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Long-term recommendations for VTRANS
References

Further Research Needs

INTRO PARAGRAPH

Culvert Data – More comprehensive culvert data would be useful to determine replacement needs. Specifically, it should be noted that data pertaining to size and the date of last replacement for each culvert are not available in digital format at this time; it will take a substantial amount of time and effort to compile this data into a usable format. In addition, it will be necessary to collect data regarding the average “wetness” of the culverts contained within the study area. The amount of water that flows through a culvert dictates whether or not an amphibian would be capable of passing through it (Andrews 2003). Since such a database does not currently exist, it will be necessary to develop one before the metric can be truly completed.

Endangered Species Data - It should be noted that the endangered species database for the state of Vermont has not been updated since 1997 (VT FWS 1997); this data may need to be updated accordingly. This may be done, specifically for amphibians, utilizing town-level documented species data for the state. This data, developed as part of the Vermont Biodiversity Project, is available through the Vermont Center for Geographic Information and was most recently updated in 2000 (Buford 2000).

Known Crossing Sites – It is important to include all known sites of high amphibian mortality (due to road crossings) in the state, and any known sites of high amphibian movement/migration. This data will aid in determining which areas are most in need of amphibian crossing structures. However, such data has not been compiled as of date (Hoffman 2003) and will therefore need to be collected and put into digital format before addition to the metric.
Species Distribution, Density and Diversity – Data is lacking as to exactly where amphibian populations occur in Vermont. For this project, we could only consider wetlands and other habitat where amphibians may be likely to occur. It would be more helpful to know those locations where, indeed, they do occur.
More Information On Locations of Vernal Pools - The state currently provides access to National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) wetland location maps for the state. However, NWI maps are developed at a 1:250,000 scale (Tuggle and Wilen 2003), and all of the data available carries a disclaimer regarding the inherent limitations of data developed at this scale (US FWS 2003). Essentially, in treeless areas, wetlands ¼ of an acre and larger are accurately depicted, in forested areas, the minimum wetland size depicted ranges between 1 and 3 acres (CGDB 2003, WGISC 2003). This means that although wetlands provide an ideal habitat for most amphibians, not all wetlands within the state will be included in the analysis of available habitat. This is especially true for small, temporary wetlands, such as vernal pools. We recommend the collection of data on the location of these important habitats.
Global Populations - A lack of clear scientific understanding is the largest hurdle in addressing the global amphibian crisis. A majority of our current understanding is from the US, Europe, and Australia, all of which are areas of relatively low amphibian diversity (Houlahan et al 2000). The fact that large-scale declines have been observed in many isolated and relatively undisturbed sites can be extrapolated to mean that numerous declines have and are occurring in poorly documented sites with high diversity (Young et al 2001). Latin America is a strong example of the lack of scientific understanding and the implications of this issue. Latin America contains over half of the world’s amphibian richness, some declines have been documented, but it is estimated that 5-10% of the species in Latin America are undocumented. Because of this it is impossible to fully understand and quantify population declines (Young et al 2001).

Cause of Global Decline - Current research has found numerous sources of local population mortality, but a clear global causative agent is lacking. Due to the sensitive nature of amphibian species it is possible that a host of different stresses are working synergistically to harm populations globally. Further research is needed to document all amphibian populations, particularly those in the lesser studied areas of high diversity. Many of the studies suggest that protecting habitat is only a beginning due to the insidious nature of some of the threats such as UV-B radiation. The fact that many of the identified causative agents can not be easily reversed emphasizing the importance of identifying and remediating all other mechanisms such as Atrazine to reduce the stresses on amphibian populations and reduce the risk of global extinctions

Long-term recommendations for VTRANS

INTRO PARAGRAPH

Larger Culverts - Our research has indicated that most amphibians found within the state are likely to move through larger culverts, as they allow more natural light to pass through. They are also more conducive to the long-term maintenance of natural ground cover throughout, providing further appeal to amphibians. Finally, it should also be noted that larger culverts are more likely to have room to allow for both water flow and amphibian passage (Andrews 2003).
Focus on Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species - This is not only for environmental purposes but political purposes as well; amphibians carry a public stigma and thus funds will be more readily available to develop crossing alternatives if rare or threatened species are at the forefront of the issue (Andrews 2003).
Focus on Areas with High Species Density and/or Diversity - It makes the most sense, both in terms of environmental conditions and economic conditions, to first consider sites that are surrounded by a high density and diversity of amphibians. This idea plays into the policy of getting the “most bang for your buck”.
Addition of Raised Structures Within Culverts with Regularly Flowing Water - While most amphibians require a moist environment, a culvert with consistently flowing water would not provide an ideal crossing environment. The state should consider installing culverts with modifications that would allow the amphibians to bypass the water flow (i.e. culverts with raised centers, designed to provide a transport route while directing channel flow along either side of the route).
Replacement of Culverts on an As-Needed Basis - Logically, it is most cost-effective to replace culverts only when they need to be replaced due to structural damage to either the culvert itself or the road above it. Therefore, we recommend that the final culverts selected to serve as amphibian crossings be replaced on an “as-needed” schedule (unless ecologic conditions dictate replacement sooner), to reduce costs to the state and ultimately, to taxpayers.
Focus on Sites with Documented Road Mortality - Since there have been documented amphibian mortality problems at these sites, it would be helpful to both motorists and the environment to take action.
Focus on Sites with High Traffic Intensity - If necessary (if the selection processes described above yield a high number of potential sites), traffic volume data may be used to further prioritize sites. If this is the case, we suggest that the above prioritizations be followed, but within each category, those sites with the largest amount of traffic volume be considered for action first.
Adaptive Management - Finally, as with any project designed to address specific environmental problems, the practice of adaptive management will need to be implemented to garner the most successful results. The true outcome of a project can never be known until it has been implemented in the real world; if problems or complications arise, it will be necessary to go back to the original plans and alter them accordingly.
GO MORE INTO ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT

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Reducing Amphibian Mortality on Vermont Roadways

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