Protecting our Roots: How DLC is Promoting a Healthier, More Resilient Forest
Duquesne Light Company commits to responsible and sustainable practices at Aliquippa property
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Duquesne Light Company (DLC) has completed its first sustainable forest management plan, aimed at ensuring the long-term health and biodiversity of the undeveloped land adjacent to DLC’s Raccoon Service Center. The plan was recently approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and will guide decision-making on the future of more than 200 forest acres in Aliquippa. The initiative was led by DLC’s innovation team.
"For us, innovation isn’t just about advancing technology – it's also about rethinking how we interact with the world around us,” said DLC Innovation Associate Erin Henley. “By investing in our environment, we’re building a stronger, more sustainable future for the communities we serve."
A Science-Based Approach to Stewardship
DLC partnered with conservation expert and professional forester Tony Quadro to develop the sustainable forest management plan based on DLC’s goals, which includes responsibly harvesting timber, supporting conservation and fostering a more resilient forest ecosystem. Quadro spent several months mapping the property, cataloging its trees, plants, and wildlife, and evaluating the soil and waterways. The process also included identifying invasive plants and laying out steps to prevent them from destroying the local biodiversity – a problem that extends far beyond DLC’s property, or even Pennsylvania. P
“Tree of heaven, Japanese honeysuckle, privet, these are highly invasive plants that did not evolve here so there are no natural predators or other mechanisms to keep them in check,” said Quadro. “People unknowingly buy them at big box stores and plant them in their backyard. But the seeds can easily get carried off by animals or the wind and end up in forests like this.”
Selective Timber Harvesting Promotes Forest Health
DLC began putting the forest management plan into action before it was completed by engaging in selective timber harvesting. This method involves strategically selecting and removing trees based on age, location, quality and species. The harvest, which took place earlier this year, serves several purposes:
- Promote Forest Health: Removing specific trees can reduce competition for resources, allowing the remaining trees to thrive.
- Enhance Biodiversity: Selective harvesting creates a variety of habitats, supporting diverse plant and animal species.
- Reduce Risk of Disease and Pests: Removing unhealthy or vulnerable trees helps prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
- Improve Forest Structure: Maintaining a balanced age and size distribution of trees contributes to a more resilient forest ecosystem.
“We wanted to make sure we left plenty of ‘good seed trees’ like the large red oaks, while cutting down the lower-grade timber,” said Quadro. “Just like a farmer may selectively breed their cattle, timber harvesting can be used to improve the quality of a forest over time.”
The sustainable forest management plan is one of several ways DLC continues to integrate environmental stewardship into its operations. To read how else our utility is contributing to a more resilient ecosystem, read the 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report.