Vol. 15—1961 - NorthEastern Weed Science Society

408.
Numerous chemicals have been used at vari~us rates, and in some instances two
or more chemicals .ar.e mixed in an eff~rt to obtain the desired results at a
cost believed te> be economically feasible. Wehave used almost all known
types of eC1uipnifmt,methods, and techni1.ues for application of the various
chemicals. .
Webelieve that all of us who use herbicides have a definite responsibility to
the general public to exercise extreme discretion when using these chemicals
along rights-of-way that are conspicuously e~osed to public view. This is
particularl.jr .true in thoee areas 'Where garden clubs, ciVic organiz:ati~ns, or
government agencies have made special efforts to improve the landscape. The
practice of self-discipline by users of these chemicals should result in their
public acceptance and thereby remlCP-pressure for restrictive legislation.
So far, in the TVAarea we have not experienced any particular resistance to
the use of these herbicides. Wehave, (if course, had frequent inquiries from
various groups regarding the use of these chemicals. Wehave taken every
opportunity to explain our long-range program to these groups, educating them
in the controlled use of herbicides, the economics involved 1n this method of
brush control, and the improvements on the right-of-way landscape following
the temporary "brovnout " stage. Webelieve that it is just good business to
openly discuss this maintenance techni,ue with the public in order that the
chemical program will be presented in ~ favorable manner and the ~ossib1lity
of unfavorable criticism be minimized thereby.
Summary
We are convinced that mechanical clearing is not the answer to the over-all
brush control problem in the Tennessee Valley region. The cost recurs periodically,
every 1 to 4 years; and each clearing is as difficult as the previous
one, if not more difficult.
A long-range chemical program, properly planned and with adequate supervision
to completion, 'Will gradually lengthen the cycle of costly brush control and
abruptly reduce the resprouting potential of the brush. Today we know that
chemical brush control is not a "one-shot cure-all" for the majority of our
rights-of-way. Chemical brush control may be accomplished by several methods,
from the ground as well as from the air, depending upon the specific problem.
After the specific brush control problem has been determined, a successful
right-of-way maintenance program at a reasonable cost will depend upon selecting
the proper chemicals and eqUipment and making certain that the crews are
thoroughly trained and adequately superVised in their proper use.
The perennial search by electric utilities throughout the nation for new cOBtcutting
procedures for brush control hue rung up impressive saVings through
the development of cost-cutting methods. As a result of new equipment, methods..
techniques, and chemicals during the past 2 years our PI:oollL-tion has increased
50 percent over fiscal year 1958, while our budget has been red';lced 30 percent
during the same period.