State DOT to protect ground-nesting birds along parkway

The NYS DOT has adopted as an experiment, a modified mowing management schedule in two areas along the Lake Ontario State Parkway. Mowing along the meadow-like right-of-way in the vicinity of Lake Shore Road and Peter Smith Road will be deferred until September 2002 in an effort to protect many native ground nesting bird species. There are other experimental areas across the state.

State DOT highway maintenance workers will continue to mow strips along the shoulder and ramps to maintain safe sight distance for all Parkway users.

"Although the area may not as appear as neat to the eye, we can feel good that we are doing what we can, as an agency to protect our environment," Regional Director Charles E. Moynihan said. "It is our obligation, as stewards of the highway, to take advantage of the natural resources in our region, grow to appreciate prairie-like grasslands and protect the wildlife that we have."

According to wildlife scientists, the lack of suitable nesting areas near open fields has resulted in population declines of some bird species in the region. The open terrain found along most highways is an ideal environment for a vast variety of birds and wildlife.

In 2000, the State DOT installed nest boxes on highway signs, selectively thinned 2.5 acres of non-native vegetation, and re-planted the area with fruit and nut bearing trees. These efforts have provided food and habitat for the many bird species nesting along the migratory route of the Lake Ontario shoreline. In addition, 41 acres of scrub-shrub vegetation has been converted to meadow along the Lake Ontario State Parkway.