POWERGRAMS

Open spaces, flowering plants and bare patches of ground – these are a few of insect pollinators' favorite things. Alabama Power's transmission rights of way, or easements, provide an optimal environment for diverse species of flowers, plants and bees essential to pollination. "Having habitat that provides for bees is really important – especially large tracts of these areas," said Geoff Williams, Auburn University Entomology & Plant Pathology assistant professor and graduate program officer. "From a right of way point of view, these provide everything in one place – nesting and forage (food) – for pollinators. Large rights of way could make a positive contribution to native bees." Since 2017, Alabama Power, Southern Company, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the Auburn University Bee Lab have collaborated on a multiyear research project to document the conservation value of utility rights of way as habitats for pollinating insects. The study aimed to identify vegetation management practices to further enhance the protection of regional biodiversity for native plants and the pollinators they support. While the results of this study will not be published until early 2023, the initial findings have shown how beneficial Alabama Power rights of way vegetation management practices are to supporting pollinator life. The terrain boasts an abundant variety of vegetation and larger, more open tracts of land favorable to pollinators, compared to most of Alabama's adjacent, heavily forested landscapes. "Alabama Power strives to provide vegetation management practices to ensure reliable service to our customers, but it's also a way we can work to promote pollinators and other wildlife in our rights of way," said Jason Carlee Jason Carlee, Alabama Power Environmental Affairs manager. Since its inception, the study has found 82 bee species from five different insect families – including bumblebees, honeybees and leafcutter bees – and 52 flowering plant species, which are highly attractive to bees. "We're excited and surprised to see just how diverse the species are that use our rights of way, and how beneficial a habitat this land can provide," added Carlee. While EPRI has done similar research projects as part of a national study in different geographic areas around the U.S., this research on utility rights of way in the Southeast is the first to focus on the effects different vegetation management practices have on pollinator conservation. Beyond the data from this study, Williams looks forward to continuing to partner with Alabama Power to identify ongoing opportunities to promote pollinators. "I've been very impressed and really happy with the team in terms of abilities, communication and interest in promoting the environment, supporting pollinators and sharing content," Williams said. "It's a sincere and mutual effort, as these days everyone is trying to be more environmentally conscious." By Jessica Nissenbaum ENVIRONMENT 1 Photos by Dylan Shaw Mutual Attraction TRANSMISSION RIGHTS OF WAY ARE IDEAL HABITATS FOR INSECT POLLINATORS

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