The Right-of-Way Stewardship Council (ROWSC) has recognized Liberty as a “Right-of-Way Steward” for sustainable Integrated Vegetation Management on electric transmission rights-of-way.
Liberty is now one of only eight utility companies to be accredited by ROWSC. The program was created to evaluate environmental stewardship standards of excellence for utility vegetation management along rights-of-way.
The rigorous management standards are defined by 10 principles, 30 criteria, 50 indicators and more than 200 verifiers. Following a formal application process, third-party auditors are utilized to evaluate compliance with ROWSC standards.
“It’s a great honor to be recognized by the ROWSC,” said Jason Grossman, Manager of Vegetation Management for Liberty’s Central Region.
“This accreditation recognizes Liberty’s Vegetation Management Program as an industry leader, utilizing best management practices that promote long term sustainable plant communities on our rights-of-way.”
Grossman said Liberty met or exceeded 182 verifiers for accreditation, including compliance with laws, land-use rights, ecosystem dynamics, vegetation management techniques, and accounting for economic and ecological effects of treatments. The standards set by the council emphasize proactive methods to reduce undesirable vegetation and increase compatible vegetation coverage. Over time, the process lessens management intensity, provides cost savings, and can create opportunities to enhance sustainable business practices.
A letter from the ROWSC informing Liberty of the accreditation noted that the recommendation of approval from council members was unanimous.