A 2014 Presidential Memorandum promoting pollinator
habitat in light of recent population declines has prompted
strong interest in the use of roadside rights of way to
promote native plants and support habitats for pollinators.
MnDOT would like to learn about the experiences of other
state departments of transportation and local agencies in
maintaining pollinator landscapes on highway ROWs
through partnerships with individuals, groups or local
agencies.
In this Transportation Research Synthesis, results of a
literature review are supplemented with findings from a survey of selected state DOTs and
Minnesota counties. Nine state DOTs describe current practices or plans to develop new
pollinator-specific partnerships; existing partnerships that have been expanded to address
pollinators; and Adopt-a-Highway programs that support maintenance of vegetation in the ROW.