Methodology for Prioritizing Appropriate Mitigation Actions to Reduce Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions on Idaho Highways

US Transportation Collection2014PDFTech ReportCramer, Patricia C.Gifford, SuzanneCrabb, BenjaminMcGinty, ChristopherDouglas Ramsey,Shilling, FraserKintsch, JuliaGunson, KariJacobson, SandraUtah State University. Dept. of Wildland ResourcesUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationIdaho. Transportation DepartmentIdahoTraffic crashesWildlifeWildlife crossingsGeographic information systemsStrategic planningMethodologyFHWA-ID-14-229RP 229Vehicle collisions with large wild animals are a safety issue for motorists and an ecological concern for wildlife populations. The objective of this research was to advance the efficacy of Idaho Transportation Department\u2019s (ITD\u2019s) project planning to reduce vehicle collisions with wildlife and to provide wildlife connectivity options across and under roads. A Wildlife-Vehicle Collision (WVC) Prioritization Process was developed through lessons learned from other U.S. States and Ontario Canada\u2019s efforts, and GIS modeling of data and maps already available in Idaho. The GIS maps were based on WVC crash and carcass data, Wildlife Highway Linkages maps, and species\u2019 habitat maps. The resulting maps of WVC priority areas statewide and within ITD districts were the first of a 13 step process developed for the project. Users of this process further identify priority areas in ITD Districts based on other data such as: Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) knowledge of wildlife populations, transportation plans, land ownership, field surveys of existing structures, options such as fencing, bridges, and culvert, and their cost-effectiveness. This WVC Prioritization Process was a step along a series of actions which ITD has undertaken and will continue to take to reduce risks associated with WVC and provide wildlife connectivity along Idaho roads96