Citation

Smith DL. Transp. Res. Rec. 1977; 647: 23-25.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1977, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In many instances, highway rights-of-way can have great potential for preserving or enhancing wildlife habitat. In order to fully realize this potential, however, highways need to be properly managed. In most cases, this will not require any significant increase in effort or expense on the part of the highway agencies. In some instances, proper wildlife management may result in an overall reduction in highway maintenance expense and effort. It is recommended that state highway agencies work closely with state wildlife agencies not only on the initial planning and construction of a highway, but on the operation and maintenance as well. Proper rights-of-way management, including a management plan developed on an area-by-area basis. Consideration of wildlife in managing highway rights-of-way requires these basics: an awareness of and an appreciation for the roadside ecosystem, a set of management goals or objectives, and a good working relationship between the highway engineer and the wildlife biologist. Examples of such planning are given, including construction of fences and special over- and underpasses to keep migrating deer from colliding with vehicles, reducing mowing (This not only provides better habitat for certain species but reduces maintenance costs as well) and landscaping with plant species that provide food and shelter for an area's wildlife.