Predictive Mapping of Potentially Listed Rare Plant Species
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has identified a number of rare plants that may be proposed for listing as threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the next several years. Because the distribution and habitat requirements for many of these species is poorly known, TxDOT could be subject to increased numbers of surveys for these plants in the near future. Without well informed tools to identify areas that potentially support these species, TxDOT could be subject to significant survey cost and delays to ensure project compliance with the ESA. This project will identify existing populations and define habitat requirements (e.g., soils, land-use, and community associations) for these potentially-listed species. Distribution maps will be created and researchers will develop predictive metrics and models that will enable TxDOT to understand the likelihood of impacting these species in future projects, including identification of suitable habitat as well as areas that are clearly unsuitable habitat for the target species.
Language
- English
Project
- Status: Active
- Funding: $312,801
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Contract Numbers:
0-6973
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Sponsor Organizations:
Texas Department of Transportation
125 E. 11th Street
Austin, TX United States 78701-2483 -
Project Managers:
Dassi, Martin
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Performing Organizations:
1333 W. Washington
Stephenville, TX United States 76402 -
Principal Investigators:
Kafley, Hemanta
- Start Date: 20180606
- Expected Completion Date: 20211031
- Actual Completion Date: 0
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Environmental protection; Plants; Roadside flora
- Subject Areas: Environment;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01690701
- Record Type: Research project
- Source Agency: Texas Department of Transportation
- Contract Numbers: 0-6973
- Files: RIP, STATEDOT
- Created Date: Jan 9 2019 1:55PM