I wanted to take the time to address some concerns raised in recent letters to the editor about the ecological impact, especially to pollinators, of our vegetation management on Unitil’s rights-of-way.

Our team of arborists are passionate about preserving the environment and making smart, sustainable choices that protect our local ecosystems. We are part of “Rights-of-Way as Habitat Working Group,” an industry-leading organization working to positively impact right-of-way management across the country.

The concerns raised are the primary reason that we switched from a purely mechanical (mowing) operation to a comprehensive integrated vegetation management plan.

We want our rights-of-way to serve as a greenways of increased plant and animal biodiversity. In preserving the diverse species in these areas, we can help provide a connected network for nature in our often fragmented populated areas. In order to preserve habitat like nesting, forage and cover for our animals and insects that inhabit these rights-of-ways, we want to preserve as much of the plant life as possible, so long as it is not a threat to grow into our power lines.

With mowing alone, we can’t realize these goals. The responsible use of herbicides is one tool that, when used correctly, helps to improve the animal and pollinator populations.

All herbicide applications are ultra-low dose and made directly to non-compatible plants only. Small droplets are placed on the leaf only. This helps to protect the desirable plants surrounding it and to protect our precious soil and groundwater. We are not following any farm or crop techniques, and while some of the active ingredients may be the same, the low selective dose and use are vastly different.

We use a number of different types of herbicides, all matched for the correct site and plant species based on the label and field conditions. We pride ourselves on using as little as possible to get the intended effect and realize greater benefits on the rights-of-way than without their use.

As always, we speak with all abutters and make the best choice for all involved. We are open to a variety of control methods, and will work with the land owner and consider alternative management options like goats or low-growing compatible gardens in areas where emergency access is not restricted.

Please know that our goal here is to improve our ecosystem and protect our pollinators. We want to be responsible in the management of the land where we have been granted easements, and strongly believe this targeted approach is in the best interest of the overall health of the habitat.

(Sara Sankowich is manager of forestry operations and sustainability for Unitil.)