Consulting Utility ForestersWho we are and what we do

June 2012

Heidi KnappTransmission Consulting Utility Forester

ISA Certified Arborist

Arbormetrics Solutions, Inc.

Asplundh Tree Expert Co.

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• Identify annual maintenance work in the field, based on the utility’s requirements and line safety regulations.

• Notify the public in the areas in which we will be working. • Gain permission and specialized instructions from the affected property owners or other

jurisdictions for completion of the negotiated work.• Provide tree crews with detailed work instructions to increase their efficiency and relay

any special requests from the customers.• Inspect the finished work on the corridors and maintain related documentation.

Our basic functions as Utility Arborist Consultants

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Meeting PSE’s high standards of customer service:

Our goal is to maintain good customer relations when negotiating vegetation work along the rights-of-way.

This applies to all of our personnel, whether they be tree workers or support staff.

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Good communications are the essential key when associating with customers regarding our work.

A friendly and professional appearance and display of respect for property is the starting point in gaining consent for what we do.

A detailed enlightenment of the line safety and reliability factors is important.

Providing examples of the results of ineffective maintenance can portray the importance of our tasks.

People, for the most part, choose to be compliant.

Electron Hydro Facility

How we do what we do:

Drastic changes took place with the induction of the new NERC-generated standards on high-voltage lines.

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GoldendaleHopkins Ridge

A Monumental Undertaking

Prior to 2007

3-year maintenance cycle

Topped trees, including natives, were allowed in the wire zone

Border zone was not established

No enforced mature plant height restrictions

After 2007

Annual maintenance cycle

Removal of tall-growing vegetation from the wire and border zones

Border zone restrictions were also considered and implemented, and corridors were widened

Mature height limitation of vegetation established at 15 ft.

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Wire Zones and Border Zones

Using the “wire zone/border zone method” for vegetation control means that only low-growing grasses and shrubs are allowed to grow in the area directly underneath the wires (wire zone). As you move away from the footprint of the wire towards the edge of the corridor (border zone), progressively larger types of vegetation are allowed.

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Implementation of the new plan…

“Honey, they’re gonna take down our treeee!”

Mrs. Miller’s Buckley Giant

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Breaking the news face to face was occasionally very emotionally challenging for both parties.

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What were the negative reactions? Occasional work denial Angry, distraught, emotional customers

What did we do? Negotiated replacement vegetation or provided

compensatory tree vouchers. Referred them to PSE for further negotiation

pursuant to the refusal process.

“Well then, what can I plant?”In order to educate customers about proper replacement

vegetation, we provided plant lists, reference materials, and landscape design consultation suitable for the new

specifications of the transmission line right-of-ways.

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Before negotiations:Trees in wire & border zones

After negotiations:Replacement vegetation in wire & border zones

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Controlling the Natives

Vine Maple, Hazelnut, Elderberry,

Cascara, Hawthorne, Serviceberry,

Bitter Cherry, and many other

medium-height natives must now be

removed from the transmission

right-of-ways to meet the new specifications. This requires annual treatment of these prolific species, including within our state and county forest lands and sensitive areas.

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Educational Assistance

We are involved in many other PSE projects.

Elementary School Outreach and Education Community Arbor Day Event and Tree Planting

Thank you!