Details:

Creators:
Foresman, Kerry R.
Corporate Creators:
University of Montana--Missoula
Corporate Contributors:
Montana. Department of Transportation. Research, Development and Technology Transfer Program
Subject/TRT Terms:
[+]
Animal Behavior Bridges And Other Structures Culverts Environment Highways Hydraulics And Hydrology I26: Water Run-off - Freeze-thaw Security And Emergencies Wildlife Wildlife Crossings
Publication/ Report Number:
FHWA/MT-01-004/8117-15
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21949/1518178
Resource Type:
Tech Report
Geographical Coverage:
Montana ; United States
Montana ; United States Less -
TRIS Online Accession Number:
00823229
Edition:
Final Report January 2001-September 2001
Corporate Publisher:
United States. Federal Highway Administration
Abstract:
A highway reconstruction project is currently underway in west-central Montana expanding Hwy 93 from 2 lanes to 4 over a distance of approximately 45 miles. Portions of this highway bisect wetlands, which support a variety and abundance of wildlife. As one wildlife mitigation approach, 3 drainage culverts were modified to encourage movement between fragmented wetlands. Metal shelves were installed to allow animal movement during periods of high water. The current project evaluated the effectiveness of these shelves. Six culverts were studied, 3 with shelves (experimentals) and 3 without (controls), from January to September, 2001. Passive infrared TrailMaster cameras were mounted on the roof of each culvert 15 m from one entrance. Cameras were positioned so that mammals traversing culverts either on the floor or on shelves would be photographed. Cameras were checked weekly and film was replaced as needed. Each month small mammal populations adjacent to each culvert were censussed using Sherman live traps. Habitat characteristics adjacent to each entrance were described. This experimental design provided data on which mammal species were present and which were using culverts to move between wetland sites. Seasonal use and use of shelves during high water were assessed. Trapping identified 7 mammal species adjacent to culverts; of these, photographs demonstrated culvert use by deer mice, skunks, short-tailed weasels, muskrats, raccoons, and domestic cats. During wet periods smaller species (e.g., deer mice, short-tailed weasels) used the shelves. Tentative conclusions suggest that several species readily use shelves when water would otherwise prevent movement. However, movement occurs along the solid frame supporting the self rather than over the floor surface. Meadow voles, though abundant close to culverts, fail to use them, suggesting a barrier effect. Species presence is clearly affected by vegetative characteristics at these sites.
Content Notes:
For up to date information, see the US State DOT Wildlife Crossing Structures website at: https://transportation.libguides.com/WildlifeCrossing
Format:
PDF
Funding:
8117-15
Collection(s):
US Transportation Collection
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:0b3b9d10189398cf2ae32cb424f868d13a999d644330736db5f14ad4f620f89b
Download URL:
https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/42066/dot_42066_DS1.pdf
File Type:

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