Eagles, Elk & Engineering – Montana Department of Transportation: An Unexpected Environmental Champion
Presentation by Patrick Cross
Monday, Sept. 9th at Hope Lutheran Church
From the first nomination of a road reconstruction or bridge replacement project through its design and
construction, Montana Department of Transportation Environmental Services staff are part of the process every step of the way. The biologists are responsible for ensuring projects comply with environmental regulations as well as incorporating fish passage and wildlife crossing considerations into the project design. They work with the project engineers to figure out how to avoid or minimize impacts, maybe even improve existing conditions, starting early in the design process.
In this presentation, Patrick will talk about:
• How MDT biologists identify resources in the project area, such as eagle nest locations, using data including from the Montana Natural Heritage Program, to which citizen scientists can contribute.
• Additional steps in the project design process address high profile environmental concerns, like the “Wildlife Accommodations Recommendation Memo”, which elevate wildlife considerations when projects are in areas with high crossings or important habitat.
• Active projects in Gallatin County with special environmental concerns and design features, and how the
public can best get involved in projects like these.
Utes ladies-tresses orchid by Patrick Cross
• MDT’s wetland mitigation program that locally harbors robust populations of Ute ladies’-tresses orchids, a
listed threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.
About Our Speaker
Patrick Cross grew up in Billings. He studied the genetics and behavior of an endemic Rocky Mountain red fox population on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem’s Beartooth Plateau for his M.S. thesis at the University of Montana. He has also worked on research projects in Yellowstone National Park studying interactions between wolves, coyotes, and foxes, and the diets of grizzly and black bears. He is currently the Butte District Biologist at Montana Department of Transportation, working with the engineers maintaining highways and bridges across southwest Montana to avoid, minimize, and mitigate the environmental impacts of road projects.
To attend virtually, please register at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6385917796043315295 . After
registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
The in-person meeting will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, 2152 West Graf. (off S 19th). A social begins at 6:30 PM; the program begins at 7:00 PM. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own reusable cups.
Attendees -whether in person or virtual- are encouraged to share their bird sightings at this and every monthly program.
SAS monthly programs are free and open to the public, featuring a special guest speaker the 2nd Monday of each month, September through May. For more information, contact Ken Sinay at programs@sacajaweaaudubon.org.
24
