Wildlife & Traffic
10 Maintenance of ecological assets on transport linear infrastructure
Contents
Maintenance of modified culverts
INSPECTION TASKS
To check
- Dry ledges where they exist are in good condition.
- Appropriate drainage is provided to prevent permanent flooding or pooling while allowing the primary hydraulic function.
- In culverts adapted to allow the passage of fish, ensure the connectivity is maintained for the use of aquatic organisms.
- No human misuse of the structure is found.
- Fences are well-anchored to wildlife crossing entrances.
- Fences are appropriately fixed to the ground.
- Vegetation height, composition and patch design is consistent with the standards.
- No Invasive Alien Species are found.
- No debris or other objects pose obstacles or prevent the appropriate use of the wildlife crossing.
SPECIFIC MAINTENANCE TASKS
To do
- Structural features and uses
- Maintain or restore entrance areas to ensure these are free of obstacles to fauna movements and appropriately connected with the surrounding habitats.
- If the structure is flooded for long periods, install dry ledges at both sides of the culvert to increase it’s use by fauna.
- Maintain dry ledges appropriate state, clear of obstacles.
- Substitute wooden ledges for concrete ones, if needed, to increase durability.
- Remove rocks and sand that could impede wildlife crossing or reduce the hydraulic capacity.
- Fences and screens > see Sheet 1
- Replace broken or deformed meshes and any damage on screens.
- Reinforce the anchorage of the mesh to the ground and poles when needed. If a reinforced mesh is present, ensure it is well attached to the lower part of the fence.
- Modify any element of the drainage system close to the fauna passage to prevent animals having access to the road (e.g. junctions of fences with perimeter drains).
- Vegetation > see Sheet 12
- Undertake mowing, pruning and other vegetation management according to standards provided.
- Remove vegetation debris that could obstruct the passage or reduce its hydraulic capacity.
- Remove any Invasive Alien Species found.
SCHEDULE
- Minimum: Once a year, just before periods of increased movements or migration periods.
- Mowing and pruning vegetation should be scheduled according to local conditions.
- Additional inspections should be planned following floods, strong winds, snow or other adverse weather events.
Maintenance of ecological assets on transport linear infrastructure