OBJECTIVE

Many pollinators are in decline and roadsides can be valuable habitat for them and other wildlife. Roadside managers have an interest in pollinator conservation and are seeking information about ways to support imperiled pollinators and to preclude future listings to the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

One of the primary goals of NCHRP Project 25-59, “Pollinator Habitat Conservation along Roadways,” was to produce guides that cover 16 regions of the United States. Each guide includes regional information about site selection, design, installation, and management of roadside pollinator habitat; the native plants and pollinators of each region; and guidance on ESA regulatory compliance to reduce regulatory uncertainty and contribute to pollinator conservation and recovery. Supporting materials that accompanied the guides include videos for transportation agencies and the public, a communications toolbox, monitoring and habitat assessment tools, and plant lists.

NCHRP 20-44(55) will provide training on using the guides, and help state department of transportation (DOT) staff understand and consider pollinator habitat conservation strategies that may be effective in their jurisdiction or situation. 

TASKS

The project will be delivered through the fulfillment of the following tasks:

1. Develop an implementation plan to address how to encourage widespread adoption of the practices in the guides by the state DOTs.
2. Develop training materials for the workshops, that includes instructional content regarding regional species information, pollinator-friendly roadside management, restoration, project planning, regional plant lists, and habitat assessment tools. 
3. Develop a comprehensive plan for each of the four 2-day workshops, tailored to the needs of state DOT staff within each AASHTO region.
4. Conduct the four workshops in the spring or summer to coincide with peak blooming periods, allowing participants to observe pollinators in their natural habitat and providing opportunities for evaluating roadside habitat. 
5. Develop and conduct the peer exchange to ensure information sharing and collaboration among participants, with an emphasis on further supporting the widespread adoption of guidebook practices by DOTs.
6. Develop the workshop and peer exchange results report that will summarize the outcomes of all workshops and the peer exchange, including feedback from participants, lessons learned, and recommendations for future activities.
7. Prepare a conduct of research report that documents the results of the project.