Browsing by Author "Kack, David"

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Exploring Apex Predator Effects on Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions: A Case Study on Wolf Reintroductions in Yellowstone
(Western Transportation Institute, 2024-09) Bell, Matthew; Huijser, Marcel P.; Kack, David
This study investigates the impact of wolf reintroduction on wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) along a segment of US-191 bordering Yellowstone National Park. Wolves were reintroduced in 1995–1996, and subsequent wolf pack establishment may have influenced the behavior and population dynamics of prey species, potentially altering WVC patterns. Using carcass data collected from 1989 to 2021, the analysis was divided into two primary phases: before wolves (1989–1996) and after wolves (1997–2021). A series of linear mixed-effects models were developed to assess changes in WVCs across these time periods. Predictor variables included average annual daily traffic (AADT), elk population estimates, and wolf counts. Results showed that WVCs significantly declined in the post-wolf period, suggesting that the presence of wolves may reduce WVCs directly by modifying prey behavior and movement patterns, or indirectly by reducing prey population densities. Further analysis revealed that while elk populations were a significant predictor of WVCs before wolves were reintroduced, this relationship weakened post-reintroduction. Traffic volume did not significantly influence WVC patterns in either period, nor did it interact significantly with wolf presence. The inclusion of wolf counts as a continuous variable showed a negative relationship with WVCs, indicating that higher wolf densities may contribute to a further reduction in collisions over time. These findings suggest that apex predators can play a role in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, such as WVCs, by influencing prey species’ behavior and distribution. The study provides valuable insights for wildlife managers and transportation planners, highlighting the potential benefits of predator conservation for road safety and ecosystem health.
In Search of Simultaneous Benefits of Infrastructure Provisions on Freight & Bicycle Movements
(Western Transportation Institute, 2023-10) Villwock-Witte, Natalie; Clouser, Karalyn; Kack, David
The United States has three million miles of rural roadways (U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, 2000). Some bicyclists enjoy recreating on low-volume rural roadways because they are looking for long rides to physically challenge themselves. Some rural Americans commute to work by bicycle or travel by bike for other trips (e.g., to the grocery store), whether they are driven by environmental motivators (they do not want to further pollute the environment) or practical purposes (they have limited or no vehicles in their households but still need to make trips). Regardless of the reason, bicyclists can be found on rural roadways. While many riders may self-select onto lower-volume roadways and roadways where there are fewer large vehicles, the limited redundancy of some rural roadway networks may force bicyclists to travel on roadways with higher traffic volumes, with higher posted speed limits, and with large vehicles. With extensive miles in the rural context, the question then becomes: can providing additional pavement in the form of wide shoulders benefit both motorists, particularly those in large vehicles carrying freight, and bicyclists on roadways used by both, or should a separated facility, like a cycle highway, be considered instead? Thus, the purpose of this project is to consider whether wider road shoulders could benefit both freight and bicyclists traveling along rural roadways. Through a literature review focused on the crash experience of bicyclists, the impact of the road design on a bicyclist’s crash experience, the impact of the vehicle type and vehicle technology on a bicyclist’s crash experience, and policies impacting how and where a bicyclist may travel, recommendations and conclusions are made regarding if benefits can be had by both bicyclists and freight (a.k.a., large vehicles) within a corridor.
Intercity Bus Service Funding and Assessment Methodology
(University of South Florida Libraries, 2012-09) Ye, Zhirui; Kack, David; Chaudhari, Jaydeep; Ewan, Levi
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA)’s 5311(f) program requires that 15 percent of 5311 program funds given to a state be used to develop and support intercity bus (ICB) service. This 15 percent can be waived if the governor certifies that the ICB needs are being met within the state. This certification became harder to justify when FTA began requiring a more stringent consultation process before certification could be given. The objectives of this study are to learn about current practices of ICB service funding mechanisms, funds prioritization, and determination processes and strategies that promote ICB service. An assessment methodology for Montana was developed to determine whether ICB needs are being adequately met and how to allocate funds to support service. The results of this study will be valuable to other states considering developing methodologies for certification and funding allocation purposes.
Patterns of Domestic Animal-Vehicle Collisions on Tribal Lands in Montana, U.S.
(Western Transportation Institute, 2024-09) Bell, Matthew; Huijser, Marcel P.; Kack, David
Animal-vehicle collisions (AVCs) are a significant concern for motorist safety and pose a risk to both wildlife and domestic animals. This report analyzes spatial patterns of wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) and domestic animal-vehicle collisions (DAVCs) on Montana’s tribal lands to identify high-risk areas and inform mitigation strategies. Data from the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) for large mammal carcasses (2008–2022) and reported crashes (2008–2020) were used to perform Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) and Getis-Ord Gi* (GOG) hotspot analyses for three tribal reservations with sufficient data: Blackfeet, Crow, and Flathead. The KDE results show distinct spatial patterns for DAVCs and WVCs on each reservation, with DAVC hotspots concentrated near agricultural and grazing areas, while WVC hotspots were associated with natural habitats and wildlife corridors. The GOG analysis further revealed that DAVC hotspots tend to be more temporally stable, suggesting that collisions with domestic animals are influenced by consistent factors such as livestock access points and grazing practices. In contrast, WVC hotspots were more variable, likely driven by changes in wildlife movement patterns and seasonal behavior. Overall, the findings indicate that the elevated rates of DAVCs on tribal lands, compared to non-tribal lands, are likely due to unique factors such as open range grazing practices and road infrastructure adjacent to grazing lands. This report emphasizes the need for targeted mitigation strategies on tribal roads, such as enhanced livestock fencing, road signage, and livestock underpasses in high-risk areas, to reduce collisions and improve safety for both motorists and animals. Understanding the distinct spatial and temporal patterns of DAVCs and WVCs is crucial for developing comprehensive mitigation approaches that enhance safety and connectivity on Montana’s tribal lands.
Public Willingness to Raise Transportation Revenues, Priorities for Transportation Spending, and Preferences for Types of Transportation Revenues: Evidence from Montana’s Billings and Missoula Small Urban Areas
(Western Transportation Institute, 2023-07) Hamre, Andrea; Fisher, Jonathan; Kack, David
This project analyzed public willingness to raise transportation revenues, public priorities for transportation spending, and public preferences for transportation revenue types using recent household travel surveys for the small urban areas of Billings and Missoula. The share of the public willing to pay more taxes or fees for transportation improvements was 44% in Billings and 36% in Missoula (including neutral or undecided responses). This level of public support for increased transportation revenues is perhaps higher than generally perceived by leaders reluctant to publicly support a gas tax increase. Our results regarding transportation spending priorities are consistent with the prioritization of preserving existing transportation assets. Maintenance and repair of existing infrastructure received the most support of transportation spending options in both the Billings and Missoula survey samples. Our results regarding the preferred type of transportation revenue mechanism (available only for Missoula) suggested that a plurality of the sample (35% including neutral or undecided responses) preferred a $0.02 per gallon increase in fuel taxes to other options (such as an increase in sales or property taxes). Together, our results suggest a public willingness to more adequately fund transportation investments, a preference for spending on existing transportation assets, and a preference for more direct road user charges over less direct alternatives.
Setting up ROaDS Partners with Customized Surveys
(Western Transportation Institute, 2024-09) Bell, Matthew; Kack, David
The Roadkill Observation and Data System (ROaDS) project, developed through a partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and the Western Transportation Institute at Montana State University, provides a user-friendly data collection system to monitor wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) and identify safe crossing locations on roads managed by federal land management agencies (FLMAs). This report outlines recent outreach efforts and successful implementation of the ROaDS system with external partners, including the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Custom surveys were developed for these agencies to address specific data collection and conservation goals, resulting in improved capacity to monitor WVCs and identify high-risk areas for targeted mitigation. The project has garnered interest from several other state transportation agencies, showcasing the adaptability of the ROaDS system for diverse road and wildlife management applications. The successful deployment in Nevada and Indiana demonstrates the system’s potential to support data-driven decision-making and enhance wildlife connectivity across the country.