Roads to Conservation: How DOTs Help Save the World

Christopher Smith

Senior Wildlife Ecologist, Minnesota Department of Transportation

Abstract

Departments of transportation (DOTs) are tasked with constructing and maintaining the nation’s transportation infrastructure. This task is required to balance the need for safe and effective transportation infrastructure with harms to various other resources, including fish and wildlife resources. In support of these sometimes-opposing objectives, a new scientific discipline emerged called road ecology. Road ecology is the study of ecological effects, both positive and negative, of roads and highways. Effects may include noise, water pollution, habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation, air pollution, and direct mortality to wildlife (i.e., roadkill).

This presentation will discuss the challenges and opportunities created during the construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructure, with a focus on highways. Local and national examples of conservation practices employed by DOTs will be discussed. Did you know that MnDOT has constructed over 150 wildlife passageways in the last 15 years? Come learn more about how DOTs are helping save the world.