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Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/75614
gists marked the preferred smaller trees and shrubs that would be left in their natural state, such as shin oak (Quercus sinuata var. breviloba), Texas persimmon (Diospyros texana), yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria), sumac (Rhus glabra), Carolina buckthorn (Frangula caroliniana) and agarita (Mahonia trifoliolata). The precise clearing around the favored trees and shrubs should allow the low-growing vegetation to flourish and expand. This will provide black-capped vireos and their offspring with increased nesting areas and food supply from insects attracted to the enhanced habitat. The birds build a cup-shaped nest on a branch about 2 to 4 feet above the ground. (Photo by COA BCP) Vireos arrive in early April, just a month after the gold- en-cheeked warbler returns to this part of Texas. The warbler prefers mature ash-juniper and oak woodlands, which the Asplundh crews left untouched along the outer edges of the transmission corridor on the BCP property. This selective approach is expected to reduce long-term vegetation management costs for Austin Energy, while developing favorable breeding and nesting habitat for the protected birds. A Win-Win for All In February, Asplundh crews removed selected junipers manually and with a Kershaw mulching machine. They meticulously hand trimmed tall-growing trees beneath the transmission lines to the prescribed clearance dis- tances. It was important to complete the work before March 1, which is when the breeding season typically begins for the other endangered species in the area, the golden-cheeked warbler. (No vegetation manage- ment work is permitted in the BCP March 1 through September 1 so as not to disturb these endangered birds during the nesting season.) The Asplundh crews actually finished a couple of days early. By law, Austin Energy must trim trees that grow too close- ly to transmission power lines to assure system reliability and safety. However, many people don't realize that the well-managed vegetation found in most transmission line corridors (see www.narowconsultants.com) often provides ideal habitat for a broad diversity of flora and fauna, including birds, small mammals, reptiles, and butterflies. "This has been an excellent cooperative effort with the Travis County biologists," said Austin Energy Utility Forester Carl Schattenberg. "It's a good feeling when we're helping preserve and enhance an endangered species' habitat while we're maintaining our right-of-way." www.urban-forestry.com 35