RUTLAND, VT – The Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO) has earned certification as a National Wildlife Federation (NWTF) Energy for Wildlife member. This is a membership‐based certification program for energy companies with the primary goal of enhancing wildlife habitat on company managed, owned, or influenced land. VELCO achieved the certification through their vegetative management efforts, coordinated with the NWTF, which integrated wildlife management activities into their land management programs.

“Receiving this certification is reflective of how VELCO goes above and beyond best practices in land management,” states John Donleavy, VELCO President and CEO. “We are committed to protecting Vermont’s natural environment and heritage as we work to bring safe and reliable energy to the state. Partnerships with organizations like the Wild Turkey Federation assist us in managing our right‐of‐ways in an environmentally responsible manner”.

Energy for Wildlife was created by the NWTF in response to the utility industry’s need for assistance in managing the millions of acres of rights of way and other land that could potentially provide ideal habitat for a number of wildlife species, including wild turkeys. The goal of the program is to establish a mix of areas to enhance the brood habitat and increase fruit producing shrubs and trees in the areas where lands with guaranteed public hunting access abut the transmission corridor.

“Many of VELCO’s nearly 13,000 acres of right‐of‐ways throughout the state are full of quality wildlife habitat that has been improved by the company’s integrated vegetation management program. The program combines mechanical and herbicide control of incompatible trees and promotes early successional tree and shrub species resulting in the right‐of ways becoming key habitat corridors for a wide variety of wildlife”, says Jeffrey Disorda, VELCO Supervisor of Right of Way Management. VELCO provides support in the form of equipment services for land clearing, herbicide treatments when needed and supplies such as seedlings when possible, in conjunction with activities sponsored by local NWTF chapters and the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife.

“Corporate partners are very important to the NWTF, conservation and wildlife. Some companies have stepped up to go the extra mile by providing habitat for the wild turkey and many other species of wildlife. These companies went to great lengths to make their management plans work for wildlife and become certified members," said Jay Jordan, NWTF's Energy for Wildlife coordinator. "Their commitment shows they are willing to make great efforts to benefit wildlife while providing safe, reliable and affordable energy to their customers."

VELCO, the nation’s first‐ever‐transmission only company was formed in 1956 as the most efficient solution for moving newly available St. Lawrence power into Vermont. Since that time, VELCO has expanded its facilities and services as required by the needs of its participants and the evolution of the industry. Currently, its transmission system consists of 610 miles of transmission lines, 34 substations, and a 200 MW back‐to‐back HVDC Converter.