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Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/714108
32 September 2016 Landscape and Irrigation www.landscapeirrigation.com TREE CARE that the deer prefer for forage. Eventually, everyone agreed." The plan was to increase desirable forage species as a means to encourage the deer to visit the rights of-way. The beneficial forbs and shrubs included sagebrush, bitterbrush, rabbit brush, and both curly and mountain mahogany, as well as native grasses such as bunch grass — all high-quality forage for mule deer, elk and other grazing animals in the area. Work began in 2011 and took several years to selectively treat the trees. Treatments targeted tall-growing species such as quaking aspen, mountain maple, gamble oak, juniper and pinion. Also targeted were invasive plant species such as Russian knapweed, thistles, houndstongue, hoary cress and leafy spurge. "Partnering with the Mule Deer Foundation, we started treating certain areas of Rocky Mountain Power's rights-of- way where we knew the potential for wildlife was high — in all about 100 miles," said West. "My job was to provide herbicide treatment recommendations, but also to serve as an adviser on what we should do to encourage desirable species to take hold." Everyone's happy — especially the mule deer Walking the treated rights-of-way, it's not hard to find evidence of wildlife frequenting the area. Lots of deer tracks and plants grazed down are some telltale signs that wildlife is taking advantage. "I'm always looking for evidence of wildlife on our treated acres," said West. "While it's hard for me to quantify the increase in traffic, it's very encouraging to find evidence that supports what we're doing out here." The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) also has taken notice. "Currently, our mule deer population in Utah stands at 355,000 — and we are the only Western state that has seen those numbers increasing instead of shrinking," said Covy Jones, wildlife program manager at UDWR. "Because the state is growing like crazy and habitat, including the winter range, is declining, projects like what Rocky Mountain Power is doing are so important." "The work being done on these miles is more similar to a habitat treatment than your typical herbicide treatment," said Mark Farmer, habitat manager at UDWR. "I like to say that it's turning bedrooms into kitchens for these grazing animals. We're excited about these selective herbicide treatments because we've seen how it keeps the desirables like sagebrush, while taking out the species that need to go, with minimal to no off-target kill. And now, when we go in and around these areas and plant desirable forage, we don't have to worry about it getting knocked out." The UDWR has been so impressed with the treatment results that it's begun emulating the treatments on lands it manages. "The UDWR has seen the results we've gotten and begun using the same treatments we've put in place on Rocky Mountain Power's rights-of-way on its own private lands to help restore mule deer habitat," said West. The work that Trees Inc. is doing on Rocky Mountain Power's rights-of-way nicely complements the larger efforts that organizations like the UDWR and Mule Deer Foundation are leading. And it's clear that the work is appreciated. "It's nice to work with guys who have wildlife in mind," said Jones. "They have to do the job regardless — but they choose to do it in a manner that is beneficial to wildlife." Article provided by Dow AgroSciences. Garlon, Tordon, Milestone, and Rodeo are registered trademarks of The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") or an affiliated company of Dow. Tordon 101M is a federally Restricted Use Pesticide. When treating areas in and around roadside or utility rights-of-way that are or will be grazed, hayed or planted to forage, important label precautions apply regarding harvesting hay from treated sites, using manure from animals grazing on treated areas or rotating the treated area to sensitive crops. See the product label for details. State restrictions on the sale and use of Milestone apply. Consult the label before purchase or use for full details. Always read and follow label directions.