, geology, microtopography, etc.

These same factors, as well as others, affect the horizontal heterogeneity of plants, too. Needless to say, the human-induced disturbance required to assure safe and properly functioning 230,000 volt electrical transmission lines creates a totally different vegetational community under and nearby to the wires from that of the neighboring wooded areas.

This place where two or more different types of communities meet (as seen through the vegetation patterns in their horizontal stratifications) is called an edge. An abrupt change in an edge is labeled induced when it results from a disturbance (fire, floods, agriculture, grazing or land clearing) of the natural distribution of plants. Plants that do well in induced edges typically tend to be opportunistic and shade intolerant. The combination of disturbed soils and changes to the canopy cover can create new opportunities for invasive plants as well as for plants competing in a natural succession.

Periodic maintenance is required

The induced edges can only be maintained by the periodic disturbance as plants in one community will, by natural forces, adapt to environmental conditions and advance as far into the neighboring communities as their competitive superiority will allow.

This fact requires that the maintenance necessary for the safe and reliable supply of electricity through the high voltage transmission lines be performed on a regular basis. Part of the reason the trimming required to meet the utility company objectives seems, to many, so catastrophic is that the proper pruning and removals of potentially hazardous trees did not occur for some years beyond the normal schedule.

While it is true that the greater the contrast between adjoining plant communities in edges generally provides support for more variety and greater density of species, it has been found that when the edge structure is abrupt with an overlapping or cantilevered canopy, such structure is of minimal value to wildlife (After Ranney 1977).[i] The greater the distance between the initial edge and the point of edge maintenance (hence, a longer horizontal stratification), the greater the benefit to wildlife. Also the abrupt edge is of lesser value to wildlife than the mosaic or continuous edge. The former being best described a fairly “smooth” line between neighboring communities when seen from above and the latter being best described as a convoluted or “scrunched line” with several smaller splotches of embedded communities. So the challenge here is…in order to maximize the benefit to wildlife, one would need to either increase the area of disturbance or create an environment that has greater contrast between adjoining plant communities.

Approach to Replanting

Maximum benefits through varying species

It is through a combination of the plants that we will attempt to provide the maximum benefits for wildlife, prevent soil erosion, improve stream buffers for better stream water quality, create visible places of interest to trail users. It is fair to say that Arlington County’s overall approach is to leave as much intact canopy as practicable. In places where trees may be replanted, we will choose the right tree for the right place. This means a tree will be selected for a site such that in future years it will not need extensive pruning or removal due to threatening a transmission line. Shrubs are appropriate for planting in other areas. So are grasses. For a list of native trees recommended by Arlington County see Appendix 2. The larger trees included in the is list are not appropriate for planting under or in proximity to transmission lines. Planting plans for sites will be determined by Arlington County’s professional staff considering all the factors that could affect a site. Work will be completed through a combination of contracted and staff efforts.

[ii] Ranney, J.W. 1977 Forest island edges-their structure, development, and importance to regional forest ecosystem dynamics. EDFB/IBP Cont. No. 77/1, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tenn.

See also: Ranney, J.W., M.C. Brunner, and J. B. leveson. 1981. The importance of the edge in the structure and dynamics of forest islands. In R.L. Burgess and D.M. Sharpe (eds.) , Forest Island Dynamics in Man-dominated Landscapes (Ecological Studies No. 41). Springer_Verlag, new York, pp. 67-95.

Appendix 1

Draft Management Plan

The following Management Plan is designed to document existing protocols, identify potential partners, outline coordination and preservation efforts, minimize and mitigate impacts where appropriate so that sustainable practices are in place for the future in the Transmission Line Clearance areas in Arlington County.

INTRODUCTION

The Washington & Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) and other trails under the transmission lines are unique resources that pose many management challenges. The W&OD travels through multiple jurisdictions. The ribbon of land that the trail travels through is owned by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA). However, Dominion Virginia Power (DVP) maintains a utility easement on the property. The trail is an important recreational open space as well as a stream corridor that provides crucial environmental benefits. Because of this the management prescriptions that Dominion Power chooses should conform to County standards and management objectives as closely as possible. This document provides a framework for such coordination and will serve as a Management Plan for Transmission Line Clearance areas in Arlington County.

All of us, as users of electricity, know the importance of transmission line safety and integrity. However, we are also the stewards of the surrounding natural resources and as stewards we must proactively advocate for the best management practices possible during transmission line clearance activities. The NVRPA and the Arlington County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Resources (PRCR) works with Dominion Power and its contractors to insure that the impacts to the community’s natural resources are minimized.

Arlingtonians were greatly concerned by the severity of Dominion Power’s line clearance activities and the lack of effective notification. This came to a head when large trees were removed from the Glen Carlyn area and slopes were cleared in proximity to Four Mile Run.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Water Quality

Since much of the W&OD corridor and other trails under the transmission lines are also in riparian buffers, any vegetation removal or other type of vegetation management along the trail can greatly affect water quality. Exposed and disturbed soils can erode and end up in the stream increasing turbidity and nutrient loads. In addition, reduction of riparian tree canopy can negatively impact in-stream habitat by reducing shade and increasing stream temperature. Vegetation management and other maintenance activities associated with utility operations are exempt from the County’s Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance, provided such activities are in compliance with State erosion and sediment control (E/S) regulations. Dominion Power is required to file its E/S standards and specifications for the company’s activities with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation on an annual basis for review and approval. Dominion Power will provide a copy of this filing to the County each year, and PRCR, Arlington County’s Department of Environmental Services (DES), and NVRPA will partner with Dominion Power on strategies to minimize disturbance to riparian buffers and impacts on water quality.

Wildlife Habitat

There is no question that the removal of trees over a wide section of Glen Carlyn Park is visually shocking to the public, and will remain so until the clear-cut areas begin to recover through natural processes or by directed assistance. The alteration of the natural environment by the removal to trees does not itself lead to a loss of wildlife habitat, but rather creates a different habitat. The width or linear footage of canopy that was removed at the Glen Carlyn site was relatively small in terms of wildlife habitat. The real question to address is related to the issue of wildlife habitat value. Will the new habitat, once recovered, be equal to or of greater value than the pre-existing habitat? To answer that question, one must consider the specific habitat preferences of wildlife species, and weigh the relative values of the new and old habitats.

Where canopy trees and potential avian nesting sites have been lost, a greater proportion of “edge” (i.e. the transitional corridor between forest and meadow or grass composed primarily of shrubs and forbs) has the opportunity to form. In general, these vegetative “edges” can be very productive in terms of attracting wildlife, but do require periodic maintenance to retard succession and retain their high value. The natural value of the “edge” community can be enhanced through the addition of targeted plantings. For example, the addition of targeted annual and perennial wildflowers could greatly increase the chances of attracting butterflies and hummingbirds along the corridor. The mid-level vegetative strata within the “edge” can also be highly attractive to many species of songbirds for both food (insects/seed/fruit) and shelter.

Two uncommon urban species, the Screech Owl and American kestrel could also benefit from a managed “edge”. Both species can be attracted to artificial nest boxes placed along the corridor.. A number of “topped” trees, along the forest edge, were left standing. These trees should provide increased feeding/nesting opportunities for a number of woodpecker species over the next 5-8 years. The impact of recent changes to native urban mammal species is generally unremarkable, due to high mobility and adaptive abilities. If properly managed with initial plantings and periodic maintenance, long-term impact to wildlife habitat is probably negligible and increased wildlife habitat value may even result.

The greatest challenge to wildlife habitat enhancement will come in the form of monitoring and combating non-native invasive plant species. As a general rule, recently disturbed soils in areas of full sun exposure are the most at risk for the establishment of invasive species. In the worst cases, some exotics can quickly establish a monoculture of one or two species that represent little to no value to wildlife. 

TRAIL DESIGN

The following criteria should be considered prior to placement of any tree or shrub:

• Personal Safety-All trees or shrubs need to be placed a minimum of ten feet from the trails edge.

• Placement of trees/shrubs should not limit the sight distance of the users from merging trails or roads.

• Where applicable trees and/or shrubs should not be placed near lighting or cause future concerns for lighted facilities which could reduce visibility for users, or lights should be relocated.

• All trees and/or shrubs should not limit sight lines for signage along the trail.

• Aesthetics- Scenery is an important consideration along our facilities. Trees can provide cooler riding conditions in summer and can provide a windbreak.

INVASIVES

Effective weed management requires long term monitoring and maintenance.  Areas treated with herbicides will require retreatment to spot treat plants not killed by the initial treatments and to treat plants that grow from the remaining seed source and new introductions.  PRCR will provide signage in areas where herbicides have been applied.

Earth moving activities contribute to the spread of weeds as does the use of contaminated construction fill, seed or erosion control products.  Best practices would involve reducing soil disturbance as much as possible and ensuring any fill used in maintenance activities is uncontaminated.

Weeds can be spread by machines and equipment.  Best practices would involve cleaning off equipment (power or high pressure cleaning) of all dirt and plant parts before moving into relatively weed free areas.

Removing desirable plants will encourage invasive plants to grow.  Many invasive plants are quick to move into newly disturbed areas, grow well in sun to part shade, and outcompete native plants by becoming established quickly.   Minimize removal of desirable plants especially small trees and shrubs as much as possible to minimize opportunities for invasives to become established.   Consider planting competitive desirable species in some cleared areas as a prevention technique.  May have to experiment with which plants will work best.

When prioritizing areas for weed control it is most efficient to address areas that are relatively uninvaded and areas that are important to conserve first.  Starting in relatively uninvaded areas, gives the best chance of achieving control and preventing further spread into still relatively native habitats.  Prevention is easier than restoration and is usually addressed first in weed management programs to maximize efficiency.  (e.g. Think of garden beds, if you have one garden bed with desirable plants growing in it and a few weeds and another garden bed totally covered in weeds.  Which would you weed first?).   One may also wish to consider which areas are most important to protect from invasive plants.  For example, if a badly infested area is next to a relatively uninvaded stream valley park, this area would receive higher priority for invasive plant control than an area next to roads.

VOLUNTEER GROUPS

The Remove Invasive Plants (RiP) volunteer group supports the Arlington County Invasive Species Program. Our most successful volunteer work areas have a local resident volunteer who is the "Park Leader" for that area.   The Park Leader helps organize volunteer workdays and recruits (usually through the local civic assoc) volunteers for workdays.  The majority of volunteers seem to enjoy working in a park in their neighborhood and only attend events at that park.  A small number of volunteers move between sites.   Finding a volunteer who lives near the trail and wants to control invasive plants and help recruit neighbors for volunteer workdays might be the best bet for starting a volunteer effort.  One of our volunteer groups works along the Bluemont Junction trail near the "rocks" and Illinois St.  This site is not along the power line but the volunteers are out there almost every second Sat and have made some tremendous progress.  PRCR has done some spraying at this site and we hope to do some replanting.  This might be a good example area to inspire volunteers.

TREE PRESERVATION

Presently, PRCR urban foresters and park service area managers review line clearance activities with Dominion Power well in advance of the work being done. In general trees are not marked prior to pruning or removal. Only trees that have the potential to interfere with the transmission lines are removed or pruned. PRCR will work with Dominion Power to develop a method of marking or tagging trees prior to their removal. This will be integrated with the notification process as outlined below.

The use of herbicides to control the growth of vegetation under transmission lines is a common practice. This is presently a management prescription in other jurisdictions along the W&OD. With the current level of vegetative pruning and removal now complete the future spot application of herbicides may be a practical alternative for controlling the growth of woody vegetation under the transmission lines.

ALTERNATIVE MANAGEMENT PRESCRIPTIONS

PRCR’s Natural Resource Program Coordinator, Park Service Area Managers, and Invasives Plant Program Coordinator in association with Park Naturalists, Urban Foresters and the NVRPA will determine which management prescription is most appropriate for a given area. These management prescriptions are meant to eliminate or minimize the impacts of future line clearance activities. They are preventative in nature and offer a sustainable alternative that is consistent with other management objectives of the corridor. Listed below are some different approaches to managing the diverse environments seen along the W&OD trail. This by no means encompasses all land types present but is an attempt to try and manage the area in a reasonable way. PRCR staff use only the most environmentally appropriate approaches to vegetation management. Best Management Practices (BMPs) are employed that attempt to balance mechanical and chemical alternatives to vegetation management. This insures that our methods are sustainable and environmentally sound.

DIFFERENT MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES UNDER DOMINION POWER LINES

1. FLAT AREAS - WETLAND

Option 1- Cut back invasives and allow to regenerate itself. Put into an every other year mowing cycle to prevent large trees from establishing.

Option 2- Cut back and spray with environmentally appropriate herbicide at spring flush. Spray 2- 3 times in spring as needed for invasive control. Plant native meadow or shrub seed mix in fall. Mow every other year if seeded in meadow.

2. FLAT AREAS - UPLAND

Option 1- Cut back invasives and allow area to regenerate itself. Put into an every other year mowing cycle to prevent large trees from establishing.

Option 2- Cut back and spray with environmentally appropriate herbicide at spring flush. Spray 2- 3 times in spring as needed for invasive control. Plant native meadow or shrub seed mix in fall. Mow every other year if seeded in meadow.

3. STEEP SLOPES - WETLAND

Hydroseed with native erosion control seed mix.

4. MODERATE SLOPES - UPLAND

Option 1- Cut back invasives and allow area to regenerate itself. Put into an every other year mowing cycle to prevent large trees from establishing.

Option 2 - Cut back invasives. Plant native meadow and shrub seed mix to compete with invasives.

Option 3- Cut back and spray with environmentally appropriate herbicide at spring flush. Spray 2- 3 times in spring as needed for invasive control. Plant native meadow and shrub seed mix in fall.

5. AREAS ALREADY IN GRASS

Option 1 - Turn to a no-mow area that would be mowed every other year to retain as a meadow.

Option 2 - Continue to mow but supplement with small trees.

Replacement Plantings

Although Dominion Virginia Power is not subject to the County’s Tree Replacement Guidelines it is important to recognize the value Arlington places on trees. Our replacement policy can be found by going to the following web link:

Dominion Power has agreed to replace tree removals at a one for one level. DPRCR has determined that 250 of the following species will be planted: Amelanchier canadensis (Serviceberry), Carpinus caroliniana (American Hornbeam), Chionanthus virginicus (White Fringetree), Malus (Crabapple), and Oxydendren arboreum (Sourwood). These species are from a list of trees appropriate for planting under electric utility lines that staff has developed (Appendix 2). All of these species are the right tree in the right place. They will not interfere with the transmission lines, they are native and they provide benefits to wildlife.

Demonstration Opportunities

The Virginia Cooperative Extension has an existing utility arboretum program. This is at their Hampton Roads facility under the direction of Dr. Bonnie Appleton. It is in partnership with the Virginia Department of Forestry, Dominion Power and other utilities, and the Virginia Municipal Tree Restoration Program (MTRP).

The MTRP is a program that restores municipal trees when they are removed as a result of utility work. The trees are proven cultivars for this management challenge and insure that the right tree is in the right place minimizing problems in the future. The Virginia Department of Forestry, Urban and Community Forestry Program administers Community Assistance Grants for the US Forest Service. There may be Grant opportunities for interpretive signage as well as the application of different management prescriptions. All of the trees on Arlington’s list are also used by the MTRP. PRCR staff will pursue partnership and grant opportunities associated with Virginia MTRP and the alternative management prescriptions.

Communication and Notification

The need to keep the public informed of Dominion Virginia Power’s (DVP’s) transmission line clearance operations (including tree trimming, tree removal and herbicide applications) was identified as a major need. During the summer of 2003, Arlington County’s Public Information Office notified the presidents of Arlington County civic associations that DVP would be trimming or removing trees that had the potential to damage their transmission lines.

When trimming and tree removal along the W&OD Trail reached the Glen Carlyn area in late December 2003, the degree of trimming and removal increased dramatically due to the large number of trees that posed potential threats to the transmission lines. At that point there was a large outpouring of public concern and dissatisfaction with the number of trees that were trimmed and removed. Arlington County then posted signs along the W&OD Trail explaining that line clearance operations were being conducted by DVP (including a DVP telephone contact for more information). Arlington County also sent an informational update to presidents of civic associations that abut the W&OD Trail and helped to facilitate press and television coverage of the clearance operations.

In order to ensure greater communication and notification of the public prior to future transmission line clearance operations, the following protocol is recommended:

• DVP will notify Arlington County’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Resources (PRCR) at least two months prior to clearance operations, and flag trees to be trimmed or removed. They will also indicate areas to be treated with herbicide (and the type of herbicide to be used). DVP personnel will meet with DPRCR Urban Foresters and appropriate Park Service Area Managers in the field to review their plans.

• DPRCR staff will post signs at appropriate locations along the trail, describing the work that DVP will perform and listing a DVP contact telephone number. These signs will be posted at least two weeks prior to work being performed in that area.

• DVP will issue a press release to the local media (including local Arlington newspapers) describing the work to be performed and scheduled starting date and duration of clearance operations. The press release should be issued approximately 10 days prior to the start of clearing.

• Arlington County will provide DVP with the mail and e-mail addresses of civic association presidents. Arlington County and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA) will also provide DVP with contact information for various citizen groups and organizations (list to be developed) that have a special interest in the trail and environmental issues.

• DVP will notify all civic association presidents (and groups identified above) of planned activities, provide them with a “fact sheet” summary of what is to occur (including when and where), and encourage them to disseminate this information to their members. This notification should occur at least one month prior to the start of work.

• DVP and DPRCR staff will meet with the Urban Forestry Commission to review planned line clearance operations at least one month prior to the onset of work.

• Appropriate community outreach will occur after the UFC has reviewed the plan.

Inter-jurisdictional Coordination

The Dominion Power Transmission Line corridor runs through many surrounding jurisdictions including; the City of Falls Church, Alexandria, Fairfax County, and Loudon County. Although the level of vegetative control in these jurisdictions may differ many issues will be shared. These recommendations and other elements of this Management Plan may be implemented by Dominion Power, NVRPA and others where appropriate. Arlington County will convene an annual inter-jurisdictional meeting to discuss DVP line clearance work.

Recommendations

Dominion Virginia Power

• Future removals are reduced by pursuing alternative landscape management prescriptions under transmission lines and planting the right trees in the right place.

• Dominion Power will continue monitoring and spot treatment of invasives where appropriate.

• Dominion Power will continue their one for one replacement policy.

• Dominion Power understands that urban areas such as Four Mile Run are community resources that are highly valued and that any disturbances to these areas must be mitigated appropriately.

• Dominion Power will work with Arlington County to notify the community as outlined in the Management Plan.

• More frequent maintenance so loss of canopy is less and visual impact less significant

• DVP to hire a foresterdedicated to Northern Virginia so that work of contractors in urban areas is more closely supervised.

• Use of herbicides and other equipment that won’t create as much soil disturbances

• Better community notification of proposed work.

Arlington County

• Identify each tree that should be saved within the work zone

• Create and manage a replanting plan that includes trees, shrubs and grasses making certain that “the right tree is planted in the right place”.

• Consider allowing the electric company to raise the height of transmission lines

• Create a better communication plan with citizens.

• Convene an annual meeting with other jurisdictions to discuss Dominion Virginia Power line clearance issues.

The following groups have been identified as stakeholders in the development of this Management Plan. Information will be shared with them and their input will be solicited.

o Arlington County, Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Resources

o Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority

o Dominion Virginia Power

o Arlington’s Urban Forestry Commission

o Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment

o Friends of the Washington & Old Dominion Trail

o Friends of Four Mile Run

o Friends of Arlington Parks

o Arlington’s Parks and Recreation Commission

o Virginia Native Plants Society, Potowmack Chapter

o Audubon Naturalist Society, Fairfax Chapter

o Fairfax Audubon Society

o Tree Stewards

o Remove Invasive Plants (RiP)

o Department of Environmental Services

o Environment and Energy Conservation Commission

o City of Falls Church

o City of Alexandria

o Fairfax County

o Loudon County

o Arlington ReLeaf

o Arlington Bicycle Advisory Committee

o Arlington Pedestrian Advisory Committee

o Arlington Coalition for Smarter Growth

o Arlington County Civic Federation

o Individual Civic Associations: Arlington Forest, Barcroft, Bluemont , Claremont, Columbia Forest, Columbia Heights West, Dominion Hills, Douglas Park, East Falls Church, Glencarlyn and Madison Manor

Appendix 2

SAMPLE TIME TABLE FOR HERBICIDE OPTION

1. March - April -Cut down shrub and vine invasives with bush hog in selected areas. Coordinate with NVRPAPaul McCray of the Northern Virginia. Regional Park Authority has volunteered to do that.

2. May 15 - May 30 - First herbicide spray after spring flush.

3. June 30 - July 15 -Second herbicide spray.

4. Aug. 15 - Aug. 30 - Third herbicide spray if necessary.

5. Sept. 15 - start planting seed mixes.

Although Dominion Virginia Power is not subject to the County’s Tree Replacement Guidelines it is important to recognize the value Arlington places on trees. Our replacement policy can be found by going to the following web link:



Need to include the specific composition of the “native” seed mixes

The following is the County’s present list of suggested native plants. Of course the large trees would not be appropriate under or in proximity to the transmission line.

UNDERSTORY TREES

1. Amelanchier canadensis/Shadblow Serviceberry - 6-20' hgt.

2. Carpinus caroliniana/American Hornbeam - 20-30' hgt. *

3. Cercis canadensis/Eastern Redbud - 20-30' hgt.

4. Chionanthus virginicus/Fringetree - 20-35' hgt.

5. Cornus florida/Flowering Dogwood - 20-40 hgt.

6. Halesia carolina/Carolina Silverbell - 30-40' hgt.

7. Hamamelis virginiana/Witchhazel - 20-30' hgt.

8. Ilex opaca/American Holly - 40-50' hgt.

9. Magnolia virginiana/Sweet Bay Magnolia - 10-20' hgt. *

10. Oxydendrum arboreum/Sourwood - 25-30' hgt.

11. Sassafras albidum/Sassafras - 30-60' hgt.

SHRUBS

1. Aronia arbutifolia/Red Chokeberry - 8-10' hgt. *

2. Calicarpa americana/American Beautyberry - 4-8' hgt.

3. Cephalanthus occidentalis/Buttonbush - 3-6' hgt. *

4. Clethra alnifolia/Summersweet - 8-10' hgt. *

5. Cornus amomum/Silky Dogwood - 10-15' hgt. *

6. Fothergilla major/Large Fothergilla - 8-10' hgt.

7. Hydrangea quercifolia/Oakleaf Hydrangea - 4-6' hgt.

8. Ilex verticillata/Winterberry - 6-10' hgt. *

9. Itea virginica/Virginia Sweetspire - 3-5' hgt. *

10. Kalmia latifolia/Mountain Laurel - 7-15' hgt.

11. Leucothoe fontanesiana/Drooping leucothoe - 3-6' hgt.

12. Lindera benzoin/Spicebush - 10-12' hgt.

13. Rhododendron catawbiense/Catawba Rhododendron - 8-10' hgt.

14. Rhododendron calendulaceum/Flame azalea - 6-10' hgt.

15. Rhododendron nudiflorum/Pinxterbloom azalea - 6-10' hgt.

16. Sambucus canadensis/Elderberry - 5-12' hgt. *

17. Viburnum dentatum/Arrowwood - 10-15' hgt. *

18. Viburnum trilobum/Amer.Cranberrybush Viburnum - 8-12' hgt. *

LARGE TREES

1. Acer rubrum/Red Maple - 40-60' hgt. *

2. Betula nigra/River Birch - 50-75'hgt. *

3. Celtis occidentalis/Common Hackberry 75-100' hgt.

4. Cladrastis lutea/American Yellowwood 30-50' hgt.

5. Diospyros virginiana/Persimmon 35-60' hgt.

6. Fraxinus americana/White Ash - 50-80' hgt.

7. Liquidambar styraciflua/Sweet Gum - 60-75' hgt. *

8. Nyssa sylvatica/Black Gum - 30-50' hgt.

9. Quercus bicolor/Swamp White Oak - 75-100' hgt. *

10. Quercus imbricaria/Shingle Oak - 50-60' hgt.

11. Quercus macrocarpa/Bur Oak - 75-100' hgt.

12. Quercus phellos/Willow Oak - 55-75' hgt. *

13. Quercus palustrus/Pin Oak - 50-75' hgt. *

14. Quercus rubrum/Red Oak - 60-80' hgt.

* - tolerant of temporary flooding

Appendix 3

The following Environmental Responsibility statement is from the Dominion Power website.

Environmental Responsibility

Dominion recognizes that environmental quality is inherently long term. Sound environmental stewardship demands more than instinct and expediency. It must have the commitment of consistent, corporate emphasis. It must have the conviction of people and organizations who know the importance of environmental stewardship for our world today, and tomorrow.

Dominion is focused on meeting our customers' energy needs in an environmentally responsible manner. We know that today's operations affect tomorrow's environment. As the major energy supplier in uniquely beautiful and natural regions, we have always worked to protect and enhance the economic and environmental quality of life for our customers and our employees.

We are committed — and will remain committed — to full compliance with all laws and regulations of local, state and federal governments that affect our operations. We will also continue to cooperate closely with the agencies that regulate our business, and even go beyond legal requirements when such action is supported by sound science and informed policy-making that makes economic sense, and encourages long term solutions.

Dominion will continue to use its dedicated workforce and a spirit of innovation to not only remain environmentally responsible in changing times, but to aggressively seek new ways to provide its customers the services they need with even less impact on the environment that surrounds us all.

Company Environmental Policy

• Make environmental concerns an integral part of our planning and decision making process and commit sufficient resources to implement effective environmental programs.

• Practice sound environmental stewardship of all company-owned facilities and properties and all natural resources under our management.

• Educate employees to be accountable for environmental stewardship and encourage them to seek innovative ways to improve the environmental safety of our operations.

• Minimize, mitigate or restore any adverse environmental impacts caused by our operations.

• Maintain open channels of communication with employees, government agencies, public officials, the media and the public to meet their information needs in regard to energy and environmental issues.

• Participate with government agencies and others in framing responsible laws, regulations and standards affecting the community, the workplace and the environment.

• Promote the efficient use of energy resources through cost-effective conservation and energy management programs.

• Ensure the proper handling and disposal of all wastes, and minimize their creation while pursuing opportunities to recycle and reuse waste materials.

• Support research and development of programs and technologies aimed at minimizing the environmental impacts of company operations.

Evaluate our environmental performance through periodic reviews and audits to ensure that our conduct is consistent with these principles.

References

J Kent McAdoo, Rod Davis.  Northeastern Nevada Revegetation Guide: Planting Desirable Vegetation to Compete With Invasive Weeds in Upland Habitats

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Bruce Maxwell et al.  Center for Invasive Plant Management Online Invasive Plant Textbook. 



James H. Miller Exotic Invasive Plants in Southeastern Forests





Steven Seigel, Susan Donaldson. Measures to Prevent the Spread of Invasive Weeds During Construction Activities.

>

Environmental Stewardship Strategy for Electric Utility Rights-of-Way. Edison Electric Institute Vegetative Management Task Force



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Arlington County

Water Quality

Soil Erosion

Tree Preservation

Solutions respecting all community concerns

Invasive Plants

Park &Trail User Safety

Aesthetic qualities

Dependable electricity

Induced edge

Wildlife

Habitat

Draft Discussion Paper

Stephen J Temmermand, Division Chief, Parks and Natural Resources, DPRCR

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