Research & Innovation

Expanding the Adoption on Private Lands: Blowing and Drifting Snow Control Treatments and the Cost Effectiveness of Permanent versus Non-Permanent Treatment Options

Summary:

Investigators worked with MnDOT district staff to develop a training program about the agency's snow fence program, benefits of the program and methods to promote snow fence use among private landowners. Research findings from successful blowing snow control programs throughout the country were also considered in the guidance. Surveys before and after the training showed the initial training was effective, but also offered insight that investigators used to refine and improve the snow removal program training effort.

Final Deliverables:

• Expanding the Adoption on Private Lands: Blowing and Drifting Snow Control Treatments and the Cost Effectiveness of Permanent versus Non-Permanent Treatment Options (Report #2017-42)
• Putting Research into Practice: MnDOT District Training Promotes Benefits of Snow Fence Program (Research Summary)

Related Materials:

• Pilot Program Promotes Benefits of Snow Fences  (Blog Post)

Related Research:

• Promoting the Adoption of Snow Fences through Landowner Engagement
• Expanding Landowner Adoption of Snow Control Measures through a Better Understanding of Landowner Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices
• 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
• Promoting the adoption of snow fences through landowner engagement

Project Personnel:

Principal Investigator:  Dean Current
Technical Liaison:  Daniel Gullickson
Project Coordinator:  Elizabeth Klemann
Panel Members: 
    Craig Gertsema - Operations Div Admin
    David Smith - U of M
    Dean Current - U of M
    Diomy Zamora - U of M
    Gary Wyatt - U of M, Extension Nat'l Resources
    Jeanne Aamodt - Communications & Public Engagmt
    Shannon Wait - District 8