Oncor will be planting native grasses, plants and shrubs– all of which are compatible with power lines – on about three acres of land near the Old Fish Hatchery at White Rock Lake following the recommendations of the Old Fish Hatchery at White Rock Lake Advisory Committee.

The committee’s work was presented to the City of Dallas Environment and Sustainability Committee and approved by the Advisory Committee following several weeks of productive task force meetings. The task force was appointed by Dallas Councilwoman Paula Blackmon and comprised of local White Rock area stakeholders and environmental experts, supported by City of Dallas officials and other subject matter experts.    

The planting recommendations stem from a September maintenance project when Oncor removed overgrown vegetation in its right-of-way beneath high-voltage transmission lines along the lake’s south side in an area called the Old Fish Hatchery at White Rock Lake.

“Since October, we’ve been meeting regularly with an advisory panel of stakeholders focused on ensuring this land is cared for well into the future and on improving Oncor stakeholder communications,” said Charles Elk, Oncor Vice President and a member of the advisory committee.

“We commend Councilwoman Blackmon for convening this group and the advisory group for their time, commitment and viewpoints in reaching a comprehensive set of recommendations,” Elk said.

Oncor will pay for the planting of the area. It is roughly 1,500 feet long and about 80 feet wide – a total of about three acres. The revegetation plan being developed will divide the land into an upland area and emergent wetlands.

The upland area will be seeded with a mixture of native grasses and plants, which may include bluestem, buffalo grass, blue sage and switchgrass. The emergent wetlands will be seeded and planted with varieties like flat sedges and soft and spike rushes. The work is expected to start in early 2021.

“Managing the vegetation, such as bushes and trees, beneath all of our power lines is an ongoing process to prevent fires and service disruptions,” Elk said.

“While this advisory panel has concluded its work, we’re committed to an ongoing working relationship with all of those involved to help preserve and protect this property for years into the future.”