A Business Case for Applying the Eco-Logical Approach: Michigan I-75 Corridor (2016)
This business case presents the cost savings that the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) achieved on Phase I of the I-75 reconstruction project that resulted from applying the Eco-Logical approach. In addition to cost savings, the case study discusses MDOT’s application of Eco-Logical that resulted in the development of a Corridor Action Plan, more predictable permitting process, improved interagency coordination, and enhanced environmental outcomes.

A Novel Approach to Establish Programmatic Advance Mitigation for the M2 Program Transportation Projects
This Implementing Ecological case study explains how Orange County Transportation Authority’s M2 Highway/Freeway Program engaged State and Federal permitting agencies in an innovative approach to develop a framework, mechanisms, and financing for advance compensatory mitigation and accelerated project approvals. This is one case study in a series that highlights how transportation agencies around the country are implementing the nine steps of Eco-Logical.

Evaluating Montana’s ITEEM: Successes and Lessons for Eco-Logical (2012)
This report describes lessons learned from the Integrated Transportation and Ecological Enhancements for Montana (ITEEM) program and aligns these lessons with activities and outcomes from the FHWA Eco-Logical program. The assessment is intended to provide infrastructure and regulatory agencies with ideas on how to utilize the successes of ITEEM and Eco-Logical in order to identify and address the greatest conservation needs while moving forward with needed infrastructure construction and improvements.

MaineDOT Atlantic Salmon Programmatic Consultation & In-Lieu Fee Program (2017)
This case study describes how FHWA and Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) developed a programmatic Endangered Species Act consultation and in-lieu fee program for the federally listed endangered Atlantic salmon, incorporating many concepts from the Eco-Logical approach.

SHRP2 in Action: Implementing Eco-Logical to Improve Transportation and Environmental Outcomes (2013)
The AASHTO brochure describes challenges facing several State DOTs and how they have implemented Eco-Logical to maximize environmental outcomes and streamline transportation projects.

Year 1 Snapshot: MaineDOT Atlantic Salmon Programmatic Consultation in Action (2018)
This snapshot reviews the first full year of implementation of the Atlantic salmon programmatic consultation, with a focus on the cost and time savings achieved since its enactment in 2017.

Year 2 Snapshot: MaineDOT Atlantic Salmon Programmatic Consultation in Action (2019)
This snapshot reviews the second full year of implementation of the Atlantic salmon programmatic consultation, with a focus on the cost and time savings achieved since its enactment in 2017.

AGWA Automated Geospatial Watershed Assessment
The Automated Geospatial Watershed Assessment (AGWA) Tool is a GIS-based watershed management tool that can parameterize and spatially visualize various watershed runoff and erosion models to investigate the hydrologic impacts of land-cover/land-use change in small watershed to basin-scale studies.

BASINS - Better Assessment Science Integrating Point and Nonpoint Sources
BASINS is a tool for use by regional, state, and local agencies to perform watershed and water quality-based studies, and also as a system to support the development of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs).

Conservation Assessment and Prioritization System (CAPS)
The Conservation Assessment and Prioritization System (CAPS) is an ecosystem-based approach, which combines principles of landscape ecology and conservation biology with the capacity of modern computers to assess the ecological integrity of lands and waters and then identify and prioritize land for habitat and biodiversity conservation.

Databasin
Data Basin is a science-based mapping and analysis platform that connects users with conservation datasets, tools, and expertise. Using Data Basin, individuals and organizations can explore and download a vast library of conservation datasets, upload their own data, and produce customized maps and charts that can be easily shared.

Envision
Envision is an open source GIS-based tool for scenario-based planning efforts modeling the landscape impacts of various policy scenarios, including land use change and accompanying biophysical impacts. It provides a platform for integrating a variety of spatially explicit models of landscape change processes and production for conducting alternative future analyses.

Field Manual for Ohio’s Headwater Habitat Streams (2009)
This manual promotes standardized assessment of actual and expected biological conditions in primary headwater habitat (PHWH) streams in Ohio. The methods outlined in the Manual are designed to statistically differentiate among three quality classes (designated uses) of PNWH streams in Ohio.

Florida DOT-Efficient Transportation Decision Making (ETDM)
The ETDM program developed by Florida DOT works collaboratively with Florida Wetland Management Districts to prioritize resource mitigation needs at the watershed or basin level and accelerates the environmental review process for state environmental permits and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements.

LCM - The Land Change Modeler
The Land Change Modeler (LCM) for Ecological Sustainability is an integrated software environment for analyzing land cover change, projecting its course into the future, and assessing its implications for habitat and biodiversity change.

LEAM - Land use Evolution & Impact Assessment Model
The Land Use Evolution & Impact Assessment Model (LEAM) links together contextual sub-models and runs them simultaneously to form a dynamic spatial model that shows land-use changes across a landscape resulting from the spatial and dynamic interaction among economic, ecological, and social systems in the region.

LTM Land Transformation Model
The Land Transformation Model combines landscape ecology principles with geographic information systems, artificial neural networks, and geostatistical and remote sensing technologies to forecast land use change.

MetroQuest
MetroQuest is a public engagement software that enables agencies and firms to involve large groups of people in their planning and investment decisions, allowing them to obtain quantifiable data, measure levels of support, and ultimately reach actionable results.

Michigan DOT Wetland Mitigation Site Selection Tool (WMSSI)
The Wetland Mitigation Site Suitability Index (WMSSI) is a geospatial tool used by Michigan Department of Transportation for strategic identification of ideal compensation areas. WMSSI integrates several geospatial data sources such as roadways, hydrography, and land use and land cover to identify locations with environmental conditions capable of supporting wetland ecosystems.

Michigan Valley Segment Ecological Classification - Inventory
This landscape-based ecological classification system for river valley segments in Lower Michigan identifies and describes naturally occurring, ecologically distinct spatial units in rivers for the purposes of inventory, research, and resource management.

NEPAssist
NEPAssist is a web-based GIS application that facilitates the environmental review process and project planning for a specific user-defined area by automating the collection and coordination of relevant guidelines mandated by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Ohio Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands V 5.0
The Ohio Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands is designed to aid in the determination of wetland categories as defined by Ohio’s Wetland Anti-degradation Rule, and is not intended to be a substitute for detailed studies of the functions and biology of a wetland.

Planning and Environment Linkages: Effective Practices
This matrix shows dozens of case studies from across the United States that demonstrate effective practices in long-range and corridor planning. Each case study incorporates one or more of the following areas: interagency coordination and consultation, mitigation, spatial data and tools, process guidelines, or changes.

Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index
This tool is a physical habitat index designed to provide a rapid, reproducible evaluation of the general lotic macrohabitat characteristics that are important to aquatic life. It provides a site score on a scale of 0 to 100 according to these characteristics.

TransCAD
TransCAD is an integrated GIS and transportation modeling platform designed specifically for transportation professionals to store, display, manage, and analyze transportation data. In addition to standard GIS features, it provides functions to develop an integrated Urban Transportation Planning System (UTPS).

Vermont Stream Geomorphic Assessment Protocol Handbooks (2014)
These handbooks focus on the watershed process in Vermont, and the features of this process that are critical to the State’s riparian corridor management objectives.

Watershed Vulerability Analysis
The Watershed Vulnerability Analysis is a rapid planning tool used to estimate current and future impervious land cover and to delineate, identify, and classify subwatersheds that are vulnerable to land use change.

Wetland Value Assessment Methodology (2006)
This methodology is used to measure and compare the wetland benefits of proposed wetland restoration projects submitted for funding under the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (CWPPRA).

Wildlife Habitat Appraisal Procedure (1995)
This procedure was developed to allow for a qualitative and holistic evaluation of wildlife habitat for particular tracts of lands in Texas without requiring significant amounts of time for fieldwork and compilation of data.

California Rapid Assessment Method
The California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) is a cost-effective and scientifically defensible rapid assessment method for monitoring the conditions of wetlands throughout California. It is designed for assessing ambient conditions within watersheds, regions, and throughout the State. It can also be used to assess the performance of compensatory mitigation projects and restoration projects.

EPA Region 10 In-Stream Biological Monitoring Handbook (1999)
This handbook is designed to supplement the EPA’s Rapid Bioassessment Protocols (RBPs) by illustrating how Region 10 States have adapted the RBPs for the northwestern U.S. to define the minimum components necessary to conduct stream bioassessment and to encourage consistency of sampling methods to facilitate data sharing.

Freshwater Wetland Mitigation Quality Assessment Procedure
This procedure is part of a suite of tools designed to assess wetland quality and function that could be readily implemented in the field. It evaluates the relative probability that a constructed freshwater wetland will develop to approximate the functioning of natural wetlands over time.

Habitat Assessment Model (2009)
The Habitat Assessment Model allows the user to understand the relationship between wildlife populations and habitat sustainability in specific areas of Colorado, and has applications to the planning process as well as to resolving conflicts on private and public lands.

Hydrogeomorphic Method
The Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Approach is a national procedure for measuring the capacity of a wetlands ecosystem to perform functions by analyzing the physical, chemical, and biological interactions of the ecosystem’s structural components with the surrounding landscape.

Implementing Ecosystem Crediting (September 2014)
This report describes in detail Step 6 of the Eco-Logical Approach: Crediting System Implementation. The goal of this project was to develop a strategy to help Department of Transportation and metropolitan planning organization staff through the process of creating or expanding Ecosystem Crediting Systems, leading to better mitigation and restoration outcomes, and thus, better social, economic, and environmental outcomes across the U.S.

Interim Guidelines to Avoid and Minimize Wildlife Impacts from Wind Turbines - Potential Impact Index (PII) (2003)
PII is a protocol that allows users to evaluate potential sites of wind turbine development by using checklists and ranking them against a reference site. This tool assists the decision making process through the stages of development, construction, and post construction monitoring.

InVEST: Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs
InVest is a package of spatially-explicit models that uses GIS software to calculate the value of ecosystem goods and services based on land use, land cover, and assumptions about service provision by land cover type.

Landserver
LandServer is a web-based tool that uses a robust database to help landowners identify ecosystem service production opportunities on their lands. It provides users with a natural resource assessment and an evaluation of their property’s potential to receive payments for implementing conservation actions.

Methods for Assessing Wetland Functions. Volume II: Depressional Wetlands in the Columbia Basin of Eastern Washington (2000)
This is a Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) reference-based assessment restricted to depressional class wetlands located in Washington’s Columbia Basin.

Methods for Characterizing Stream Habitat (1998)
This methodology is designed to assess conditions and trends in water quality nationwide and to develop an understanding of the major factors influencing observed conditions and trends.

Methods for Stream Habitat Surveys Aquatic Inventories Project (2004)
The Aquatic Inventories Project’s stream habitat survey protocol is designed to provide quantitative information on habitat conditions for wadeable streams in Oregon, which may be used by biologists and land managers to establish monitoring programs and to direct habitat restoration efforts.

Miradi
Miradi is a user-friendly program that helps conservation practitioners to more effectively design, manage, monitor, and learn from their projects, as well as to implement the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation.

Oregon Rapid Wetlands Assessment Protocol
The Oregon Rapid Wetlands Assessment Protocol is being developed to consider both wetland functions and conditions by combining visual assessments and the collection of spatial data.

Agate Desert Vernal Pool Final Draft Functional Assessment Methodology (2007)
This methodology is used to comparatively assess functions and values of vernal pool wetlands in Agate Desert Area of Jackson Country, Oregon and generate results that will guide wetland planning decisions for balanced conservation and development in the area.

Stream Assessment in the VA Coastal Zone: Development of a Significant New Database and Interactive Assessment Application
This tool was developed as a multivariate model of reference stream conditions for the Virginia Coastal Zone using biological, ecological, and geomorphological variables.

Unified Stream Assessment - Urban Subwatershed Restoration Manual No. 10 (2005)
The Unified Stream Assessment is a rapid technique to identify and evaluate challenges and opportunities for restoration within an urban stream corridor in Maryland.

Wadeable Stream Assessment Field Ops
These field operations and bioassessment methods are used to evaluate the health and biological integrity of wadeable freshwater streams throughout the US and to monitor impacts on aquatic organisms.

The Eco-Logical Approach in Action Implementation Updates from Eco-Logical Grant Recipients (April 12, 2012)
The webinar provided an overview of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA’s) Eco-Logical Grant Program and key findings from the FHWA 2011 Eco-Logical Grant Program annual report. Presenters from the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC) and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) provided examples and lessons learned from implementing the Eco-Logical approach as part of their respective grant projects.

Eco-Logical Reaffirmation Webinar (June 16, 2016)
Celebrating 10 Years of Eco-Logical!: This webinar featured an overview of the Eco-Logical approach, the history of Eco-Logical and related activities, and a presentation on how the U.S. Forest Service has used the Eco-Logical approach in the field.

Eco-Logical Starter Kit, Overview, and Technical Assistance Launch (February 15, 2016)
This webinar served as an overview session for Integrated Eco-Logical Framework and Implementing Eco-Logical Activities. CH2M HILL discussed the new Starter Kit and other Eco-Logical technical assistance resources available. Michigan Department of Transportation discussed the benefits of using the Starter Kit and Eco-Logical in general.

Highlights from the International Conference on Ecology and Transportation (ICOET): Applications of Eco-Logical from the U.S. and Beyond (October 11, 2011)
Three presenters from ICOET and one recipient of a FHWA Environmental Excellence Award provided overviews of their research and projects. The webinar showcased the latest technologies and strategies for integrating ecology and transportation through the Eco-Logical approach.

Implementing Eco-Logical Panel (March 13, 2013)
This webinar provided a question and answer forum for the implementation assistance funding opportunities offered through the Second Strategic Highway Research Program. Gary Jensen and Marlys Osterhues of FHWA Office of Project Development and Environmental Review provided an overview of the Lead Adopter and User Incentive funding. Panelists from FHWA, California Department of Transportation, West Virginia Department of Transportation, Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials answered questions about their funding and about their experience with the Eco-Logical program and the Integrated Ecosystem Framework.

Innovative Eco-Logical Research: Highlights of the Upcoming Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting (January 12, 2012)
Speakers presented on applications of Eco-Logical in environmental and transportation research, strategies, and tools featured at the TRB Annual Meeting in January 2012.

Intersections betweeen Eco-Logical and PEL: FHWA Programs to Improve Environmental Outcomes (April 11, 2011)
This webinar included presentations on topics linking Eco-Logical and FHWA’s Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) program.

The Eco-Logical Approach as a Path to Livability (October 26, 2010)
This webinar included Eco-Logical grant recipients presenting implementation lessons and successes from their grant projects and connections between the Eco-Logical approach and the six livability principles of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities.

Eco-Logical in Cross Agency Coordination (November 14, 2014)
This webinar shared experiences from Federal, State, and regional agencies that are pursuing cross-agency collaboration to advance Eco-Logical projects. The speakers discussed challenges, successes, and lessons learned as they developed partnerships across agencies to implement Eco-Logical. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) discussed the Pacific’s Southwest Regions’ Regional Advanced Mitigation Program (RAMP). The Pike’s Peak Area Council of Governments (PPACG) spoke to their work in developing a green infrastructure plan as part of SHRP2. Maine Department of Transportation presented on their experience developing a programmatic biological assessment for Atlantic Salmon.

Eco-Logical Uses in Performance Based Planning (August 14, 2014)
This webinar presented how agencies use Eco-Logical data in setting up performance measures in a performance-based planning process and how agencies are leveraging their Eco-Logical data collection to enhance transportation planning. The Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC) presented on how they use Eco-Logical as a performance measurement in their long range transportation planning process. The Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) explained their Natural Heritage Data collection process and how it relates to transportation planning and FHWA staff presented on performance based planning in general.

Green Infrastructure and Transportation Planning to Improve Environmental Outcomes (July 12, 2012)
The webinar provided best practices for how transportation projects can be used to improve green infrastructure networks and connectivity as well as how established green infrastructure can help to streamline the transportation planning process.

Regional Ecosystem Frameworks (REFs): Illustrations on the Use of REFs at Multiple Scales (May 12, 2012)
The webinar presented participants with best practices for establishing REFs at the local, State, and National levels. Discussion also compared the benefits of REFs at the different scales and illustrated how REFs can contribute to transportation planning with better environmental outcomes.

Watershed Approaches for Mitigation and Transportation Planning: Innovative Programs from FHWA’s Resource Agency Partners (November 30, 2011)
Presenters from Federal resource and regulatory agencies highlighted their programs that use a watershed approach to implement Eco-Logical principles. The presentations included methods for assessing watershed health, prioritizing watersheds for conservation and restoration, and use of watershed approach in integrated planning.

Step 1 of the Integrated Ecological Framework (IEF): How to Build and Strengthen Collaborative Partnerships (October 12, 2012)
This webinar provided a detailed overview of Step 1 in the Integrated Ecological Framework (How to Build and Strengthen Collaborative Partnerships). Representatives from North Carolina’s Departments of Transportation, and Environment and Natural Resources presented best practices and strategies from their Interagency Leadership Team, and related programs and products.

Step 2 of the Integrated Ecological Framework (IEF): Integrating Natural Resource, Transportation, and Land Use Plans (December 12, 2012))
This webinar provided a detailed overview of Step 2 in the Integrated Ecological Framework (How to integrate natural resource, transportation, and land use plans). Representatives from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the State of Maine shared important lessons on integrating plans to identify opportunities for transportation improvements that minimize impacts on critical habitats.

Step 3 of the Integrated Ecological Framework (IEF): Creating a Regional Ecosystem Framework(January 13, 2013)
This webinar provided a detailed overview of Step 3 in the Integrated Ecological Framework (How to create a Regional Ecosystem Framework). A representative from the Florida Department of Transportation presented their Efficient Transportation Decision Making Tool and discussed insights for other agencies seeking to develop a Regional Ecosystem Framework.

Step 4 of the Integrated Ecological Framework (IEF): Assessing Effects on Conservation Objectives (May 13, 2013)
This webinar provided a detailed overview of Step 4 in the Integrated Ecological Framework (assessing the potential effects of transportation projects upon natural resources). The leader of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments’ (SEMCOG) Plan and Policy Group presented their process for mapping natural resources and transportation projects and using this data for early transportation planning.

Step 5 of the Integrated Ecological Framework (IEF): Establish and Prioritize Ecological Actions (October 13, 2013)
This webinar detailed Step 5 of the Integrated Ecological Framework and Eco-Logical Approach (Establish and Prioritize Eco-Logical Actions), where transportation agencies and their partners move from coordination and data sharing to identifying the most important potential sites for mitigation or other ecological action. Speakers from Arizona described the prioritization of wildlife habitat and linkages statewide and how, drawing from this effort, Pima County, AZ created, funded, and implemented a regional strategy for reconnecting habitat across transportation corridors.

Step 6 of the Integrated Ecological Framework (IEF): Developing a Crediting Strategy (August 13, 2013)
This webinar presented current research, strategies, and resources for creating an ecological crediting system as part of Step 6 of the Integrated Eco-Logical Framework (Developing a Crediting Strategy). The lead author of the recent white paper from the Institute for Natural Resources presented on his research and how crediting can fit into a wider Eco-Logical approach. The Executive Director of the Willamette Partnership also discussed his organization’s implementation of crediting systems and resources it has made available for transportation and resources agencies.

Step 7 of the Integrated Ecological Framework (IEF): Developing Programmatic Agreements and Consultations (January 14, 2014)
This webinar presented experiences and insights from agencies that have implemented programmatic agreements and consultations, Step 7 of the Integrated Eco-Logical Framework, and a key strategy for implementing the overall Eco-Logical approach. These agreements enhance and streamline compliance with Federal environmental rules in the project development process. Federal and State partners presented on the Oregon Endangered Species Act programmatic consultation, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet presented on their programmatic agreement with the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Step 8 of the Integrated Eco-Logical Framework (IEF): Implement Agreements and Deliver Projects (March 14, 2014)
This webinar presented retrospective insights on implementing an Eco-Logical approach on the statewide and regional scales. The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) presented on their TransNet advance mitigation program, and Federal and State transportation staff presented on the Interagency Team for Ecological Enhancements for Montana and experiences during its pilot corridor study.

Step 9 of the Integrated Eco-Logical Framework (IEF): Updating the REF and Ecological Data (June 14, 2014)
This webinar presented the benefits of updating Eco-Logical data and how doing so can create connections to other plans and processes. The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) presented on their GIS tool and how it influenced the planning process in the region, and FHWA staff presented on ecological data in general.

Crediting and Ecosystem Services (October 15, 2015)
This webinar described ecosystem services and ecosystem crediting in the context of Eco-Logical, how they relate to mitigation, and how agencies can use these concepts in their planning and decisionmaking processes.

Eco-Logical Community of practice: Innovative Mitigation Contracting and Financing (October 16, 2016)
This webinar featured presentations from one State DOT, one MPO, and the Federal Highway Administration on innovative options for planning, financing, and implementing mitigation sites, including contracting for full delivery.

In-Lieu Fee Programs (September 17, 2017)
This webinar featured presentations from North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and Maine Department of Transportation on their established and newly created in-lieu fee programs. The webinar included how the programs were developed, lessons learned, and advice for those going through the process.

Mitigation Approaches (September 15, 2015)
This webinar detailed Mitigation Approaches from four different agencies, including funding mechanisms, strategies for establishing mitigation banks, and how agencies can learn from each other when designing mitigation strategies. FHWA provided information on the Spring 2015 Implementing Eco-Logical Mitigation Approaches Peer Exchanges and mitigation as it relates to the Integrated Eco-Logical Framework. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers presented on establishing a mitigation bank or in-lieu fee program; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service presented on conservation banking and achieving compensatory mitigation using a landscape-scale approach; the San Diego Association of Governments presented the MPO perspective on implementing advance mitigation; and Florida DOT presented on their mitigation work.

Mitigation Banking, Conservation Banking, and In-Lieu Fee Programs: Mitigation Options Using the Eco-Logical Approach (September 11, 2011)
Speakers described programs and case studies related to conservation and mitigation banking, and in-lieu fees, which are tools that can help implement the Eco-Logical approach.

Using Eco-Logical to Identify Priorities for Conservation and Mitigation (March 11, 2011)
Three Eco-Logical grant recipients presented tools that help transportation practitioners and resource agencies to identify ecosystem priorities and related mitigation projects in their States and regions.

Eco-Logical and Wildlife Crossings: Concepts in Innovative Planning (May 11, 2011)
This webinar featured research and projects related to wildlife crossings that help to decrease the number of animal vehicle collisions and support the placement of effective wildlife crossing structures.

Eco-Logical Community of Practice: Pollinator Habitat Programs (July 16, 2016)
This webinar featured presentations on Pollinator Habitat Programs from 3 State DOTs, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Federal Highway Administration on establishing pollinator programs, how to create an agreement among neighboring states to collectively manage pollinator habitat, and how to fund pollinator habitat programs.

Eco-Logical Community of Practice: Wildlife and Transportation (March 16, 2016)
This webinar featured presentations on Wildlife and Transportation from two State DOTs and featured information on how practitioners can develop a statewide wildlife connectivity assessment, how data can be collected and used to track wildlife movement patterns and traffic, and how wildlife objectives and adaptive management can be incorporated into the NEPA process.

Improving Aquatic Connectivity at the Landscape Scale in the Southeastern United States (October 16, 2016)
This webinar presented a new GIS tool, created by the University of Georgia and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with funding from the Federal Highway Administration, for evaluating particular culverts of passability, using landscape-scale features and features of different aquatic organisms, to improve transportation planning in the southeastern United States. A technical application of the tool was also demonstrated.

Maine Programmatic Consultation on Atlantic Salmon - Expediting Project Delivery and Improving Partnerships (May 17, 2017)
This webinar presented how Maine Department of Transportation, FHWA-Maine Division, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and their partners successfully created and executed a formal programmatic consultation on Atlantic salmon. The webinar covered how the agencies worked together, how partnerships were formed, challenges that were overcome, lessons learned, and recommendations from the experience.

Vermont’s Staying Connected Initiative: A Partnership to Advance Landscape Scale Conservation (May 15, 2015)
This webinar detailed the Staying Connected Initiative, a partnership working to restore and enhance landscape connections for the benefit of people and wildlife across the Northern Appalachian/Acadian region of the eastern U.S. and Canada. FHWA presented how Staying Connected relates to the Eco-Logical Initiative. Vermont Agency of Transportation, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Service, and The Nature Conservancy, Vermont Chapter discussed the Staying Connected partnership, the institutional need for relationships among the Staying Connected agencies, and detailed a camera study monitoring wildlife connectivity in the Vermont region.

Crucial Habitat Assessment Tools (CHAT) and Wildlife Data (November 15, 2015)
This webinar provided information on the Crucial Habitat Assessment Tools (CHAT) and its history, how CHAT and other wildlife data can be integrated into the transportation planning process and relates to the Eco-Logical approach, and its practical uses in the field.

Eco-Plan Beta Testing (September 14, 2014)
This webinar presented FHWA’s Eco-Plan, a web-based geospatial data tool. Eco-Plan was developed to address a key barrier to implementing the Eco-Logical approach: access to clear and consistent data within and across agencies during pre-NEPA screening. Eco-Plan was developed as a centralized repository for important ecological data to complement other geospatial data and early coordination. FHWA’s Office of Planning presented on the benefits and applications of Eco-Plan and ICF International demonstrated how to use the tool. FHWA asked for participants in the webinar to beta test Eco-Plan and share relevant feedback.

Western Governors’ Association (WGA) Crucial Habitat Assessment Tool (CHAT): A Collaborative and Networked Approach for Transportation Projects (February 12, 2012)
Presenters discussed the development and application of CHAT, a tool created by the Western Governors’ Wildlife Council (WGWC) for data development purposes, prioritization of crucial habitats, and as a public planning tool. The webinar highlighted the benefits and opportunities of multi-State ecological collaboration, which is part of the Eco-Logical approach to planning.

Monterey Bay Area Sensitive Resource Mapping Project
This planning effort identifies sensitive resources in the Monterey Bay Area region to give transportation project managers a better understanding of the potential mitigations projects may require, allowing for long-term resource planning and early mitigation.

Implementing Eco-Logical TCC Presentation (November 6, 2015)
A presentation that Highlights Atlanta Regional Commission’s Eco-Logical Proctor Creek Regional Ecological Framework (REF).

Eco-Logical Project Website
This site provides information about the CAMPO Regional Ecological Framework (REF) Tool and how the MPO used the tool as part of a pilot implementation project that focused on solving congestion problems around the US Route 250 crossing of the Rivanna River, known locally as Free Bridge.

Maine Atlantic Salmon Programmatic Consultation
This site provides information on the Maine Atlantic salmon programmatic consultation, which was completed with $250,000 in SHRP2 IAP assistance. The site includes the programmatic biological assessment, programmatic biological opinion, user’s guide, and information on the in-lieu fee program.

I-75 Corridor Conservation Action Plan in Monroe County
This report identifies conservation and mitigation opportunities very early to support cost and time savings for the long-term reconstruction of I-75 and identifies high-impact environmental challenges and specific strategies for partnering agencies and organizations to pursue in the future to achieve long-term success. The Action Plan represents a compendium of existing environmental conditions, goals, and strategies for implementation, along with actions that MDOT can pursue through the reconstruction process to enhance strategic environmental outcomes for the region.

Regional Ecosystem Framework
The Regional Ecosystem Framework (REF) is a tool that identifies areas of relative ecological importance in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. It can be used as a preliminary screening tool to identify environmental impacts that transportation projects may have and identify mitigation areas to offset any impacts. The REF uses a watershed approach to define areas of ecological importance because ecosystems do not follow city, county or other political boundaries.

Natural Heritage Data Final Report
This report details OKI’s Natural Heritage data sharing project. OKI developed agreements with the Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana authorities that manage the Natural Heritage Data (NHD) Information Systems for OKI’s planning area that allow OKI to receive information on NHD locations for use in mapping and for better integrating environmental considerations into transportation planning. The report is intended to be useful for other regions desiring to use Natural Heritage data locations to better inform their long‐range transportation planning processes.

Open Space Links and Resources

Conservation Framework and Assessment
This report was developed to develop planning resources for wildlife and open spaces (natural areas) that county transportation commissions and local jurisdictions could use to support their own planning endeavors. It applies a landscape-scale approach to conservation.

Existing Information and Data Gaps for Natural Resources Report
This report provides a summary of the information gathered in support of expanding the SCAG geographic information system (GIS) database for resources relevant to natural resources planning for open space in the six-county SCAG region.

Eco-Logical Grant Recipient Peer Exchange for Implementation of the Eco-Logical Approach (March 2012)
This peer exchange convened recipients of FHWA Eco-Logical grants whose projects achieved noteworthy accomplishments during the initial grant period and who demonstrated potential to replicate components of their project, promote further adoption of Eco-Logical by partner agencies, or test additional components of the Eco-Logical approach. The purpose was to better understand effective and replicable implementation strategies, document the next steps of the targeted grant recipients’ projects, and determine specific funding needs of grant recipients to further implement the Eco-Logical approach.

Implementing Eco-Logical Accomplishments and Future Application Peer Exchange (January 2018)
This peer exchange brought together Eco-Logical practitioners from governmental and non-governmental organizational sectors at the Federal, state, and regional levels to review accomplishments under the program, and discuss a vision for Eco-Logical’s future.

Implementing Eco-Logical Implementation Assistance Program (IAP) Peer Exchange (October 2015)
This peer exchange included sessions for IAP recipients to share accomplishments and lessons learned from their projects. Additional sessions included facilitated discussions on the Future of Eco-Logical, Integrating Eco-Logical into Transportation Planning Activities, Transforming Eco-Logical into “Business as Usual,” and Lessons Learned, Benefits, and Best Practices of Applying the Steps of Eco-Logical.

Michigan Department of Transportation/Southeast Michigan Council of Governments Technical Assistance Webinar (November 2015)
This “virtual peer exchange” included presentations from 4 peer agencies about other Eco-Logical Implementation Assistance Program (IAP) projects. Presentations focused on data, relationships between MPOs and State DOTs, performance measurement, and mitigation opportunities. This was requested as part of on-call technical assistance offered by the Second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2) Implementing Eco-Logical Program.

Eco-Logical at TRB: Better Transportation and Environmental Outcomes through Effective Partnerships (September 2015)
AASHTO and FHWA sponsored a session at the 2015 Environmental Analysis in Transportation Summer Workshop on September 20-23, 2015 in San Diego, California. The workshop theme was “Better Transportation and Environmental Outcomes through Effective Partnerships.” Presenters provided information about Eco-Logical tools and initiatives developed by representatives from presenting agencies.

Establishing a Regional Ecosystem Framework (REF) (July 2015)
This peer exchange focused on Step 3 of the Eco-Logical Approach: How to Establish a REF. Participants heard from the presenters on their REFs and how they benefitted their projects and overall program. Participants also conducted mapping activities to establish their own REF.

GIS Applications in Eco-Logical Grant Projects (July 2009)
The purpose of the peer exchange was to allow grant recipients the opportunity to share information on and learn about the various GIS activities implemented with support from FWHA’s first Eco-Logical grant cycle. Participants also discussed lessons learned and challenges. This report summarizes the presentations given and ensuing discussions.

Advance Wetland Mitigation Needs Workshop (April 2016)
The purpose of this workshop was to assist SCDOT in preparing an action plan to establish an advanced wetland mitigation program. Participants reviewed the current status of the mitigation program in South Carolina, data resource needs, and drafted steps required for an SCDOT advance mitigation program. Invited speakers (Peer Agency Panel) shared information about their mitigation programs and provided suggestions to SCDOT. In addition, workshop attendees participated in action planning sessions to develop a working draft of SCDOT’s approach.

Mitigation Approaches for Metropolitan Planning Organizations (June 2015)
This mitigation peer exchange focused on programmatic mitigation for MPOs. Each participant explained the current status and goals of their mitigation program. Subject matter experts from USACE and USFWS explained mitigation approach options appropriate at the regional scale and provided information to answer participant questions.

Mitigation Approaches for State DOTs (March 2015)
AASHTO and FHWA hosted this peer exchange on programmatic mitigation for State DOTs. Participants discussed their State programmatic mitigation needs and exchanged dialogue with other participants to help advance their programs.

Programmatic Mitigation Peer Exchange (June 2016)
This programmatic mitigation peer exchange brought together transportation professionals from across the country to discuss and share their experiences developing and managing programmatic agreements for their agencies. Presentations included a SHRP2 overview, benefits of programmatic mitigation, practitioner presentations, and a panel discussion.

Eco-Logical Technical Assistance Workshop: MaineDOT (April 2015)
This workshop supported MaineDOT’s SHRP2 Implementation Assistance Program funding project and focused on the development of the Programmatic Biological Assessment for Atlantic salmon and draft Mitigation Instrument. The workshop produced an action plan and schedule to complete these documents.

Eco-Logical Wildlife Crossing Workshop and Peer Exchange (October 2018)
Sixty-two practitioners and subject matter experts discussed best management practices and the creation of a regional approach to address the wildlife management and connectivity issues along I-40 in Pigeon River Gorge (TN-NC) and US 19 between Maggie Valley and Cherokee, NC. Species of interest were black bear and elk; major topics included cross-jurisdictional data collection, interpretation, and reporting, and strategies to reduce species and vehicle interactions.

Increasing the Use of Wildlife Data in Transportation Plans and Projects Across the West Workshop (May 2015)
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife sponsored a workshop to discuss ways to integrate State Crucial Habitat Assessment Tools (CHATs) with the Eco-Logical framework, increase the use of wildlife data in transportation plans and projects in western States, and identify opportunities to use State CHATs in transportation planning and projects.

Wildlife and Transportation for the Colorado Department of Transportation (April 2016)
This workshop hosted scientists, engineers, and NEPA practitioners from all 5 regions of CDOT and focused on wildlife and transportation, specifically wildlife crossings. Presentations included topics on impacts to wildlife, wildlife crossing design options, planning and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) considerations, as well as the importance of agency partnerships and adaptive management activities post construction.