The Utility Vegetation Management Podcast

Steve Cieslewicz and Nick Ferguson
  • 5.0 (14)
  • NATURAL SCIENCES

Utility Vegetation Management (UVM) is a rapidly growing multi-billion dollar a year industry employing tens of thousands of people. UVM is the largest operational expense in most electric utilities and frequently the largest driver of system reliability and outage management. In recent years, climate change, wildfires, storms and Public Safety Power Shutoffs have brought the industry into mainstream news. Several groups including government, regulators, utilities, contractors, industry and the public are now active stakeholders and contribute to the public debate. Despite high levels of concern and interest in the subject matter, communications on the topic have been restricted to traditional media outlets. The UVM Podcast is the first of its kind. It aims to directly insert itself in the public conversation as a 21st Century medium to discuss and address the challenges that face us all. The podcast is hosted by Stephen Cieslewicz, an internationally recognized expert in UVM, and Nick Ferguson, a Tech Sector leader specializing in Utility Vegetation Management.

  1. 4D AGO

    39 | Pro-UVM with UW–Stevens Point

    In this episode of The UVM Podcast, hosts Stephen R. Cieslewicz and Nick Ferguson, sit down with Sara Sankowich (Vice President Shared Services and Sustainability - Unitil ) and Randy Miller (Director of Research and Development- Eocene) from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point to discuss the Professional Utility Vegetation Management (Pro-UVM) Program and what it means for the future of our industry. Sara and Randy explain how the program was created to bridge the gap between traditional forestry education and the realities of utility vegetation management — reliability pressure, wildfire risk, regulatory scrutiny, and public accountability. The conversation breaks down: • Foundations and Advanced Certificates • The Professional UVM Credential pathway • Course format, time commitment, grading, and CEU eligibility • Who the program is built for — utilities, contractors, consultants, and regulators • How the credential can strengthen hiring, advancement, and program credibility The episode also highlights recent efforts at UW–Stevens Point to further institutionalize UVM, including exploration of establishing a full-time faculty position dedicated specifically to leading and expanding Utility Vegetation Management efforts at the university — a clear signal that UVM is evolving into a recognized professional discipline. Steve and Nick push the larger question: What does it truly mean to professionalize UVM — and will structured education help move the industry from reactive cycle management toward risk-based, proactive strategies? Whether you are entering the field or leading a large vegetation program, this episode offers a practical look at how education and credentials may shape the next generation of UVM leadership. Sponsors This episode of The UVM Podcast is made possible by our commercial sponsors: Celerity Utility Solutions Clear Path Utility Solutions LLC We appreciate their continued support of industry education and conversation.

    53 min

  2. FEB 18

    38 | Matt Allen, Portland General Electric

    In this episode of The UVM Podcast, hosts Steve Cieslewicz and Nick Ferguson sit down with Matt Allen of Portland General Electric (PGE) to unpack what it really looks like to transition from private arboriculture into utility vegetation management. After spending 27 years in the private tree care industry, Matt made the leap into the utility world. Now three years in, Matt reflects on the early culture shock, the steep learning curve, and the skills that translated surprisingly well from residential and commercial arboriculture into large-scale utility operations. The conversation explores the differences between private and utility “customers,” managing crews and contracts at scale, and how expectations shift when public safety, reliability, and regulation enter the picture. Matt also shares what helped him survive those first overwhelming years, what he’d tell someone considering the same career move, and how experienced utility professionals can better support newcomers coming from the private side. Beyond career transitions, the episode dives into bigger-picture topics like breaking down silos between contractors and utilities, how private arboriculture and utility forestry can learn from each other, and what’s currently happening inside PGE, including vegetation initiatives and wildfire mitigation efforts tied to Wildfire Mitigation Plans (WMPs). Whether you’re thinking about making the jump into utility vegetation management, onboarding new talent from the private sector, or looking for ways to strengthen collaboration across the industry, this episode offers candid insights from someone who’s lived on both sides of the fence. A huge thank you to the sponsor of this season and episode, Clear Path Utility Solutions.

    31 min

  3. FEB 3

    37 | Andy Abranches, VP Wildfire Mitigation, Pacific Gas and Electric

    In this episode of The Utility Vegetation Management Podcast, hosts Stephen Cieslewicz and Nick Ferguson speak with Andy Abranches, VP of Wildfire Mitigation at PG&E, about how wildfire risk has fundamentally changed. Andy discusses climate and non-climate drivers of extreme wildfire, the evolving role of vegetation management, data-driven mitigation, and the realities of Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). The conversation also covers coordination with fire agencies, home hardening, defensible space, and what gives Andy optimism as utilities adapt to a new wildfire paradigm.

    1h 16m

  4. 11/18/2025

    36 | Dennis Fallon, The New Strategic Direction of the UAA

    In this episode of The UVM podcast, hosts Steve Cieslewicz and Nick Ferguson welcome Dennis Fallon, Executive Director of The Utility Arborist Association (UAA) to discuss the organization's strategic plans and evolution. Dennis shares the UAA's ambitious vision for the next 5 years, maintaining its historic role of supporting arborists while evolving to become the voice of the Right-of-Way (ROW) industry. This will involve driving industry norms and best management practices to influence a broader collection of stakeholders.  An example is provided on the lack of standardization in the investigation of tree-caused outages. Utilities with advanced programs collect good data but not to one standard, and researchers therefore have a hard time utilizing this information and drawing conclusions from it. The UAA seeks to move the industry away from data ponds towards communal data lakes that we all stand to benefit from.   In addition to the strategic vision for The UAA, the episode includes a debrief of the record-breaking Trees and Utilities event that took place in September 2025, and a brief on the Environmental Concerns in Right-of-Way Management Symposium that will take place May 11-14 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Past proceedings from the conference can be found here. A huge thank you to the sponsor of this season and episode, Clear Path Utility Solutions.

    35 min

  5. 10/24/2025

    35 | Ryan Korpela, Celerity Utilities & Clear Path Utility Solutions

    Wildfire Mitigation and the Future of Utility Management with Ryan Korpela In this episode of The UVM Podcast, hosts Nick Ferguson and Steve Cieslewicz hold an in-depth conversation on one of the most pressing issues facing utilities today — wildfire mitigation. Their guest, Ryan Korpela, President at Celerity Utilities and Clear Path Utility Solutions, joins to discuss how his teams are helping utilities strengthen safety, compliance, and operational resilience in an increasingly challenging environment. Ryan shares the origin story of Clear Path Utility Solutions and its relationship with Celerity, detailing how the company bridges the gap between construction management, vegetation services, and environmental compliance. He outlines Clear Path’s comprehensive suite of services — from risk compliance audits and emergency response to technology-driven vegetation management — all designed to help utilities stay ahead of regulatory requirements and insurer expectations. The discussion also explores the growing role of technology and data analytics in making vegetation management more predictive, proactive, and integrated with infrastructure planning. Ryan offers valuable insights into the evolving wildfire threat, how utilities can better prepare for extreme weather, and why partnering with expert-driven teams is key to achieving safety and efficiency goals. As the episode wraps up, listeners are left with practical advice on staying proactive, embracing innovation, and fostering collaboration to build a safer, more reliable energy grid. Learn more about Clear Path Utility Solutions at clearpathutilityconsulting.com

    33 min

  6. 08/29/2025

    34 | Chris Vetromile, Austin Energy

    Co‑hosts Nick Ferguson and Steve Cieslewicz sit down with Chris Vetromile, Wildfire Mitigation Manager at Austin Energy, to unpack how a municipal utility in Central Texas is building a modern wildfire program. Chris traces his career path from California to Texas, then walks through the region’s often‑overlooked wildfire risks and how they differ from the West Coast model. The conversation explores Austin Energy’s preparation for potential state requirements around utility wildfire mitigation plans, the role of technology (including tools like Technosylva), and the way local vegetation—oak and juniper rather than pines—shapes tactics on the ground. Listeners get a look at operational readiness during red‑flag conditions, how wildfire risk is being woven into routine vegetation‑management cycles, the overlap with WUI codes and defensible‑space responsibilities, and how grid‑modernization efforts support prevention and response. The episode also tackles the politics of tree work after major storms like Yuri and Mara, and closes with Chris’s practical advice for utilities standing up new programs in regions where wildfire is a newer concern.  A big thank you to the sponsors of this episode, Clear Path Utility Solutions.

    50 min

  7. 07/02/2025

    33 | Floyd Hardin, Salt River Project

    In this episode of The Utility Vegetation Management Podcast, hosts Nick Ferguson and Stephen Cieslewicz sit down with Floyd Hardin of Salt River Project (SRP) to explore how one of the nation’s largest public power utilities is navigating wildfire risk in the unique landscapes of the desert Southwest. Floyd shares how SRP is learning from the wildfire experiences of states like California and Oregon, adapting those lessons to its own operations. The conversation dives into the challenges of managing invasive grass species across desert grasslands, and the balance between fuels reduction and fuels removal in high-risk areas. The discussion also highlights the respectful and collaborative work SRP does on tribal lands, including cultural and regulatory considerations. Floyd explains SRP’s “no-reclose” policy during fire season—a bold step in wildfire mitigation—and discusses its practical implications for system reliability and public safety. Listeners will also hear about SRP’s innovative defensible space program around distribution poles, its measurable impact on reducing outages and ignition risks, and what the future holds for wildfire prevention efforts. Key Topics Covered: Lessons learned from Western wildfiresWildfire risk in desert ecosystemsManaging invasive species as fuel sourcesSRP’s approach to fuels reduction vs. removalCollaborating with tribal nationsImplementing a no-reclose policyDefensible space for distribution polesFuture innovations in vegetation managementWhether you’re in a utility, land management, or policy role, this episode offers actionable insights into proactive wildfire mitigation in diverse environments. A huge thank you to the sponsor of this season and episode, Clear Path Utility Solutions.

    53 min

  8. 06/11/2025

    32 | Insurance and UVM

    In this episode of The UVM Podcast, Steve and Nick explore the complex intersection of Utility Vegetation Management and the insurance industry with a focus on insurance for UVM Service Providers. With increasing risks from wildfires, storms, and climate change, insurers are re-evaluating their coverage models for utilities. The episode addresses how proactive vegetation management can impact insurance claims, liability assessments, and rate structures. Our hosts also discuss real-world examples, changes in insurance underwriting practices, and opportunities for better alignment between utilities and insurers to mitigate wildfire and storm-related damages. This timely conversation sheds light on how UVM professionals can prepare for a future where insurance plays a larger role in operational and financial planning. The episode format is a round table and the guests are: Jett Abramson, EVP at Amwins GroupMark Shipp, Senior EVP and Practice Leader from Hub Arbor Insurance GroupJoshua Caudill, Founder and President, Safety Leadership Innovators A big thank you to this episode's sponsor, Clear Path Utility Solutions.

    58 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Utility Vegetation Management (UVM) is a rapidly growing multi-billion dollar a year industry employing tens of thousands of people. UVM is the largest operational expense in most electric utilities and frequently the largest driver of system reliability and outage management. In recent years, climate change, wildfires, storms and Public Safety Power Shutoffs have brought the industry into mainstream news. Several groups including government, regulators, utilities, contractors, industry and the public are now active stakeholders and contribute to the public debate. Despite high levels of concern and interest in the subject matter, communications on the topic have been restricted to traditional media outlets. The UVM Podcast is the first of its kind. It aims to directly insert itself in the public conversation as a 21st Century medium to discuss and address the challenges that face us all. The podcast is hosted by Stephen Cieslewicz, an internationally recognized expert in UVM, and Nick Ferguson, a Tech Sector leader specializing in Utility Vegetation Management.

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