Wildlife & Traffic
10 Maintenance of ecological assets on transport linear infrastructure
Contents
Control of Invasive Alien Species (IAS)
INSPECTION TASKS
To check
- Identify bare soils and other areas IAS could potentially grow and programme periodic checks.
- Check for the presence of IAS periodically in ponds and particularly sensitive green areas.
- Report the detection of any IAS (plant or animal) found during maintenance works in green areas and drainages to allow quick removal.
- Record location and extension of any infestation as well as characteristics of the site.
SPECIFIC MAINTENANCE TASKS
To do
- Apply best practice to avoid IAS spreading
- Avoid sowing or planting any IAS that could spread and invade natural habitats beside roads.
- Do not leave areas with bare soil as it could easily be colonized by IAS.
- Where any IAS is found, clean vehicles and machinery after maintenance tasks to avoid transporting seeds and plants fragments.
- After applying IAS control methods, ensure remnants are carefully removed and do not represent a risk of further spread. Particular care should be applied near watercourses as they can rapidly disperse seeds.
- Define an apply an ‘Early Awareness Detection System’
- Provide field crews with lists and Field Guides of the most problematic IAS in the region and most sensitive areas (Lists for some countries are provided. See ‘Control in Roads’ project).
- Define a procedure to immediately report the detection of any IAS.
- Apply control methods specific for each IAS
- Collect detailed data on plant or animal IAS present, scale of infestation and physical site conditions.
- Seek wildlife/ecology expert assistance to formulate and undertake appropriate control measures.
- Monitor post-control to ensure measures have been effective.
- Maintain field crew awareness
- Keep crew engagement by updating knowledge on new IAS.
SCHEDULE
- Perform IAS checking at least twice per year in the periods where they can be more easily identified and according to the frequency established by the risk assessment.
Maintenance of ecological assets on transport linear infrastructure