Development of a Methodology for Determining Optimum Locations for Wildlife211 Crossings on State Highways Using a Geographic Information Systems Approach, with 211 Application to Key Deer on Big Pine Key, Florida

摘要

Since the early 1980's, Florida Department of Transportation has recognized the211u001eneed to reduce the mortality of the endangered key deer. Speed limit reduction, 211u001esigns, clear-cut maintenance on the shoulders, radio advisories, no-passing zones 211u001eand increased surveillance have all been tried with mixed success. In May 1997, 211u001eFDOT contracted with researchers at the University of Florida Department of 211u001eLandscape Architecture to develop a methodology for determining optimum locations 211u001efor wildlife crossings on State highways using geographic information systems 211u001e(GIS). The methodology was then to be applied and tested on a portion of US-1/SR-211u001e5 in Big Pine Key, Monroe County, Florida, with specific focus on the highway 211u001emortality problems involving vehicular collisions with key deer. In addition to 211u001ethe development of this methodology, there was to be a literature search for 211u001erelevant information relating to the natural history and habits of Florida Key 211u001edeer. This search was to include movement of wildlife in corridors, wildlife 211u001emortality on highways, intersections of wildlife corridors and highways, and 211u001eeffective and safe location of wildlife crossings.