Name: Wildlife and Transportation Priority Results (CDOT/CPW)
Display Field: Route
Type: Feature Layer
Geometry Type: esriGeometryPolyline
Description: WSWPS Methodology: To meet this objective, the WSWPS identified, mapped and prioritized highway segments across the West Slope based on the risk of WVC and the need for mule deer and elk to make cross-highway movements, particularly during migration or within winter range. WVC risk models were developed by comparing road and road-adjacent attributes of known reported WVC accident and carcass locations to those of random locations distributed throughout the road network to estimate the relationship between each of these attributes and relative WVC risk. The species-specific, seasonal WVC risk models were then integrated with other wildlife and safety considerations, such as: the magnitude of mule deer/elk migration or winter range use;WVC mortality as a proportion of the population;connectivity value for other modeled species, for example, Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis); andCDOT’s wild animal accident pattern recognition by road type.Combined, these prioritization criteria defined the need for wildlife-highway mitigation for each 0.5-mile segment of CDOT-administered highways in the West Slope. Values for each criterion were scaled between 0 and 1 and attributed to each 0.5-mile segment of CDOT maintained highways across the West Slope. In addition, each criterion had an assigned priority score calculated using interagency committee-defined weights for each criterion.ESPWPS Methodology: To meet this objective, the research team, in conjunction with the study panel, defined two discrete analysis areas and associated target species. Prioritization criteria were developed to comprehensively represent wildlife movement needs in each analysis area. Combined, the prioritization criteria define the need for wildlife-highway mitigation for each 0.5-mile segment based on the safety hazard WVCs present to drivers and the wildlife need for cross-roadway movement during migration, or within seasonal summer and winter range home ranges. These criteria included the following: WVC risk models that estimate the probability of WVCs during migration and winter seasonsunder current and future land use and traffic volume scenarios The magnitude of movement during spring and fall migrations or within winter ranges WVC mortality as a proportion of the population Bighorn sheep habitat and WVC mortality hotspots Proximity to drainages, specifically for deer in the plains A habitat quality and movement index to capture factors influencing wildlife movements in the plains CDOT’s wild animal crash pattern recognition by road typeValues for each criterion were scaled between 0 and 1 and attributed to each 0.5-mile segment of CDOT-maintained highways across the study area. In addition, each criterion had an assigned priority score calculated using interagency committee–defined weights for each criterion. Combined, these prioritization criteria were used to identify areas of greatest need for wildlife highway mitigation for each 0.5-mile segment of CDOT-administered highways in the Eastern Slope and Plains.Use the field RegPer_All to display the overall Regional priority Percentages for all five CDOT Regions.
Copyright Text: Colorado Parks & Wildlife, Colorado Department of Transportation