TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres...
Transcript of TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres...
![Page 1: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES
![Page 2: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Know your Plants
![Page 3: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Name that plant!
![Page 4: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Name that plant!
![Page 5: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Name that plant!
![Page 6: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Name that plant!
![Page 7: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Name that Plant!
![Page 8: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Name that Plant
![Page 9: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
Name that Plant!
![Page 10: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Last One!
![Page 11: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Purpose of the Guide
Provide a concise guide to our operators and personnel
Provide insight in to managing vegetation rights-of-ways
– Spraying with purpose
– What we do and why we do it
Provide knowledge to operators so they can make decisions in the field
based on what they are spraying, or not spraying.
Provide information regarding the parts of the plants and how the plants
spread or don’t spread.
![Page 12: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Features of the New Grass Guide
![Page 13: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Features of the New Grass Guide
Sorted by Wildflowers, Grasses and Weeds
Provides management information regarding
– Desirable species
– Invasive species
– Herbicide applications for targeted species
– Timing of Applications
– Products used for control
Identification information
There will be an Table of Contents, Appendix and Glossary
![Page 14: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Features of the New Grass Guide
![Page 15: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
Features of the New Wildflower Guide
![Page 16: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Features of the New Weed Guide
![Page 17: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
TxDOT is an active member in this plan
This plan contributes to monarch and overall native
pollinator conservation through four categories:
–Habitat conservation
–Education and outreach
–Research and monitoring
–Partnerships
Texas Monarch Consortium Executive Committee
17
![Page 18: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
HABITAT CONSERVATION TxDOT Wildflower Program
![Page 19: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
– Safe and efficient travel
– Maintains 1,100,000 acres roadway/ROW and 800,000 acres of
mowable land
– Directs the TxDOT Wildflower Program
– “Don’t mow until the wildflowers have
gone to seed” – stated in 1937
memorandum
– Work to reduce cost, beautify the roads,
and blend with local surroundings
– Preservation leads to propagation
19
TxDOT Maintenance Division
![Page 20: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
Mowing
Mowing is critical part of keeping the area beautiful and healthy.
Wildflowers must set seed before mowing in order to keep them there for the next year.
This reduces the cool season component to allow warm season grass establishment.
7 inch minimum height allows perennials to flourish by being in the sun’s full range.
7 inch minimum will not harm milkweed,
and other late blooming pollinator plants.
Non-mow areas are also established for
fall pollinator habitat and to reduce
maintenance costs
20
![Page 21: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Challenges
– Conflicting public expectations
• Wildflowers = Weeds
• Milkweed = Toxic to Livestock
– Expectations vary across state
Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES)
– Storm water runoff/soil erosion prevention
– 70% perennial vegetative cover
– Need to combine efforts- grass and pollinator mix
21
![Page 22: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH Monarch Waystations at TxDOT Safety
Rest Areas
![Page 23: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Safety Rest Areas
– 12 Travel Information Centers
– 80 Safety Rest Areas
– 21 Major Highways
23
![Page 24: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
Educating
Train TxDOT licensed Herbicide Applicators (1,300 licensed
employees) during Pesticide Recertification Courses
– Vegetation & Wildflower Identification
– Proper Herbicide Timing and Applications
– Mandatory, Annual Trainings
Educate and Support Districts
– Informational Pamphlet Development & Wildflower Guides
– Importance of Pollinator Plants, their Placement, Propagation and
Maintenance
– Seed Mix Recommendations
– Biennial Meetings
24
![Page 25: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
Travel & Information Centers
• Frequent School Field Trips
• Community Outreach Events Held
• Statewide Events (Tourist Day)
• Partnerships (Master gardeners, parks and wildlife, etc.)
• Pollinator Information distributed to all who attend
– Promos broadcasted
– Pamphlets distributed
25
![Page 26: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
RESEARCH & MONITORING South Texas Natives & Texas Native
Seeds Project
![Page 27: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
2001-present ($500,000 per year)
Project to bring locally grown seed to the commercial market
Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at TAMU-Kingsville,
Texas AgriLife, Tarleton State University, Sul Ross State University
30 varieties to add to TxDOT seed mixes.
15 of 25 districts amended to add additional native vegetation
Zizotes milkweed will be brought from the commercial market.
27
South Texas Natives and Texas Native Seeds Projects
![Page 28: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
PARTNERSHIPS
![Page 29: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Purpose is to promote public awareness of the monarch butterfly, honey bee and
pollinator conservation as well as the central flyway and migratory path (Interstate
35) of the monarch butterfly.
Organizes educational materials, protects and manages pollinator habitats, and
develops strategies for pollinator- friendly seed mixes.
Six states would benefit from shared vegetation management practices and
promotion of public awareness initiatives related to pollinators.
29
Monarch Highway
Monarch Highway Logo
![Page 30: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Monarch Waystations
30
– Cooperative agreement between USFWS and Native Plant Society of Texas
– Included native nectar, host-plants and interpretive signs
to highlight the projects main features
– Completed Four Safety Rest Areas on I35
• Hill County Safety Rest Area (paired)
• Bell County Safety Rest Area (paired)
To learn more about TxDOTs involvement watch this clip:
![Page 31: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
TxDOT Current Activities
TxDOT Pollinator Activities
TxDOT has demonstrated exemplary stewardship and will continue to do so with its long-term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides.
What TxDOT has done?
-Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants in 2017 planted throughout 25 Districts
-Established Pollinator Waystations in Safety Rest Areas along IH-35 Corridor
-Serve Texas State Monarch Conservation Strategic Plan
-Serve as part of Monarch Highway Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in cooperation with six other states to adopt and maintain pollinator activities.
-Partner for pollinator habitat creation, education & promotion with:
-US Fish & Wildlife Service
-Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
31
![Page 32: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
– Seeding 5000 acres in pollinator plants
– Establishing pollinator/prairie areas in safety rest areas
– Utilize Green Ribbon Funding for additional wildflower/pollinator plantings
32
Future Projects
![Page 33: TxDOT MONARCH ACTIVITIES · term commitment in providing pollinator habitat along its 800,000 acres of roadsides. What TxDOT has done? -Planted over 5,000 acres of pollinator plants](https://reader033.fdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022042119/5e984e83e9594d508f0331ad/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
33
Questions?
TxDOT-MNT (512) 416-3093 (512) 415-3423