PERMEABILITY OF THE TRANS-CANADA HIGHWAY TO WILDLIFE IN BANFF NATIONAL PARK: IMPORTANCE OF CROSSING STRUCTURES AND FACTORS INFLUENCING THEIR EFFECTIVENESS

Highway mitigation measures have been designed to increase permeability and habitat connectivity for wildlife living in transportation corridors. Unfortunately, post-construction performance evaluations are rarely carried out to determine mitigation measure effectiveness, modify them if necessary, and learn from past experiences. In Banff National Park, Alberta, 11 wildlife underpasses (WUP) were constructed during the last decade to allow wildlife movement across a 4-lane section of the Trans Canada Highway (TCH). This paper evaluates wildlife use of the WUP and examines the importance of structural and environmental features that may enhance wildlife use of them. WUP were intensively monitored during 12 months. WUP were characterized by eight continuous variables and three categorical variables. Simple correlations were used to examine relationships between monthly crossing rate and WUP variables. Stepwise multiple regression analyses developed models with one or more variables explaining relative use of WUP. Elk and deer used the WUP more frequently than carnivores. Among large carnivores, black bears were most frequent users. Monthly crossing rates varied during the year and reflected seasonal activity patterns. Underpass use by large carnivores was negatively correlated with human use levels and was greatest at divided underpasses. WUP quality was best predicted by human use levels, and WUP openness and length, yet human use was the most important factor. Ungulate use was positively correlated with human use and negatively correlated with underpass length. Regression analysis showed that human activity and openness were the most important model components. The results suggested that possible barrier effects of the TCH may be reduced by WUP, but long term studies are needed to assess TCH effects on species' fitness. Park management of human activity around WUP will be crucial for success. The requirements of sensitive species should take precedence in design of quality WUP.

• Corporate Authors:

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Clevenger, A P
• Conference:
  • International Conference on Wildlife Ecology and Transportation (ICOWET 1998)
  • Location: Fort Myers Florida, United States
  • Date: 1998-2-9 to 1998-2-12
• Publication Date: 1998

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 109-119
• Monograph Title: PROCEEDINGS OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WILDLIFE ECOLOGY AND TRANSPORTATION (ICOWET)

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Carnivores; Deer; Habitat (Ecology); Highways; Human beings; Impacts; Length; Management; Monitoring; Multiple regression analysis; Structural design; Transportation corridors; Underpasses; Ungulates; Wildlife
• Identifier Terms: Trans Canada Highway
• Uncontrolled Terms: Bears; Elk; Seasonal activity patterns
• Geographic Terms: Banff National Park
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Design; Environment; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Terminals and Facilities; I21: Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00784498
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Feb 8 2000 12:00AM