Lane Electric Staff Q&A With Right-of-Way Coordinator Don Garnett

Don Garnett started his career in Coos Bay and has more than 20 years of experience in right-of-way vegetation management. He worked with several utilities throughout his career, most recently at Umatilla Electric Cooperative in Hermiston, Oregon.

Over that time, he’s overseen everything from routine right-of-way maintenance to fire mitigation programs and storm response planning.

His career focuses on safety, coordination, and communication, which are essential to providing safe, reliable service to Lane Electric Cooperative members.

What Interested You in Working at Lane Electric?

Lane Electric stands out to me because of its strong reputation for putting safety and its members first. I was drawn to the cooperative environment, where the mission goes beyond business. It’s about community, and that resonated with me.

I also saw the opportunity to bring my experience to a team that values proactive planning and collaboration.

So Far, What Has Surprised You the Most?

What surprised me the most—in a good way—is how welcoming everybody has been. There’s a real sense of purpose here. People take pride in their work. That kind of culture makes it easy to feel like part of the team from day 1.

What Are Your Goals for Your Position?

My goal is to build a proactive vegetation management program. I want to strengthen fire mitigation efforts and utilize our Geographic Information System to help with contractor and member communication. This will strengthen our relationship with our members and support the overall safety and reliability of our system.

Anything Else You’d Like To Add?

I’m super excited to be back on the west side of Oregon, and I look forward to contributing in any way I can. I believe in doing the job right, working hard, and treating people with respect. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Lane Electric team.

What’s a Right-of-Way?

A right-of-way is a legally designated area where utility companies can install, maintain, and operate their infrastructure. It’s a form of easement that grants utility companies the right to access and use the land for their services.