Climate change and extreme weather events stress U.S. waterways by altering rainfall patterns, intensifying storms, and raising stream temperatures. This results in increased surface runoff, more sediment and nutrients in rivers, less water that seeps into the ground to sustain streamflow during dry months, and warmer streams that contain less dissolved oxygen—all of which threaten aquatic life and water quality. Right-of-way (ROW) vegetation management practices directly influence whether a corridor helps protect or further degrades watershed health.

For safety and operational purposes, two practical ROW vegetation management styles dominate the industry:

Routine mowing keeps ROWs clear and accessible but promotes shallow rooting and compaction that reduce the soil’s ability to absorb rainfall (Figure 1). This can increase surface runoff and lessen the slow and steady release of groundwater to nearby streams after storms. Also, while cool-season grasses resist soil erosion through dense roots systems, they are highly susceptible to dry spells and the uniform nature of this type of plant community makes them less resilient to extreme weather and changing climate conditions.

Figure 1
Effects of Exclusive Mowing or Herbicide Regime on Watershed Health

In contrast, IVM fosters diverse vegetation with deeper, more complex root systems that open soil pores and allow rainfall to soak in and recharge groundwater (Figure 2). These types of plant communities are more drought tolerant, provide greater soil stability, and trap sediment and excess nutrients before they reach waterways. Plus, they provide other ecosystem benefits, such as supporting pollinators and other wildlife. Improved water infiltration into soils supports healthier—and less fire-prone—plant communities. During dry seasons, the slow seepage of groundwater back into streams—called baseflow—often sustains most of a stream’s volume and provides essential cool water for fish and other aquatic species.

Figure 2
Effects of Integrated Vegetation Management on Watershed Health