Call the utility company and ask how often they plan on mowing...don't mention your plan, just say you are concerned about your dog getting frightened by the machines or something. Look at similar sites in the area...see how high the growth is allowed to get, and how wide a corridor they clear. Think about birds and pollinators. Look for wildflower mixes from American Meadows or Prairie Moon. Maybe plant ferns and swamp milkweed? Maybe plant Apios Americana or other native vines near the utility poles? It likes swampy soil and likes to climb...and it's a native that is edible.

Docmom, I would urge you to go directly to the transmission ROW company. You might be pleasantly surprised at how progressive they may be. Here in WI, we've got one major powerline company which, while not kind to forest land along their ROWs, does do a decent job of mitigating the results of their ever-expanding corridors. I'm talking about the establishment of meadows, wet meadows, etc. under the lines. They're pretty good about it, although that may be an exceptional case, I don't know.

But start out right by going to the source. Why skulk around when you might be able to work openly and cooperatively with the company?

+oM

+oM, I did call and left a message for the person at the utility who is in charge of "forestry". That person should be able to help me find out what is possible and who I can work with. I certainly won't skulk about. I just happen to have some containers left over from wintersowing that haven't been planted yet, and they are not things that would become invasive or make access or maintenance difficult.

Martha

A friend has the same situation, and she has permission to plant and care for the area, PROVIDED that each winter or early spring she has some one bush hog the area to make sure no trees will ever come back. This has been going on for quite some time, and she has her lovely meadow extended now in the right of way.

You may have to offer to be in charge of cutting once a year and paying for it, as my friend does, for the option of having this wonderful piece of land.

I also know that in other parts of NC the utility co, (different one) has stopped spraying under the power lines and just mows. Several environmental groups petitioned for this as they said they had found some somewhat rare species. In that case, the company takes care of this area.

Good luck.

There is no way any "normal" person will be able to mow this. The part near the street is nearly a vertical drop, and the rest is so uneven, I don't know if a brush hog could do it. And the back is a swamp. I hope they don't plan to spray.

Martha

I spoke with the person the utility said could answer my questions, but he has no record of the utility owning any property where I live. So, he says it must be an easement through someone's private property. I guess I'll knock on a few doors, or maybe just forget the whole thing. I have plenty of other irons in the fire, and other places to plant pollinator-friendly plants.

Martha

Worth a try. At my mt. house, I can keep them from spraying by posting signs, but I cannot stop them from cutting trees down every five years or so. (Unless I want to give up electricity!)