VegClear: Aligning with MOU Directives for Efficient and Responsible Vegetation Management

Introduction: VegClear, a dedicated provider of Industrial Vegetation Control, acknowledges its commitment to aligning with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) directives outlined for the cooperative management of powerline Rights-of-Way (ROWs) on Federal lands. The MOU establishes roles and responsibilities to ensure compliance with relevant laws, promote environmentally sustainable practices, and enhance the safety and reliability of electric transmission facilities.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations: VegClear commits to complying with all applicable Federal, tribal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, executive orders, and presidential memoranda related to electric transmission safety, reliability, and environmental protection. Recognizing the importance of responsible coordination with affected landowners, VegClear will strive to enhance operational efficiency, public safety, and environmental protection in its management of undesirable vegetation in and adjacent to powerline ROWs on Federal lands.

Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM): VegClear recognizes the widespread presence of invasive species along powerline ROWs on Federal lands and commits to a proactive and integrated management approach. The company embraces the principles of Integrated Pest Management, as outlined in the American National Standards Institute A300 Part 7 and best management practices compiled by the International Society of Arboriculture. VegClear acknowledges the significance of programmatic environmental analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and commits to conducting site-specific environmental analyses for vegetation management activities.

Safety and Risk Mitigation: VegClear prioritizes safety during vegetation management activities associated with powerline ROWs on Federal lands. The company acknowledges its responsibility to conduct operations in accordance with the National Electrical Safety Code, Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards, and other applicable safety standards. VegClear commits to coordinating with Federal agencies to develop responsible measures ensuring personal and public safety during vegetation management activities.

Cooperation and Communication: VegClear pledges to facilitate coordination and cooperation with Federal agencies and other stakeholders to accelerate the development of vegetation management plans and land use authorizations for powerline ROWs on Federal lands. The company supports joint preparation of NEPA documents to maximize efficiency and consistency with applicable land management plans and policies.

Training and Technical Assistance: VegClear is committed to providing training and technical assistance to government agency staff, powerline ROW maintenance personnel, electric utility companies, and private landowners seeking to improve vegetation management across public and private lands. The company recognizes the importance of knowledge-sharing to enhance overall maintenance practices.

As a contractor and subcontractor to those providing services to member companies, VegClear will support coordination and cooperation between Federal agencies and private utilities involved in powerline ROW management on Federal lands. The company will ensure that its employees and stakeholders are familiar with necessary information for vegetation management activities to comply with the terms and conditions of applicable ROWs/permits. VegClear will disseminate this information to its employees, subcontractors, affiliates, responsible, and interested parties, emphasizing associated laws and regulations, and actively collaborate with Federal agencies when appropriate, to assess the effectiveness of these directives, addressing challenges, concerns, and opportunities for improvement.

In summary, VegClear stands committed to collaborative efforts that prioritize environmental stewardship, safety, and the efficient management of powerline ROWs on Federal lands in adherence to the directives outlined.