MEA begins right-of-way tree clearing

PALMER — With breakup on the horizon, the Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) has begun implementing an ongoing right-of-way tree-clearing in its 130 miles of transmission lines throughout the Mat-Su and Eagle River areas.

Julie Estey, MEA director of external affairs, said several locations — including parts of Palmer and Wasilla, the north and west sides of Big Lake, an area of Knik-Goose Bay Road starting at around mile six, and most of the Eagle River service area — is scheduled for brush-clearing and tree trimming over the next several months. Totaled, some 17,000 MEA members will be involved with this year's clearing process. The process is similar to that done in the Butte and Sutton areas and the south and east sides of Big Lake last summer; and the Willow-Houston and Farm Loop area in Palmer in 2015. Estey said MEA has updated its vegetation management plan implementing a 6-7 year clearing cycle on all easements on a regular basis.

"We are taking a proactive approach," Estey said. "Before, we focused (clearing efforts) on areas where there were the most outages. With a clearing cycle, we can stay focused and upfront. Clearing is the single biggest thing MEA can do to keep the lights on for our residential and business members."

Estey said MEA is aware of the visual impact the project can have for landowners. She said the Association is working hard to keep members up-to-date with its communication efforts. All members, Estey said, will receive a postcard, auto-call and door hanger before clearing begins in their area. She said it is important that members make sure MEA has to most current contact information on file.

Estey said she understands many people want to know why easements must be maintained. She said MEA's typical easement is typically 15 feet either side of the utility pole. Estey said all trees larger than six inches in diameter will be cut and stacked in the easement for members' use. All other vegetation will be mulched and left on site. Stumps up to four inches may be left.

"We are reclaiming the full width of our easements so some mature trees may be taken down during this first clearing cycle," Estey said. "If members have any questions about a specific tree, we urge members to contact MEA at the number listed in (received) communications and we will work with members if possible."

Estey said at the same time, there are landowners with items in the MEA easement. She said members are asked to remove fences, cars, animals and/or general debris in the right-of-way as indicated in the easement agreement to allow crews access. Again, questions should be directed to the MEA number on received communications.

Once the initial clearing takes place, Estey said future efforts will involve only brushing and mowing.

This year's start, Estey said, was pushed back due to the amount of snowfall across the Valley this winter. Some work has began in the Wasilla area and Estey said the goal is to have this year's entire project done by green-up. All work will be completed by Carlos Tree Service. Estey said their company's vehicles, equipment and staff will be clearly labeled as MEA contractors.

Mowing machines, bucket trucks and hand-trimming will be utilized to complete the work. Estey said members will receive an auto-call ahead of expected work in their area and a door hanger within four days of clearing activity on their property. She said affected members are asked to have all gates and fences unlocked. Members and their families--especially young children, are asked to stay away from clearing activity for their own safety and that of working crews.

She said members should be aware of the fact that areas marked for clearing are chosen by feeder lines coming off substations. Because of that, there may be certain areas in the service area where one line coming off the substation may be cleared this year while another close by may not.

"Recent clearing efforts have demonstrating a significant reduction in tree-related outages over the past few years," Estey said.

More information--including detailed maps of this year's planned clearing, can be found at http://www.mea.coop/member-services/right-of-way-clearing/ Anyone with questions is asked to call 907-761-9300.