Title: Assessment of the ecological consequences of herbicide use along transmission line rights-of-way and recommendation for such use

Between October 27 and October 29, 1978, two archeologists and a paleontologist affiliated with Western Cultural Resource Management of Boulder, Colorado, surveyed an area around Medicine Bow, Wyoming to locate and evaluate any cultural resources that might be affected by the Bureau of Reclamation's proposed Wind Energy Project. Although no paleontological or historical sites or remains were located, two archeological sites and fifteen (15) loci of isolated archeological artifacts were discovered. Since both sites were located along the proposed transmission line right-of-way from alternate 'Site C' to the existing transmission line along Wyoming Highway 487, and not on any ofmore » the System Verification Unit locations, it is recommended that direct site impact during transmission line construction be avoided. Construction on any of the alternate system verification unit locations will not adversely affect any cultural resources, either historic or archeological.« less

The report, volume 3, of the three-volume set, contains ecological information on selected plant and wildlife species and responses of various plant species to vegetation maintenance practices in the Western United States. The study provides information on sprouting, reaction to competition and other factors that determine plant responses to disturbances. The report also presents plant species associated with general plant communities for each province, and when appropriate, for each section or subsection based on Bailey's ecosystems. Description of ecological characteristics are also given for each plant. Included also is a discussion of the characteristics of certain mammal, bird, and amphibianmore » and reptile species that should be given special consideration in Right of Way management planning.« less

This report, volume 2, of the three-volume set, contains ecological information on selected plant and wildlife species and responses of various plant species to vegetation maintenance practices in the Eastern United States. It provides information on sprouting, reaction to competition and other factors that determine plant responses to disturbances. Included also is a discussion of the characteristics of certain mammal, bird, and amphibian and reptile species that should be given special consideration in Right of Way management planning.

The report, volume 1, of the three-part set contains background information on wildlife management and vegetation maintenance on rights-of-ways (ROW) dealing with the Eastern U.S. and Western U.S. respectively. A step-by-step discussion for the use of the manual is given. The report also contains a basic review of the ROW siting and construction process; discusses various practices used to acquire a ROW and feasibility and practicality of implementing wildlife management strategies under various landownership situations.

Proper management of transmission line rights-of-way (ROW) to maximize benefits to fish and wildlife resources is highly desirable because a large amount of land is now preempted by these ROW, and it is anticipated that future growth of electric generating capacity will require additional large acreages of land for transmission line ROW. This paper presents some current ROW management practices and their costs, the bases for selecting a specific management technique, and some possible management goals to benefit fish and wildlife in various local situations.