Transmission Line Right of Way at Stony Creek Metropark

About the Program
The ITC Transmission Line corridor project encompasses 20 acres of land in the Stony Creek Metropark Corridor north of Detroit, Michigan. Established in 2007, this project aims to improve native grassland habitat through effective management practices such as the removal of invasive plant species and re-establishing native prairie grasses and wildflowers. These actions help improve the management of park lands and overlaying rights-of-way (ROWs) by maintaining forest health, improving wildlife habitat and aesthetics and reducing the occurrence of invasive plants. 

Practices and Impacts

• A 20-acre ROW is managed to improve populations of native grassland plants and to limit the spread of invasives.
• ITC and Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority (HCMA) coordinate closely to determine the extent of the vegetation management techniques and schedule, and the implementation of this work includes mowing, trimming, herbicide treatment, burning or hazardous tree removal.
• Techniques for monitoring wildlife include direct observation and indirect observation using tracks, fecal matter, calls, evidence of browsing, claw marks on trees and deer rubs.
• Multiple partners play a large role in the project, including: Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc., which provides technical assistance with on-site species surveys, monitoring documentation and adaptive management recommendations; Utility Lines Construction Services, which conducts assessments of the corridor and schedules invasive species and woody species removal; and Kappen Tree Service, which conducts invasive species and woody tree removals within the corridor. Finally, community members volunteer their time and expertise during the annual flora and fauna surveys.