Promoting the Adoption of Snow Fences through Landowner Engagement Status: CompleteReport Date: 06/29/2022 Summary: MnDOT can decrease the nearly $100 million spent on snow and ice control each year by implementing snow fences. Cost savings, improved winter road safety and environmental benefits can be provided by private landowners who build or grow snow fences on their property. Previous work has shown the benefits of snow fences far outweigh the costs. MnDOT provides financial incentives for property owners, and the agency would like to encourage increased participation in the program. A new project provides greater insight into landowner motivations and concerns with using fences. Investigators prepared 30 case studies based on interviews with early adopters and used what they learned to expand the publicly available Farmmaps tool, which is already used to share conservation practices. They also improved a snow fence inventory tool used by the agency and refined training materials to assist MnDOT district staff in engaging with landowners. Final Deliverables: Report #2022-14 Research Summary Related Materials: Snow fences can save money, lives, and help the environment - (News/Publication Article) Expanding Alternative Snow Control Through Landowner Engagement - (Blog Post) University of Minnesota Launches New App to Connect Farmers - (News/Publication Article) Related Research: Expanding the Adoption on Private Lands: Blowing and Drifting Snow Control Treatments and the Cost Effectiveness of Permanent versus Non-Permanent Treatment Options Expanding Landowner Adoption of Snow Control Measures through a Better Understanding of Landowner Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Expanding the Adoption of Blowing and Drifting Snow Control Treatments on Private Lands Expanding landowner adoption of snow control measures to improve public safety and achieve cost savings through a better understanding of landowner knowledge, attitudes and practices
