Marc Kasper,
Prescott Manager, provided information about
projects planned during July 1, 2006 - December 30, 2006.
Vegetation Management
The Prescott Region constantly locates and maps noxious weed
locations within the ADOT right of way using GPS technology. Noxious
weeds are mapped yearly to determine area increase or decrease. The
Prescott Region uses an integrated weed management approach to control
noxious weeds on the right of way.
Herbarium Collection
The Prescott Region is collecting, pressing, and mounting
noxious and invasive species to add to our herbarium
collection. This collection helps us identify the
noxious and invasive species in all of their stages of
development. Our herbarium also acts as a historical
record of species found in our management area.
Annual Roadside Feature Inventory
Every May we review our accomplishments and determine new
priorities and projects for the coming fiscal year.
The data collected from our annual LOS (Level of Service)
survey is used to prioritize which locations pose the
largest safety hazards for sight distance and safety
recovery zones. This data also helps our group monitor
increases and decreases in invasive plant species for
designing and implementing an integrated weed management
program.
Photo Monitoring Points
We have designated photo points in various locations within
our management area to monitor and document the change in appearance,
evolving ecology, and disturbance issues. We have added additional points
at problem areas to monitor those areas as well. These
points will be visited
four times a year for the purpose of monitoring and data collection.
Global Positioning System (GPS) Database
We have implemented a highway survey program to gather data
concerning several issues of management concern. Included
are: wildlife fatalities, riparian intersections with
highways, noxious weed locations, test plots for trial
applications of new herbicides, plant species that
compromise the safety of the highway right-of-way integrity,
threatened and endangered species habitat regions along
Arizona highways, various herbicide treatment areas, and
numerous other features. Data is forwarded to our data
manager monthly.
| Prescribed (Controlled) Burns
Currently, fire restrictions prohibit us from doing any
prescribed burns. Once the fire restrictions are
lifted, we plan to burn:
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I-17 at Sunset Point
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SR 89 near Congress
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I-17 near Camp Verde
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SR 89A near Sedona
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Burning the median of I-17 at Black Canyon City
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Recovery Zones The Prescott Region will continue
to battle brush and tree encroachment into the recovery
zones of our highways. On larger areas, a private
contractor may be used.
All recovery zone projects will be followed by an
herbicide treatment to maintain the area. |
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Boomaxe operation on SR 71 |
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Wildlife Connectivity The Prescott Region has
installed wildlife cameras to monitor the usage of
existing road features as wildlife crossings. Our
cameras document animals using a specific type of road
feature to cross highways. We also document
unsuccessful crossing attempts (road kill) using GPS
technology.
Using maps of road kill, we can identify problem areas
in need of a crossing, and recommend a road feature be
installed for that species that has been found to work
successfully elsewhere. |
Entering GPS data at
a wildlife camera station |
Erosion Control
The Prescott Region has no new erosion projects planned.
We have made ourselves available to ADOT Maintenance for
consulting purposes only. We will continue to monitor
and repair our past erosion control projects.
Professional Development
Our employees continue to develop their professional skills
by attending the following training opportunities:
- ADOT Mandatory training courses
- GPS/GIS training
- ArcGIS training
- Arizona Wildland Firefighting Academy
- Equipment training
- Southwest Noxious Weed Short Course, Farmington, NM
- Structural Pest Control Applicator license continuing education
All About
the Prescott Region
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