Written By
In the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania, a quiet change in energy and environmental stewardship is underway. Shell鈥檚 Falcon Ethane Pipeline, a 97-mile corridor, that transports ethane across West Virginia and Eastern Ohio to a facility in the borough of Beaver, PA demonstrates how energy infrastructure can coexist with pollinators. We at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are working with others, like Shell Pipeline Company, to support energy needs and demands while providing important benefits to wildlife, particularly pollinators.
One standout segment is a half mile stretch along the Montour Trail in Washington County, a trail system that is cherished by the community for recreation and now is also transformed into a living laboratory of conservation. This section of the pipeline, once managed through routine mowing and mechanical upkeep, is now part of an ambitious pollinator habitat restoration corridor, proving that biodiversity, safety and industry can thrive together.
From mowed grass to pollinator paradise
Ethane is a gas commonly used in petrochemicals, and it is often transported through pipelines. The Falcon Ethane Pipeline connects three major ethane source points in Pennsylvania and Ohio with the Shell Chemical Appalachia Petrochemical Complex.
Donnie Garrison, advocacy and engagement specialist at Shell Pipeline Company expressed enthusiasm for how restoring pollinator habitat and partnering with our biologists are making rights-of-way safer, more sustainable and more community focused.
Historically, pipeline rights-of-way have been maintained for compliance 鈥� think short grass, frequent mowing and erosion concerns. With pollinator habitat, the approach shifts: native vegetation replaces invasive grasses, mowing is reduced and the land becomes habitat for bees, butterflies, grassland birds and more. Over time, this means less maintenance, lower risk for field crews and significant cost savings, not to mention real gains in soil health and biodiversity.
Powered by partnerships
The Montour Trail site has drawn attention from respected conservation partners like Penn State University 鈥� Altoona, Pheasants Forever and us, who are helping with research, seed sourcing, habitat monitoring and planning future pollinator habitat opportunities. Penn State is conducting multi-year studies to analyze how native plantings benefit pollinators, birds and other wildlife. This data has evolved into a case for implementing best management practices for rights-of-way.
By using technology, like uncrewed aircraft systems, commonly known as UAS, people are able to avoid potential hazardous situations - traversing steep terrain for planting native species. It also increases efficiency of managing large-scale projects. This tool is becoming more popular and invaluable in modern operations and research as it is finding a variety of purposes and benefits across multiple fields due to their unique advantages.
鈥淭his joint effort is fostering an innovative scientific approach to create a scalable model for effective rights-of-way land management,鈥� says Adam Smith, a biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife based in Pennsylvania. We can achieve our goals of providing essential benefits to pollinators while meeting our nation鈥檚 energy demands.鈥�
Smith serves as boots on the ground, for our Partners for Fish and Wildlife program. This program works directly on private lands across the country to support private landowner needs while fostering a healthy environment.
Growing the network: Louisiana to Pennsylvania and beyond
Our conservation work with Shell didn鈥檛 begin in Pennsylvania. Years earlier, This proved that environmental investment could generate real returns 鈥� both for nature and the energy industry.
Early success of establishing pollinator habitat on pipeline and electric power line rights-of-ways inspired the expansion of restoring habitat along more energy corridors. This approach showcases how industry can integrate energy demands and wildlife conservation. It also is building partnerships that traditionally neither the energy industry nor our agency have done before. We both see the value at making this cultural shift.
Why linear habitats matter for pollinators?
Linear habitats are vital for pollinators as they offer numerous benefits that extend beyond ecological improvements. These include:
- Community impact: Provides recreational and educational value, including learning opportunities for employees and students
- Regulatory engagement: Works directly with regulators to align environmental benefits with safety standards
- Wildlife habitat: Supports more than 1,000 bird species and thousands of pollinators, with long-term monitoring in place
- Cost and safety savings: Reduces mowing frequency and traversal risks for crews
- Scalable model: The success in Louisiana and Pennsylvania could be replicated across the country
Future for connecting landscapes
There are still challenges: invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species , slope management and cultural resistance to new land practices. Many of our partners see those not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to educate, innovate and expand.
鈥淲e want people to see rights-of-way not just as infrastructure 鈥� but as a chance to give back to nature and the community,鈥� says Smith. 鈥淧ollinator habitat is a unifying, low-cost, high-impact solution that fits perfectly with pipeline land.鈥�
With more companies, landowners and conservationists getting involved, this work could reshape how the industry approaches environmental responsibility. This is how we support energy needs and conservation together.
