ABSTRACT 7th International Symposium on Environmental Concerns in Rights-of-Way Management
TITLE:	Planning and Performance of Wildlife Crossing Structures in a Major Transportation Corridor
AUTHOR(S):	Anthony P. Clevenger - tony_clevenger@pch.gc.ca University of Calgary, Faculty of Environmental Design Calgary, AB, Canada Jack Wierzchowski Geomar Grand Forks, BC, Canada Nigel Waltho York University, Faculty of Environmental Studies North York, ON, Canada
While there are few methodological approaches to determine the placement of mitigation passages along road corridors, the efficacy of these measures also is poorly known. We develop three black bear (Ursus americanus) habitat models in a GIS context to identify linkage areas across a major highway. We use an empirical model to measure the accuracy of two expert-based models and potential use in mitigation passage planning. Results showed the expert literature-based model most closely approximated the empirical model, both in the results of statistical tests and the description of the linkages. Our empirical and expert models represented useful tools for transportation planners determining the location of mitigation passages when baseline information is lacking and when time constraints are imposed. To determine the effectiveness of wildlife underpasses, we modeled species responses to 14 variables. We found that in the presence of human activity, carnivores are less likely to use underpasses as compared to ungulates. Apart from human activity, carnivore performance indices were better correlated to landscape variables and ungulates performance indices were better correlated to structural variables. We suggest future underpasses designed around topography, habitat quality and location will be minimally successful if human activity is not managed. Keywords: Banff National Park, mitigation, performance evaluation, planning, wildlife crossing structure Ref#: 3-9