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BOOK REVIEW OF "ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ROADS"
Citation:
Bird, S L. BOOK REVIEW OF "ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ROADS". JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 32(3):1151, (2003).
Impact/Purpose:
This research project sets out to design and conduct an assessment of the long-term ecological consequences of alternative watershed management choices. As the first project to be done at this scale using predictive ecological endpoints, we will seek to identify the appropriate components of such an analysis. We will use experience gained in the conduct of this analysis to identify key research and data needs for future analyses. We will extend this analysis beyond previous and ongoing studies in two ways: by incorporating biological endpoints, primarily properties of fish communities, and by introducing the concept of sustainability of ecological state under future scenarios contrasted with the present state of those same ecological resources. Requirements that are identified during the course of this study will permit the recommendation of specific capabilities that should be incorporated in a general modeling system currently under development to support environmental assessments. Finally, the analysis is intended to be of value for establishing environmental management choices that will be beneficial and those that would be detrimental to the sustainability of ecological resources. Specific objectives are listed below:
1. Develop watershed-based modeling systems to forecast the effectiveness of alternative management plans in meeting sediment-related, nutrient-related, pathogen-related, and toxics-related criteria and standards, and biologically-based criteria and standards; and
2. Develop and maintain a comprehensive technical support capability that directly links environmental TMDL exposure research activities and products for the EPA Office of Water, EPA Regional Offices, and the States to be used for implementation of policy, regulatory development, remediation, and enforcement needs.
Description:
Throughout the world, roads have become a permanent part of our environment. The ecological effects of roads and traffic are as consequential as other topical issues such as losses in biological diversity and damage by exotic and invasive species. However, this issue has usually received less attention from environmental managers, ecologists, and the public in general. Roadways impact ecological function through a variety of mechanisms from vehicular mortality of wildlife to hydrologic alterations. The effects of roads are incremental and cascading-roads lead to more roads and other development. This book discusses the biology of roads and roadside verges, describes the effects of roads and traffic, and discusses methods for mitigating the adverse effects of roads on the environment. This book aims to be a practical guide to the general issues and solutions for the ecological impacts of roads.