**[Frequently Asked
Questions\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

> [Why is BPA cutting more trees on the Right-of-Way than they did in
> the past?](#faq11)
>
> [Where can I find more information about the North America Electric
> Reliability Corporation (NERC) Vegetation Management
> Standard?](#FAQ12)

[Why does BPA need to manage vegetation?](#FAQ1)

[Why does BPA need access roads through landowner property and on the
right-of-way?](#faq2)

[Does BPA have the right to cut "landowner's" trees?](#FAQ3)

[Isn't BPA trespassing when they come onto private property?](#faq4)

[How can landowners find out the width of their right-of-way?](#FAQ5)

[Can landowners plant and grow trees?](#FAQ5)

[Who should landowners contact before cutting trees that are near or in
BPA's right-of-way?](#FAQ7)

[Will BPA trim trees outside of the right-of-way instead of cutting
them?](#FAQ8)

[Will BPA top trees in the ROW instead of cutting them?](#FAQ9)

[How often are areas patrolled or reviewed?](#FAQ12)

**Why is BPA cutting more trees on the Right-of-Way than they did in the
past?**

[]{#faq11 .anchor}In June of 2007 the North America Electric Reliability
Corporation (NERC) mandated a new Vegetation Management Standard for all
transmission utility owners. Any vegetation within the BPA right-of-way
easement that causes an outage will put BPA out of compliance with this
new standard, and subject to penalties.

[]{#FAQ12 .anchor}**Where can I find more information about the North
America Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Vegetation Management
Standard?**

[Transmission & Distribution World]{.underline} article on *NERC\'s
Transmission Vegetation Management Program Standard:*

<http://tdworld.com/mag/power_nercs_transmission_vegetation/>

The NERC standard (FAC-003-1) can be found at:
<ftp://www.nerc.com/pub/sys/all_updl/standards/rs/FAC-003-1.pdf>

[]{#FAQ1 .anchor}**Why does BPA need to manage vegetation?**

The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) manages the vegetation on and
near its rights-of-way (ROW) to keep people safe and the system
reliable. Trees (and other tall growing vegetation) that grow close to
high-voltage transmission lines can be a hazard. Trees don't have to
touch a high-voltage transmission line to be dangerous. In certain
circumstances, electricity can "arc" from wires through the air to trees
or equipment, resulting in fires, injuries or even fatalities to anyone
near the tree or equipment. Touching any part of the electrical path can
cause serious injury or death.

Tree related power outages are more than just an inconvenience; they can
disrupt service to homes, businesses, hospitals and important community
services. In order to prevent these power disruptions, trees close to
power lines are removed or trimmed. For all of these reasons BPA
maintains an active Vegetation Management Program.

**Why does BPA need access roads through landowner property and on the
rights-of-way?**

[]{#faq2 .anchor}BPA acquires, constructs, and maintains road systems
that provide access to and along BPA's transmission lines for the
primary use by Transmission Line Maintenance crews. BPA has legal
rights, established in the easement, for roads located within the ROW.
For roads located outside of the ROW, BPA may have secured rights
through an easement which reserves the right to use the access for
ingress and egress. The goal is to provide safe access and reduced
response times for field and line crews during emergency and regular
maintenance activities that restore or enhance system reliability.

[]{#FAQ3 .anchor}**Does BPA have the right to cut "landowner's" trees?**

BPA owns a rights-of-way easement along the length of the transmission
line. Width varies by transmission line. BPA\'s rights within the
easement include the right to construct, reconstruct, operate, maintain,
and patrol the transmission line. These rights apply to both occupied
and unoccupied ROWs. Rights usually reserved to the landowner include
the right to cultivate, occupy, and use the land for any purpose that
does not conflict with BPA's use of its easement. In order to avoid
potential conflicts, it is BPA's policy to review all proposed uses
within the transmission line rights-of-way easement by our realty group
and electrical effects group. In such reviews we consider the safety of
the public, the safety of our Employees, and the ability to operate and
maintain the line.

**Isn't BPA trespassing when they come onto private property?**

[]{#faq4 .anchor}No, BPA\'s easement rights allow us to access private
property to construct, reconstruct, operate, maintain, and patrol the
transmission line. BPA will make efforts to notify landowners when we
are planning to remove vegetation or have performed vegetation clearing.

[]{#FAQ5 .anchor}**How can landowners find out the width of their
right-of-way?**

Your local Natural Resource Specialist (NRS) or Realty Specialist can
provide you with the width of the ROW on your property. You will need to
provide them with the line name, mile number, and structure number. All
of these things can be located on the yellow plaque attached to the
transmission structure/pole nearest your home.

**Can landowners plant and grow trees?**

You should consult your local NRS before planting any vegetation on the
ROW to avoid removal of your newly planted trees. The general rule for
the "right tree in the right place" is to only allow trees that will
have **30 feet** of clearance between the conductor, when the conductor
is at its lowest point, and the top of the tree is at its **MATURE**
height. The 30 feet of clearance is very difficult to measure, BPA's
engineers have the necessary information to calculate the clearance. In
some cases where the tree(s) that is proposed to be planted meets this
"right tree in the right place" scenario a Tree & Brush (T&B) Agreement
may be granted. Due to many operational concerns and factors T&B
Agreements are rarely issued. Consult your local NRS for more
information.

[]{#FAQ7 .anchor}**Who should landowners contact before cutting trees
that are near or in BPA's right-of-way?**

Never cut or trim a tree near a transmission line, call BPA. You should
contact your local NRS or phone 1-800-836-6619 for assistance.

**Will BPA trim trees outside of the right-of-way instead of cutting
them?**

It is BPA's policy **not** to trim, but to **remove** off-ROW trees that
pose a hazard to the transmission line. Also, trimming can introduce
infection that will weaken the tree over time.

[]{#FAQ8 .anchor}

**Will BPA top trees in the right-of-way instead of cutting it?**

It is BPA's policy **not** to top trees within the ROW. Continual
topping and trimming of trees that are close to high-voltage
transmission lines is not as safe or reliable as removing them. Topping
trees is also avoided because it puts our employees and contractors in a
dangerous situation when doing the work.

[]{#FAQ9 .anchor}

**How often are areas patrolled?**

The Vegetation Management personnel patrol every mile, of every line,
every year to inspect all vegetation. The transmission line maintenance
crews will also patrol every mile, of every line, every year to insure
reliability of the system. All lines are flown by helicopter at least 3
times a year. Other departments in BPA may also patrol areas for other
maintenance needs.

If you spot an area of concern or have questions, please contact the NRS
in your area or call the toll-free number: 1-800-836-6619.