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Arrowhead Cooperative began an “integrated vegetative management (IVM) program” in 2018. Right-of-Way (ROW) clearing operations are on a five-year cycle and will now include herbicides to control vegetation in 560 miles of power line right-of-ways. ROWs will first be cleared by mechanical means, with a follow-up herbicide application. An invasive species component will also “treat any invasive plant species found within the scope of the project.” The Gunflint Trail is scheduled for herbicide treatment this year.
To kick off the membership’s introduction to this practice, a free “drive-thru tree give away event” will be held mid-May. Plants such as “low growing trees and shrubs, including Choke Cherry, Hazelnut and Nannyberry” will be featured. You are cautioned to plant these well away from ROWs, as these species are among those targeted for herbicide eradication. Arrowhead claims their management plan is also intended to promote “grasses, wildflowers, blueberries and more.”
Personally, I can hardly wait to pick my blueberries in an area treated with herbicides! Assuming that is, blueberry plants survive the herbicides. Besides private property, much of Arrowhead’s ROWs run through State and Forest Service land.
As the program contractor, Lake States Tree Service will be providing this service.
Not only will membership dollars that pay Lake States be leaving the local economy, but Arrowhead’s monthly service charge (currently $49/month) will likely fund this management program. Would it be much of a stretch to expect your monthly service charge to increase?
You can thank your elected (and highly compensated) Arrowhead Board of Directors for approving this herbicide treatment change for its ROW management. Arrowhead Cooperative is ‘MEMBERSHIP’ owned… make your feelings about herbicide use known!
Three board districts are up for election this year.
Bob LaMettry, Grand
Marais
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