The incorporation of habitat fragmentation assessments into transportation planning and the project scoping phase of a project is one example of a method to address broader ecosystem level concerns for habitat fragmentation and connectivity, and is consistent with the recommendations in the National Academy of Sciences report "Assessing and Managing the Ecological Impacts of Paved Roads" to address ecological effects of roads on a broader scale (Gunderson et al, 2005). In addition, through the surveys of transportation agencies for avoidance measures, it was clear that most avoidance actions are conducted at the beginning of the project development, and that several State DOTs utilize GIS-based systems to prioritize fragmentation avoidance. Integrating habitat fragmentation into project planning provides greater opportunity for the avoidance of potential impacts to critical habitats and connectivity points within a landscape, and allows for advanced planning for minimization and mitigation solutions in coordination with regulatory and resource agencies. To address the process of avoidance and provide information sources useful to the implementation of habitat fragmentation and connectivity assessments, an example flow chart (Figure 4: Habitat Fragmentation Assessment within the NEPA Planning Process) was prepared to illustrate potential steps involved and their likely placement within the NEPA process. A discussion of each step in the process is provided below along with references and links to additional information. It should be noted that this is an example framework only that is presented strictly for informational purposes; other valid methods may be employed to accomplish similar results.
go to 1. Project Scoping