Rights-of-Way as Habitat Working Group

habitat conservation + working landscapes

A close-up image of a bee hovering near a vibrant pink flower, surrounded by green foliage, highlighting the importance of pollinators in nature.

Resources library

This online library is a clearinghouse of tools and information related to habitat on rights-of-way and other lands. From seed mix calculators to mowing guidelines and everything in between, you’ll find it here.

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Thumbnail to 2024 Eastern Migration

2024 Eastern Migration Supplemental Conservation Measure

Conservation Agreements

This is a new supplemental measure that applies to Southeastern Partners for Spring 2024. In response to predicted low overwintering numbers for the eastern monarch butterfly population, a new supplemental measure has been created to provide extra support for the first generation of monarchs migrating north from Mexico.
Thumbnail for the Monarch CCAA Annual Reporting Orientation video. Click the link above the thumbnail to open the video in a new window.

Monarch CCAA ​Annual Reporting Orientation

Conservation Agreements

This video provides an overview of the CCAA annual reporting requirements.

Updated December 2023.

Accepted manuscript of a research article titled

If You Build It, Will They Come? Insect Community Responses to Habitat Establishment at Solar Energy Facilities in Minnesota, USA

Case Studies and Research

This case study highlights the relatively rapid (<4 year) insect community responses to grassland restoration activities and provides support for solar-pollinator habitat as a feasible conservation practice to safeguard biodiversity and increase food security in agricultural landscapes.

Image featuring a presentation slide titled

Knowledge and Understanding Webinar: Invasive Plant Management on Rights-of-Way – November 9, 2023

Webinars

Presenter: Dr. Mark Renz, Associate Professor and Extension Weed Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison This introductory session highlights the importance of controlling invasive plants in these areas and offers an overview of available resources for rights-of-way land managers in relation to invasive plant management. Following this webinar, we plan to host specialized roundtables that delve into specific topics and geographies driven by your interest and feedback. This webinar serves as a foundational introduction to our series, paving the way for more focused discussions.

Final report on the establishment of wildflower islands to enhance roadside health, ecological value, and aesthetics, authored by researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Transportation, dated March 31, 2023. The image features a roadside view with wildflowers and a passing truck, illustrating the project's focus on ecological improvement.

Establishment of Wildflower Islands to Enhance Roadside Health, Ecological Value, and Aesthetics: Phase II

Case Studies and Research

This report from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln determines the seeding and mowing practices that effectively improve the health and variety of roadside plants in Nebraska.

Alt text: A vibrant roadside in Iowa showcasing a diverse community of wildflowers, illustrating the importance of managing roadsides as habitats for bees and butterflies. The image emphasizes the ecological benefits of supporting pollinators and the role of roadside vegetation in connecting wildlife habitats.

Pollinators and Roadsides

Best Management Practices

These guidelines from the Xerces Society of Invertebrate Conservation provide a concise overview of the conservation potential of roadside habitat and offer practical information on how to maximize the value of these areas for pollinators while meeting basic traffic safety requirements.