The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has a partnership with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge System. The FHWA Office of Federal Lands Highway (FLH) has a vision to be known for innovative transportation solutions that provide access to and through public lands. The FLH mission is to develop accessible transportation systems so everyone has an opportunity to enjoy the national treasures within our federal lands.
The FLH and Refuge System visions agree in many areas.
Building pedestrian bridges on refuge lands takes hard work -- and partnerships. (Photo: USFWS)
America’s demographics are changing and officials want refuges want to become more accessible to diverse populations, older Americans and Americans living in urban areas. As diversity of visitors increases and uses of refuges expand, FLH will maintain an understanding of the contextual sensitivity that roads, bridges and other transportation improvements need to complement their native environmental surroundings and be compatible with existing uses and resources. Refuge Roads program (RR) funds may be used for maintaining and improving adjacent vehicular parking areas, multi-use trails, boat ramps, signs and for roadside rest areas, that are located in and adjacent to Refuges.
The Draft Vision highlights these facilities as small scale, low maintenance, cost-effective ways to provide additional opportunities for all visitors to access and enjoy Refuges. Safety of these facilities is a top priority for both agencies. Our organization is committed to promoting the highest standards of road safety to prevent crashes, personal injuries and fatalities.
FLH has implemented technologies to prepare and orient visitors. Refuge Visitor Information Systems utilizing Intelligent Transportation System technologies such as variable message signs and highway advisory radio are being piloted. Roads signs are eligible for RR funding and can direct visitors to recreation, education and wildlife observation opportunities. These strategies along with other emerging technologies will be key in providing up to date information and creating a positive visitor experience.
FLH will continue working with the Refuge system and assist in addressing critical issues such as forming partnerships with local land managers and other federal, state, and tribal entities, exploring options for alternative transportation on high-visitation, capacity-limited Refuges, and transition of once rural areas to broadening urban corridors. Our organization can contribute financial resources, technical assistance and relationships within broader transportation community to reach desired outcomes of the Vision. If you’d like to put on your Transportation Engineer hat for a few moments and submit strategies in which FLH can assist the Refuge System in Vision related transportation efforts, your comments are welcome.
Makayah Royal, Office of Federal Lands Highway, Federal Highway Administration
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I was nearly killed (again) today trying to get to Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. When the refuge was built, Oregon Department of Transportation refused to allow adequate access and egress routes off Hwy 99 which runs in front of the refuge main entrance. Today’s experience? A semi was apparently trying to make a u-turn using the short left-lane turn in (yes, left lane–that is the fast lane on a 55 mph hwy) and had come to a complete stop in the turn lane, taking up the entire length of the lane, and was just sitting there. When I attempted to pull in behind the truck, I was sitting in the fast (left hand) lane of traffic and the truck was not moving. I had to pull out and go further past the refuge entrance to turn around and return to the refuge. On another occasion, I was tapped by a car, again in the 55 mph zone as I attempted to leave the refuge–he changed lanes without realizing that I had not yet accelerated to full speed. I go to the refuge at least 3 or 4 times per week as a volunteer and resent having to take my life in my hands to gain access. Worse yet, hundreds of school children on buses also are endangered by the short turn areas, heavy traffic, and high speed as they come to the refuge for environmental education programs. Why can’t we just have a safe approach and exit?
Hi Cheryl, thanks for your response. You are right about the history with ODOT. The FWS Region 1 transportation staff are aware of the safety issues at the main entrance. A safety/engineering study is planned for that area to develop recommendations for operational and infrastructure mitigation. It is beneficial that the draft Vision document places an emphasis on transportation safety in relation to overall visitor experience. Road safety is essential for access and enjoyment of refuges.
Something simple as signage on Interstate 84 would give Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge more visibility. The previous refuge manager talked with the state transportation department. They refused to allow signs to be installed. Their reason…too many signs on the interstate. But the state has installed signs at wildlife management areas where hunting is allowed.
I think it’s also important to have signs that let drivers know there are endangered animals crossing the road. So many times I’ve been on refuge land, in an area where I know endangered animals live, and there is no signage to let drivers know that they need to be extra alert.
Makayah,
Thanks for the great post about one of our most successful and important visitor focussed partnerships over the last decade. In the Pacific NW Region, we have and continue to work closely with our Federal Highway partners. This relationship has continued to grow as Fish and Wildlife staff learn about transportation planning and transportation folks learn about National Wildlife Refuges, our wildlife first mission, and the visitors we serve. Additional public understanding of the benefits of the Federal Lands program is needed. Every Friends group should be aware of when and how this funding source has been or could be used at any given Refuge. As the Refuge System becomes more focussed on sustainable practices, we will expand our thinking to provide and promote access to Refuges through alternative modes of transportation such as bicycles and electric vehicles. Our partnership with Federal Highways will only become more important. We should celebrate this partnership through highlighting and rewarding our best projects.
Hi Mike, thanks for the positive feedback. You brought up some very good points about alternative transportation initiatives. If others want to learn more they can check this website: http://www.volpe.dot.gov/publiclands/projects/transittrails/toc.html
I am lucky enough to work in Refuge Law Enforcement on smaller refuges in which the majority of roads to access them are gravel roads with 35 mph speed limits. I think it adds to the “character” of a refuge to keep the roads as simple as possible within the confines of public and wildlife safety. Who wants to rush through a refuge anyway?
I’d be interested in knowing which is more cost effective, gravel roads or paved? Anyone know?
Rebecca Merritt
Hi Rebecca, thanks for your post. At FLH it is important that we develop transportation facilities that fit into the context of each refuge. There are many variables that go into determining the cost effectiveness of roadways. Gravel roads are sometimes less expensive than paved, but often require more maintenance. Paved roads encourage higher speeds, but are quieter and less dusty than gravel roads. Things like climate, vehicle types and visitor use are also a big factor. It is difficult to make a blanket assessment of cost effectiveness.