Title: The Case for Utility Vegetation Management Research, Development, and Demonstration

Summary: In a contracting economy, utility vegetation managers are being challenged to do more with less and are responding with a keen focus on reducing cost. The immediate tactic of cost reduction must be balanced with a longer-term strategy of commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. This requires an investment in research, development, and demonstrations (RD&D) efforts. The Utility Vegetation Management (UVM) industry has a long history of innovation. A review of successful RD&D efforts set the stage for this important discussion. Findings from industry benchmarking studies and a recent UAA survey of research, development, and demonstration efforts in the UVM industry will be presented, and the path forward for RD&D efforts will be explored.

John W. Goodfellow, Owner, Redmond, WA, United States

Click here to read the presenters biography.