Transportation Rights-of-Way. Transportation networks consist of the interstates, highways, local roads, and railroads used daily for commuter transportation, as well as the movement of goods and services. As reflected by the previous discussion of energy lands, transportation rights-of-way and their associated lands are comprised of fee- owned lands, easements, and other access agreements across road and rail networks of various sizes. Management and maintenance of these transportation networks are focused on the efficient movement of traffic with safety their primary focus. For this reason, roadsides (and to a similar extent rail) is managed with consideration for several zones. Figure 4-3 illustrates how these zones are generally situated relative to roadsides. Each state and local road authority may maintain these areas differently based on local laws and regulations. Figure 4-3. Operational Rights-of-Way Zones Used for Initial Categorization of Activities. Illustration provided by MnDOT. Road surface: Road pavement or other traveled surface. Area within shoulder point of intersection (PI): Zone that includes the road surface itself, as well as an unvegetated shoulder. The shoulder may consist of gravel, crushed stone, concrete, or other hard surface generally free of vegetation. Area within inslope: Inslope (or foreslope) is used to facilitate the draining of water from a road surface to an inside ditch. Width of this area will vary by road size. Vegetation in this area is generally frequently managed with mowing to short heights (<6-inches) and the application of chemical herbicides to control weeds. Roadside: Remaining area, or horizontal width, of road rights-of-way located outside of the area within the inslope. Width of this area will vary by road size. For the purposes of the Agreement, this is the zone that contains most unmanaged area of vegetation in the rights-of-way. The transportation corridors also vary in their width and management control depending on their context. Corridors located in suburban and rural landscapes typically contain more diverse land cover, which allows for greater conservation opportunity under this Agreement. By comparison, corridors in urban landscapes may be constrained by adjacent land uses, and therefore be limited in its ability to maintain or restore vegetation for pollinators. Frequently managed cleared areas (clear zones) adjacent to pavement provide for the safety of the motoring public. Adjusting mowing standards, i.e. strategic and rot...
