Protecting migratory birds when building road infrastructure

The Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) has released three new publications providing information and guidance to road owners to lessen the impact of their activities on migratory birds, and help them comply with the Migratory Birds Convention Act and Regulations.

Migratory birds are frequently found along transportation rights-of-way within natural habitats, as well as on culverts, bridges and other built structures.

The construction, operation, maintenance and renewal of road-related infrastructure, among other activities, can stress or harm birds, affect their breeding and nesting, and reduce their habitat and food supplies. Therefore, the presence of migratory birds can delay a project or routine maintenance operation if they have not been accounted for during planning and design.

Beneficial Practices and Operational Guidance for Compliance with the Migratory Birds Convention Act and Regulations provides a synthesis of mitigation measures, case studies and beneficial practices. The examples are from a variety of settings, industries and activities, for compliance with the Act and Regulations during facility creation, operation, maintenance and renewal.

The two ‘operational guidance’ documents, Operational Guidance for Migratory Birds and Vegetation Management for Existing Transportation Facilities and Infrastructure and Operational Guidance for Migratory Bird Nests under Bridges and in Culverts provide measures to conserve migratory birds and their nests during common vegetation management activities along or near transportation infrastructure.

These documents were developed under the auspices of TAC’s Environmental Issues Management and Environmental Advisory and Legislation standing committees, and are aimed primarily at a technical audience.

The new titles can be purchased as a package or individually in the TAC Bookstore.