The National IPM Database is a searchable database comprised of Pest Management Strategic Plans (PMSPs), Crop Profiles, Elements, and Timelines. It also houses four regional IPM centers with additional region-specific resources.
Integrated pest management (IPM) practices on rights-of-way are primarily embodied by a suite of practices known as integrated vegetation management (IVM). While IVM is generally considered a specific application of IPM, they are different in focus. As implied in its name, IVM is focused on vegetation, whereas IPM includes both vegetation and other potential pests such as bacteria, fungus, insects, or wildlife that may cause unwanted or detrimental effects. Most energy and transportation lands focus exclusively on vegetation management for safety, reliability, and other objectives.
The Right-of-Way Pest Management Strategic Plan provides a comprehensive overview of IVM applications in the energy and transportation sectors.
This and other introductory resources on IPM and IVM relevant to rights-of-way managers are provided below. Additional case studies, research, and tools on IVM can be found in our general Resources Library.
Search the online library below for introductory resources related to integrated pest and vegetation management (IPM, IVM), including published guidance, databases, and scientific journal articles.
Best Management Practices
The National IPM Database (IPM Data) is a searchable database comprised of Pest Management Strategic Plans (PMSPs), Crop Profiles, Elements, and Timelines.
Best Management Practices
This page on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website explains the economic and environmental benefits of implementing integrated vegetation management on utility rights-of-way.
https://www.epa.gov/pesp/benefits-integrated-vegetation-management-ivm-rights-way
Best Management Practices, Policy and Publications
This paper published by HortTechnology evaluates the efficacy of alternative methods of vegetative control of roadside vegetation, including citric acid, clove oil, corn gluten meal, pelargonic acid, woodchips, bark mulches, and burning to conventional herbicides.
Policy and Publications
Penn State’s research includes detailed reports and guides on IVM practices. Their website offers downloadable resources such as the “Understanding the Economics & Benefits of Integrated Vegetation Management” and the “Managing Utility Rights-of-Way for Wildlife Habitat Self Study Guide.” These documents provide valuable insights into balancing vegetation control, economic costs, and environmental quality.
https://sites.psu.edu/transmissionlineecology/integrated-vegetation-management/
Best Management Practices
This council offers resources on best management practices for IVM on utility ROW. Their materials include standards for responsible vegetation management and accreditation requirements. These resources promote ecological and economic benefits of IVM and help utilities maintain power system reliability while improving environmental stewardship. Visit their website for more information
Get in touch with us regarding herbicide labeling and applications, invasive species, the National IPM database, and any IVM strategies that you have found to be effective through your work that you would like to share with us.
This project is funded through the North Central Integrated Pest Management Center.
This work is supported by the Crop Protection and Pest Management Program, project award no. 2022-70006-38001, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.