The Federal Highway Administration has issued two publications that explore an integrated approach to establishing native plants along roadsides and other areas disturbed by modifications to existing roads. The first document, Roadside Revegetation: An Integrated Approach to Establishing Native Plants, is a manual that guides readers through a four-step process of revegetation, including initiation, planning, implementation, and monitoring. The second publication, A Manager’s Guide to Roadside Revegetation Using Native Plants, is designed to help project managers incorporate an integrated approach to revegetation and addresses issues such as scheduling, budgeting, communication, and quality assurance. Both publications are available on the FHWA Western Federal Lands Highway Division’s Roadside Revegetation website. (4-24-08)

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has launched a new invasive species website to provide information on agency programs involved in invasive species work, partnerships and grants, applicable laws and regulations, and news and resources. For more information, link to the FWS Invasive Species website. (3-31-08)

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Two new publications issued by the Federal Highway Administration are available to assist in management of invasive plants and weeds. FHWA publication number FHWA-HEP-07-021 is a glove compartment, laminated, invasive plant field guide titled Common Invasive Trees, Shrubs, and Vines. The agency also has released a reference manual titled Roadside Weed Management (Publication no. FHWA-HEP-07-017). This publication contains information on each State's weed law, and weed resources, policy, and more. The publications may be ordered by sending a Fax order to 301-386-5394, attention: Johnny Booze. Additional information may be obtained from Bonnie Harper-Lore at Bonnie.Harper-Lore@fhwa.dot.gov.

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A report from National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) documents efforts by state transportation agencies to address the spread of invasive species. The report includes successful practices and lessons learned, and it summarizes the state of the practice in developing Integrated (Roadside) Vegetation Management as well as control mechanisms. For more information, link to NCHRP Synthesis 363: Control of Invasive Species.

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Guidance discussing the new eligibility of Federal-aid funds for the control of noxious weeds and aquatic noxious weeds and establishment of native species provisions under SAFETEA-LU was distributed by the Federal Highway Administration on May 16.  According to the guidance, the new provision “not only provides for Federal-aid eligibility for weed control by State vegetation managers, but also supports their work concurrently with, in advance of, or following the construction of a project funded under this title. This flexibility should be of great assistance to State vegetation managers to respond to weed infestations at any time.” For more information, link to the document and legislative language on FHWA’s Re:NEPA Website: Guidance on Control of Noxious Weeds (SAFETEA-LU Section 6006).

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The Winter/Spring Issue of Greener Roadsides the Federal Highway Administration’s quarterly publication, focuses on recovery efforts of the Louisiana and Mississippi transportation agencies following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

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Professionals from across the country convened on Feb. 26-March 3 for National Invasive Weed Awareness Week. Representatives from industry associations, professional societies, non-governmental organizations, and State and Federal agencies attended the event, which included briefings with Federal agencies and Congress on the problems caused by invasive vegetation. The event included presentations on Federal, State and local projects designed to curb the spread of terrestrial and aquatic noxious weeds, including the formation of Cooperative Weed Management Areas (CWMAs) throughout the country. More information is available on the National Invasive Weed Awareness Week website.

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The National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC) at the National Agricultural Library (NAL) has launched a redesigned website, www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov. Users can browse for information by invasive species type–aquatic species, plants, animals and microbes--or by other topics, such as economic impacts, laws and regulations, management, or news and events. The site features links to images, fact sheets, management plans, and an extensive list of agencies and organizations with interest in preventing, controlling, or eradicating invasive species.

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The Safe Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), enacted in August 2005, provides new funding eligibility for invasive species controls.  Section 6006 of the law extends eligibility of funds under the National Highway System and the Surface Transportation Program to include control of noxious weeds noxious weeds and establishment of native species in transportation projects. For more information, see SAFETEA-LU legislation at 23 U.S.C. Section 329.

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A training video to help road maintenance crews recognize and control invasive plants has been developed by the U.S. Forest Service in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration and other agencies. The video, titled “Dangerous Travelers: Controlling Invasive Plants Along America’s Roadways,” outlines the best management practices that road crews should be following in their day-to-day operations. Best practices include how to work with botany professionals for plant identification, developing inventory systems, mapping infestations, mechanical removal, herbicide treatments, weed-free products, maintenance techniques to reduce risk of spreading weeds, and equipment cleaning. It may be accessed on the Forest Service’s invasive species program website or by contacting: USDA Forest Service, San Dimas Technology and Development Center, 444 East Bonita Avenue, San Dimas, Calif. 91773, (909) 599-1267.

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