Rights-of-way (ROWs) impact habitat primarily through fragmentation and edge effects and also act as vectors for invasive species (weeds). Other potential environmental impacts from ROWs include increased erosion, impacts to stream morphology, etc. Vegetation management can often create conditions that favor weeds and trees! However, ROWs also have the potential to benefit habitat as some plant and animal species need the open areas offered by ROWs and thrive in the edge habitat.
