EFFECTS OF HIGHWAYS ON WILDLIFE

Field studies were conducted in Coopers Rock State Forest, northern West Virginia, to measure the impact of Appalachian Highway 48 on wildlife populations. Field data were collected from 1971 (the year prior to highway construction being initiated) to 1975 (one year after the highway was open to traffic). Changes in population densities were monitored by recording direct sightings and sign. The construction of the highway resulted in the creation of two new habitats which were not previously present, the right-of-way vegetation and ecotone. Responses of small mammals and song birds to these new habitats are discussed. Populations of some animals increase following highway construction while others decrease. Responses of major game animals. No game animal seemed to exhibit a change in distribution as a result of the highway being constructed. Also, no change in population density could be attributed to the presence of the highway.

• Corporate Authors:

  West Virginia University, Morgantown

  Division of Forestry
  Morgantown, WV  United States  26506

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Michael, E D
• Publication Date: 1976-9

Media Info

• Pagination: 100 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Animals; Birds; Construction; Ecology; Field studies; Habitat; Highways; Impacts; Migration; National parks; Parks; Population growth; Property acquisition; Right of way (Land); Road construction; Vegetation; Wildlife
• Geographic Terms: West Virginia
• Subject Areas: Construction; Design; Environment; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00153958
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/WV-76/09 Final Rpt., 72-1B
• Contract Numbers: WVUN08750
• Files: NTIS, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jun 17 1977 12:00AM