Publications, Papers, and Reports
Below are abstracts for products produced by or for the Federal Highway Administration. As electronic versions become available, links will be made so that you may download them. For products not available in this manner, please contact the party listed for that abstract.
Results of the FHWA Domestic Scan of Successful Wetland Mitigation Programs - Posted 6/5/06
Managing and mitigating wetlands impacts due to highway projects is a significant issue for State DOTs and FHWA. To help find out what kind of issues were most problematic, and to identify successful solutions that were being used, the Office of Environment and Planning conducted an interagency scan of wetland mitigation and impact management practices in eight States around the country. There was a strong focus on mitigation banking, and what issues and solutions have been associated with the development of successful, workable wetland mitigation banks. Where banks were not being used, we looked at successful on-site mitigation projects.
Published: December 2005
Wetlands Mitigation Performance Reports
Providing compensatory mitigation on Federal-aid highway projects that results in a net increase of wetland acreage of at least 50 percent over a 10-year period from 1996 to 2006 is an indicator of meeting the FHWA Strategic Plan objective for protecting the natural environment. Information compiled from FHWA field offices that allows a comparison of the area of wetlands unavoidably impacted to the area of wetlands provided through compensatory wetland mitigation efforts documents agency performance toward achieving this indicator.
Wetland Protection and Mitigation Under the Federal-Aid Highway Program
Guidelines for the Development of Wetland Mitigation Areas
NCHRP Report 379
Abstract: This is a manual which provides guidance and information on techniques, procedures, and materials to design, plan, construct, and monitor, wetlands. It covers soil, hydrology, vegetation, site modifications, problem correction, design requirements, and construction management.
Author: Denbow, T., et al.
Publication Year: 1996
Media: Report
Contact:
The Transportation Research Board
National Research Council
2101 Constitution Avenue
Washington DC 20418.
ISSN 0077-5614
ISBN 0-309--5708-6
An Approach for Assessing Wetland Functions Using Hydrogeomorphic Classification, Reference Wetlands, and Functional Indices
Report number WRP-DE-9.
Abstract: This document provides the procedural framework for applying the Hydrogeomorphic Wetland Functional Assessment methodology wetlands. It explains the basis and principals behind the HGM method, describes the HGM wetlands classification system, and gives examples of assessment.
Author: Smith, R. D., Alan Amman, Candy Bartoldus, and Mark Brinson
Supporting Organization: U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station
Publication Year: 1995
Media: Report
Available from the
Corps of Engineers Wetlands Publications Site
or through
National Technical Information Service
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, Virginia 22161
(800) 553-6847 or (703) 605-6000
E-Mail orders may be made at ord
ers@ntis.fedworld.gov
The Federal Highway Administration as a Wetland Mitigation Bank User
Abstract: This is a paper presented at the Department of Energy Wetlands Mitigation Banking Workshop in Washington, DC, in June, 1995. It explains FHWA regulations, policy and procedures relative to the eligibility of wetland mitigation banks for federal aid highway funds. It also explains the construction programs of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Act under which wetlands planning and mitigation qualify as eligible for Federal funding.
Author: Federal Highway Administration
Publication Year: June 1995
A Guidebook for Application of Hydrogeomorphic Assessments to Riverine Wetlands
Report number WRP-DE-11
Abstract: This document provides the basic outline and guidance for regionalization of functional assessment models applicable to riverine wetlands under the HGM functional assessment methodology. It explains the basis and principals behind the HGM method, describes the riverine wetlands classes, and gives general functional models for different wetlands functions which riverine wetlands perform which should be evaluated under the 404 permit program.
Author: Brinson, Mark, Hauer, F. R., Lee, L. C., Nutter, W. L., Rheinhardt, R. D., Smith, R. D., Whigham, D.
Supporting Organization: U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Waterways Experiment Station; FHWA
Publication Year: 1995
Media: Report
Ordering Information: Available to State Highway Agencies from FHWA. Please contact Office of Natural Environment at: environment@fhwa.dot.gov.
Available to all else from the
Corps of Engineers Wetlands Publications Site
or through
National Technical Information Service
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, Virginia 22161
(800) 553-6847 or (703) 605-6000
E-Mail orders may be made at orders@ntis.fedworld.gov
National Academy of Sciences Wetlands Task Force Report: Wetlands, Characteristics and Boundaries
Abstract: In 1993, the National Academy of Science was directed by Congress to convene a committee of legal and scientific experts to address questions concerning the Federal wetlands regulatory program. At issue were the adequacy of the regulatory definition of wetlands, the functional characteristics of different kinds of wetlands relative to objectives of the Clean Water Act, and procedures through which the various federal programs addressing wetlands were carried out. In 1995, the final report, 306 pages, was released. The report includes a "reference" ecological definition of wetlands, discusses wetlands functions and values, addresses controversial wetland types, and makes recommendations for Federal wetland management programs.
Author: National Academy of Science/National Research Council Wetlands Characterization Committee
Publication Year: 1995
Media: Report
Ordering Information: Please contact
The National Academy Press
2101 Constitution Avenue
Washington, DC 20418
Results of Wetlands Mitigation Associated with Highway Projects
Abstract: This research paper was presented at the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Symposium held in New Orleans, La, April 1995. It analyzes data on wetland mitigation projects carried out for highway projects, collected as part of a FHWA Research Project, Evaluation of Wetland Mitigation Measures, FHWA-RD-90-083, dated May 1992. The paper evaluates the results of mitigation projects on a no-net-loss basis, considering ecological and socioeconomic functions and values ascribed to wetlands, through two functional assessment techniques, WET and the Hollands-Magee methodologies. Most projects did not meet no-net-loss criteria when functional equivalency was considered, although they may have resulted in equal area of wetland being created or established. Some projects resulted in the conversion of one wetland type to another, resulting in a net loss of wetland area. Others resulted in a net gain of wetland area, with a replacement of one type of wetland for another (out-of-kind mitigation). Most decisions regarding selection of a mitigation alternative appear to have been based on the availability of an acceptable mitigation site, local wetland management priorities and objectives, or cost.
Author: Paul Garrett, Office of Natural Environment, Federal Highway Administration
Publication Year: 1995
WEThings; Wetland Habitat Indicators for Non-Game Species -Wetland Dependent Amphibians, Reptiles, and Mammals of New England
TEI Publication Number 94-1.
Abstract: WEThings is a pc-based methodology that analyses data from wetlands to determine the suitability as habitat for various wetland dependent animals. The method uses an expert system approach based on habitat use models developed from scientific literature and reports on habitat use and requirements of the species of concern. The output is a statement concerning habitat suitability for one or more of 59 species occurring in New England.
Author: Whitlock, A. L., N. M. Jarman, J. A. Medina, and J. S. Larson
Supporting Organization: FHWA, The Environmental Institute, University of Massachusetts
Publication Year: 1994
Media: software (3.5 disc) with bound documentation
Ordering Information: Available to State Highway Agencies from FHWA. Please contact Office of Natural Environment at: environment@fhwa.dot.gov.
Available to all else through Environmental Institute, Blaisdell House, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003-0820.
Building Partnerships - Building Bridges (Brochure)
Building Partnerships - Building Bridges (Video)
Abstract: Brochure and video explain a bridge replacement project in Charleston, South Carolina which connects the Isle of Palms to the mainland. The project involved an intensive public involvement and agency coordination process to generate information concerning wetland protection and access issues. In the end, the process was successful. Transportation and environmental needs were met.
Author: FHWA
Publication Year: 1993
Media: Brochure and Video
Please contact Office of Natural Environment at: environment@fhwa.dot.gov.
Wetlands and Highways - A Natural Approach
Abstract: Highlights the concept of mitigation banking by providing case study examples of wetland protection and enhancement measures conducted on highway projects nationwide.
Author: Federal Highway Administration
Publication Year: 1993
Evaluation of Wetland Mitigation Measures
Report number FHWA-RD-90-083
Abstract: This report analyses 17 highway wetland mitigation projects in 14 states, comparing them to natural control wetlands to evaluate the effectiveness of the mitigation to perform wetlands functions and values. Field biologists used two assessment methods in the field to compare mitigation sites and controls. Conclusions and recommendations for mitigation are made.
Author: Crabtree, A., E. Day, A. Garlo, G. Stevens
Publication Year: 1992
Media: Report
Please contact Office of Natural Environment at: environment@fhwa.dot.gov.
