Dec. 1, 2009 (PR Newswire) --
NOVI, Mich., Dec. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ITC Holdings Corp. (NYSE: ITC) today announced it received international recognition for the company's contributions to wildlife habitat conservation at the Wildlife Habitat Council's (WHC) 21st Annual Symposium, Evergreen: A Celebration of Conservation in a Changing World. ITC demonstrated its commitment to environmental stewardship and increasing native biodiversity by achieving Wildlife at Work(SM) certification at the ITC transmission corridor at Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township, Michigan.
"The Wildlife Habitat Council believes that collaboration among all stakeholder groups is critical to addressing the complex issues facing the sustainability of the planet," said Robert Johnson, WHC president. "WHC members take a leading role in connecting community stakeholders through wildlife habitat enhancement, community outreach and conservation education. Congratulations to ITC for its commitment to a healthy natural world and connected communities."
Stony Creek Metropark, located in the Metro Detroit area, occupies more than 4,000 acres and serves as a multi-use recreation park with a nature center and more than 30 miles of trails. ITC's high-voltage transmission line corridor occupies 25 acres across the northern portion of the park, of which 20 acres are actively managed for wildlife.
A prominent feature of the wildlife program is the removal of invasive woody and herbaceous species. A number of tall trees growing under the electric conductors that could have interrupted electrical service were removed along with several species of invasive brush and shrubs. Trees selected for girdling were retained as snags, and woody debris collected from plant removal was placed along the transmission corridor to provide cover for wildlife. Prescribed burning was conducted by Metropark staff to maintain low-growing prairie vegetation within and around the corridor. To support its educational goals, native trees and shrubs were planted near the nature center to create a demonstration arboretum, and interpretive signs were designed to educate visitors about the ecosystem and its management.
Michael McNulty, environmental manager for ITC, said the updates are both esthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly.
"The project is a win-win situation for the community and the local habitat," McNulty said. "Our partnership with the Metroparks and WHC resulted in a safer environment that is also beneficial to native wildlife.
