Researchers seek to discover better path for roads

Construction can be damaging to ecosystem

Constructing a new road can sometimes destroy homes for wildlife in the process. Wetlands and the natural habitat for wildlife are in the path of danger when roads are planned. The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a grant to the University of Missouri-Columbia to work with the Missouri Department of Transportation to remedy this problem.

"Collaboration with MoDOT ensures that real-world issues are a part of the research protocol and increases the likelihood of actual implementation of the resulting construction and maintenance guidance," said Kathleen Trauth, MU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and co-investigator.

In order to maintain wildlife habitat, compensatory wetlands must be constructed when natural, protected wetlands are affected by construction. Trauth hopes this interdisciplinary research project helps officials as they make decisions concerning roadways. She wants to develop a process that can be used to determine where roads can be built with the least impact on the ecosystem.

"The most perfect wetland possible could be constructed, but if it is in the wrong space and not in an ecologically correct setting, the project will not be successful," said Raymond Semlitsch, professor of Biological Sciences and co-investigator.

The project will examine existing mitigation wetlands and design test wetlands using features that are important to amphibians to see what works best.

"There is no legal obligation to amphibians," Semlitsch said. "However, we think it has important implications especially for water quality and vegetation. We hope our results will have application to MoDOT and other state agencies dealing with natural resources."

In addition to MoDOT, the Missouri Department of Conservation's participation is a key ingredient. "They have partnered with us to help test wetland designs that would improve the chances for amphibian success," said Semlitsch.

Links:

Semlitsch lab
Division of Biological Sciences

Kathleen Trauth, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Missouri Department of Transportation
Missouri Department of Conservation