Restoring Wildlife Connectivity: Popular Article

There are similar projects being put in place through out the state.  An example of this can be seen on a section of route 78 that goes through the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge.

This area contains the largest significant wetland complex in the state.  The area is a transition between wetland and upland habitat.  This area offers habitat for resident and migratory waterfowl, deer, moose, black bear, min, otter, muskrat, raccoon, coyotes, red and gray fox, amphibians and reptiles.  The area also provides habitat for the endangered black tern and soft-shelled turtle.  To determine the correct management plan the landscape and habitat conditions, distribution or wildlife mortality, and animal movement will be evaluated.  After the data was collected the following management plan was constructed.  A 500 ft long underpass will be put in place at the primary linkage point (Louis Landing), this will reconnect ecological connectivity by providing a wildlife passage and improve public safety by reducing possible collisions.  The will be able to accommodate multiple species and utilize fences to direct large mammals.  As well the road will be moved 100 ft away from the Missisquoi River and the riparian area will be restored.  Four amphibian passage structures will also be constructed to reduce mortality and provide access to spawning grounds.  In the Carmens' Marsh area three large box culverts should also be put in place to restore the hydrology and allow the wetland dependent animals like muskrat, beaver, and otter to move with the wetland system.

This is not the only habitat linkage problem in the state, there are many others like our project on I-89.  A similar approach could be utilized at our site to evaluate the landscape and habitat conditions, and conduct research on wildlife movement and wildlife road mortality.  The data gathered can be used to calculate the best possible solution and reconnect the habitat on either side of I-89.

Austin, John M.; Ferguson, Mark; Gingras, Glenn; & Bakos, Greg. (2003). Strategies for restoring ecological connectivity and establishing wildlife passage for the upgrade of Route 78 in Swanton, Vermont: an overview. UC Davis: Road Ecology Center. Retrieved from: http://escholarship.org/uc/item/50q5q4m7