NYSEG and RG&E have enrolled in a voluntary conservation program that addresses the needs of at-risk species before they become endangered.
The Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurance is sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. The subsidiaries of AVANGRID have committed to preserving habitat for monarch butterflies in 18% of their above-ground rights-of-way across the Empire State through measures like mowing brush to promote nectar plants and milkweed.
“We have joined with 40 other organizations from the energy and transportation sectors to create conservation benefits for monarch butterflies and other pollinators because the population of this important species requires an ‘all hands on deck,’ approach if it’s to recover,” said Michael Craven, vice president of Electric Operations for NYSEG and RG&E. “AVANGRID promotes a brighter energy future by engaging in clean energy strategies that provide safe, reliable service to our customers while safeguarding our environment.”
The companies also use selective herbicide treatments on unwanted vegetation and schedule certain acres to be left alone within their maintenance cycles to allow for habitat growth.
