Nelson Hydro is scaling back its proposed use of chemical pesticides around its infrastructure following strong public feedback. The utility released a draft pest management plan in early November, which drew criticism over its use of chemical herbicides. Nelson Hydro is required by legislation to file a pest management plan every five years. Community members emphasized a desire for Nelson Hydro to consider non-chemical approaches to vegetation management, which the utility said it heard loud and clear. “We heard your feedback on our Integrated Pest Management Plans,” Nelson Hydro said in a social media post.