Summary: This project will provide data and tools to support the coordination of transportation and resource planning in New Hampshire with the goal of improving the environmental outcomes of transportation projects. The project will address key information gaps by assembling data needed to create a conservation/transportation overlay. Using the overlay, the project will then develop a framework to identify conflict areas at an ecosystem scale, prior to the design phase of a transportation project. The impact assessment framework will include guidance for defining the appropriate extent of analysis for various ecosystems and for prioritizing resources and potential impacts. The final data products and planning frameworks will be useful to State, regional, and municipal transportation planning agencies. From a national perspective, the proposed NH program will serve as model for other regions that, like NH, have neither a widely distributed habitat, nor a clearly defined ecosystem that supports one or more rare species.

Project Status: The Audubon Society of New Hampshire signed its contract with FHWA and participated the official kick-off conference call.

Highlights of the New Hampshire Audubon Eco-Logical Grant include:

A presentation at the Northeast Transportation and Wildlife Conference on the New Hampshire Wildlife Connectivity Model
Identification of the Partnership Work Group (PWG): the first meeting of the PWG was attended by 18 people representing 12 agencies and organizations.

Contact:

Carol Foss
Director of Conservation
Audubon Society of New Hampshire
(603) 224-9909
CFoss@NHAudubon.org

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