Climate Sector Research

Maryland DOT  https://roads.maryland.gov/mdotsha/pages/index.aspx?PageId=344 RELEVANT LEGISLATION/GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS 2016 Pollinator Protection Act of the Maryland General Assembly, § 2-1801 Pollinator Habitat Plan 2017 amendments 2024 Legislative Session amendments through House Bill 22 and Senate Bill 178 detailing the requirements for a Pollinator Protection Plan U.S. Department of Transportation Pollinator-Friendly Practices on Roadsides and Highway Rights-of-Way Program.  TIDBITS OF INFORMATION  "MDOT SHA manages over 50,000 acres of roadside areas outside of the paved surfaces, including forests, meadows, wetlands and waterways." "MDOT SHA constructed three new pollinator meadow habitats totaling approximately seven acres along the right of way in the spring of 2024 in Anne Arundel, Howard and Queen Anne’s Counties... mowed once per year during the dormant season (November-March) and selectively treated for invasive species..." "projects to install appro...

https://www.bayjournal.com/news/wildlife_habitat/states-give-pollinators-pit-stops-in-rights-of-way/article_fff66c34-8241-11ee-a077-6fcf6c4fcf2a.html Nov 2023 This article has lots of useful tidbits of information. No Mow Highway Median Programs w/links to specific programs - VDOT Virginia Department of Transportation  - Pennsylvania Department of Transportation  - Maryland Department of Transportation Studies on Reduced Mowing "nationwide program run by the University of Illinois-Chicago to voluntarily manage rights-of-way to foster monarch butterfly habitat." "A study by Virginia Tech that wrapped up earlier this year also found that reduced mowing practices helped native plant species to thrive and compete with invasives...The study found that seeding native grasses on Virginia roadsides would, in many cases, be cost-prohibitive. “The average cost of the seed for these grasses was $59 per pound compared with $2.40 per pound for tall fescue,” the study noted." Pra...