Rights-of-Way as Habitat Working Group

habitat conservation + working landscapes

A close-up image of a bee hovering near a vibrant pink flower, surrounded by green foliage, highlighting the importance of pollinators in nature.

Resources library

This online library is a clearinghouse of tools and information related to habitat on rights-of-way and other lands. From seed mix calculators to mowing guidelines and everything in between, you’ll find it here.

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Alt text: Document titled

Creating Economically and Ecologically Sustainable Pollinator Habitat

Case Studies and Research

This document prepared by Florida Department of Transportation evaluates a cost-effective strategy for creating habitat for pollinators/beneficial insects in the ROW beyond the back-slope.
Final report titled

Native Roadside Wildflowers in Rural Areas: Developing Best Management Practices for Establishment of Plantings by Seed and Enhancement of Naturally-Occurring Populations

Best Management Practices

This study conducted by the University of Florida focuses to find the effects of competition and mowing on native wildflower establishment on right-of-ways dominated by bahiagrass.

Two vibrant monarch butterflies perched on a pink echinacea flower in a lush garden setting, showcasing their striking orange and black wings amidst green foliage and colorful wildflowers.

Monarchs & Roadsides: Mowing Practices Webinar – June 27, 2018

Case Studies and Research, Webinars

This webinar presents three perspectives on mowing practices along roadsides and how they impact monarch butterflies and their habitat. Presenters are Edward Entsminger, Mississippi State University; Stephanie Dobbs, Illinois Department of Transportation; and Doug Landis, Michigan State University.

Technical report cover titled

Ecological and Wildlife Risk Assessment of Chemical Use in Vegetation Management on Electric Utility Rights-of-Way

Case Studies and Research, Planning Tools, Policy and Publications

This report prepared by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) evaluates the cost-effectiveness of vegetation management practices, particularly the impact of chemicals on wildlife, along with means of minimizing ecological effects.

Alt text: Technical update document discussing wildlife and integrated vegetation management on electric transmission line rights-of-way. The image features a flowchart outlining the component steps of an Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) system, including understanding ecosystem dynamics, setting management objectives, compiling treatment options, and adaptive management.

Wildlife and Integrated Vegetation Management on Electric Transmission Line Rights-of-Way

Best Management Practices

This technical update prepared by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) describes interactions between wildlife and electric transmission rights-of-way vegetation management activities and includes step-wise considerations for managing for wildlife on these landscapes.

Monarch butterfly perched on pink flowers, with a green grassy background, featured on the cover of

Managing for Monarchs in the West: Best Management Practices for Conserving the Monarch Butterfly and its Habitat

Best Management Practices

This guideline developed by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation provides recommendations for managing existing monarch breeding and migratory habitat and where/when to restore new habitat in the western U.S. Included are BMPsfor mowing roadsides and other rights-of-way as well as prescribed fire, pesticides, invasive and noxious plant management, and other restoration practices.