Upcoming herbicide treatment of power line right-of-way

[TaniaRH]

FYI......Thunder Bay Tree Service, a contractor for Great Lakes Energy, will be on the island 9/18-9/22 spraying power line right-of-ways. All applications are said to be completed by October 1. You may have received a letter. Our letter indicated they were unable to reach us at the property or by phone though I have been on site since 5/22. The letter states that this is a follow up to re-clearing of trees and brush that was recently performed. I am unsure what recent is as the right away to the house does not appear recent. The letter states also that the foliar herbicide mix will be applied as a hand spray treatment, selectively treating re-sprouting new growth of trees and "BRUSH AS NEEDED". The herbicides listed are Garlon 3A, Milestone, Escort and Arsenal. It is advised that people and pets stay off the area until dried. I called the office and spoke to Chris Lowe who was very helpful and considerate when I expressed the concerns of using these chemicals both in a wetland and near the vineyard. She assured me these are wetland friendly herbicides but I encourage you folks to do your own research. Each herbicide has a bit of a different application use. There is no mention of any surfactants which would be necessary for making the stuff stick to the plants. Of course we want to keep the electric lines open and safe. If this can be done without taking the risk of contaminating the wetlands then that is the route Antho Vineyard will be taking. There are really so many reasons to not allow the herbicides to be applied if the option is given, which it was for us. Another risk is the possibility of human error in applying the chemical to a plant or group of plants that do not need it. Willows, dogwoods and alder will never reach the height of the lines and if they are few in number do not prevent someone from walking down the right of way to maybe check a line. If you have underground electric then this is not something you need to be concerned with. I would encourage those who have overhead lines to take a look at what is going on under them. Great Lakes Energy will continue to come through and cut under the lines to prevent the trees from growing to the lines and to keep the right of ways open for access. In our situation I am going to walk all of our lines and make sure there are no safety concerns for people that may need to come through there to maintain the lines. If there are I will take care of it myself. If a small tree or shrub needs to be treated I would rather do it myself. I was assured that if it is windy they will not spray. It sounds like they are quite careful but my experience with companies spraying in right of ways has made me much more cautious. The number for Thunder Bay Tree Service is (877) 333-8950 if you have any questions or concerns. You likely will have the option to opt out of this spraying. Tania at Antho:)