As featured in the November 29, 2021 Research and Innovation Newsletter: Understanding the connectivity value of transportation structures can help minimize impacts on Vermont's wildlife.
Brief Project Description: We assessed the connectivity value of transportation structures in Vermont according to predicted wildlife movement patterns and structure characteristics. Our approach used electrical circuit theory to model the movement of wildlife across Vermont and around transportation structures, based on wildlife occurrence data and landscape features. This information was incorporated into a linear programming decision-making framework along with structure attributes to rank each transportation structure at two spatial scales. Results provide insight into the connectivity value of structures and inform decision-making to mitigate the effects of roads on wildlife. This project is a collaboration between VTrans, The Nature Conservancy, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, and University of Vermont.
Poster: 
Fact Sheet Video Other Q&A Final Report
Presenter: Caitlin Drasher, UVM
2020 Northeast Transportation and Wildlife Conference Recording
2020 Forest Ecosystem Monitoring Cooperative Annual Conference Recording
2021 International Conference on Ecology and Transportation Recording
2019 Symposium Fact Sheet Poster Video