Developing a Plan To Restore and Enhance Native Habitats for Pollinators Along Tennessee’s Interstate and Highway Systems
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2021-09-30
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Edition:Final Report, December 1, 2018 to September 30, 2021
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Abstract:Tennessee once contained millions acres of grasslands. These ecosystems occurred in all ecoregions of the state. Unfortunately, most of the state’s grasslands have declined by greater than 90 percent, and some types have experienced losses exceeding 99.9 percent. The remnants that still exist now persist only in powerline corridors or along roadside margins where periodic mowing maintain open conditions. But even these are rapidly declining because of shifts in management techniques. The decline in grasslands is leading to ecological collapse and spells disaster for many animal species that depend on these systems, including pollinators. To address the alarming biodiversity crisis, the research team proposed to initiate a project that would initiate conservation projects at ecologically significant habitats on Tennessee’s highway system. The intended purpose of the project was to locate and document areas on rights-of-way that consist of either high quality grassland remnants or areas that are candidates for restoration, and then to suggest strategies for conserving these important sites. The proposal consisted of three objectives. The first was to conduct a status assessment of native roadside pollinator habitat along Tennessee’s interstate and highway system. One of the approaches entailed the development of a Community Science program whereby volunteers were trained to recognize remnants and collect ecological data throughout the state. The second objective was to suggest strategies for how to better manage and restore native roadside pollinator habitat in the various regions of Tennessee. The third objective was to install a highly visible prairie restoration that would serve to enhance public awareness of the importance of transportation corridors to pollinators, wildlife, and native plants. To conclude the project, the research team endeavored to lay the groundwork whereby multiple ecologically significant sites would be protected through conservation-friendly management and restoration practices.
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