PART IV: Summary of Comments - SCOR/RAC

PART IV: Summary of Comments17-May-10Reviewer Comments Distribution of RatingsItem #115:B-17Wildlife Crossing: an Assessment of Current Practicesand Determination of Best Management Policies forDepartment of Transportation(17)(46)NR 0 1 2 3 4 5SCOR 5 3 4 1 3 1RAC 2 9 7 10 9 5 7Standing Committee on Research■ Although mitigation that reduces the risk of large animal-vehicle collisions is needed, I don't believe that this researchwill ultimately increase the implementation of effective mitigation. The recent report to Congress on wildlife crossingsincludes useful information on this topic.■ This is more of a regional issue than a national one.■ This is very important research for transportation agencies to continue. The statement of the problem is very wellwritten. Consider including white-tail deer to broaden the regional scope.■ Appears too localized■ This study is limited to Mule Deer, Elk, and Moose. As a result is is likely only of interest to western states. A pooledfund study would be more appropriate.■ This project is limited to three large mammal species that mostly inhabit the northwestern states. The data collectedwould not be applicable to eastern and southern states as they have different species of large mammals with differentbehaviors. I think this is more of a regional study.■ Effort would be premature on the heels of NCHRP report 615 of 2008. Unlikely to achieve objectives■ Consider adding white tailed deer to the study to make it more applicable for eastern states.■ [Rating: 1] There is lots of information already available or soon to be available – This is not necessaryResearch Advisory Committee■ Since Ohio doesn't have any of the species that will be studied for this research, we would not gain much for our state.This study would only be applicapable to a few states.■ Any research that measurable increases our probability of success in building effective crossing structures is critical tothe responsible use of public funds.■ Synthesis topic■ Study focuses on deer, moose, and elk, which suggests a regional pooled fund effortmight be more appropriate.■ This is a regional problem. Suggest proposing a new TPF project on this topic or approaching TPF-5(120) to ask if theywould consider addressing the research need through that existing TPF project.■ This is a very important issue for all states. There are many wildlife collisions nationwide with property damage, injuriesand/or fatalities.■ This study is focused solely on three species and is only examining the issue from a crash mitigation perspective and notthe natural resources perspective.Other■ [Rating: 3]■ [Rating: 2] The Committee believes that this research is not applicable to all regions. It is narrowly focused on moose,elk and deer. The Committee suggests that it would be more appropriate for a state pooled fund.IV-84