Bluebirds

The Eastern Bluebird has been the Official Bird of New York since 1970. In 2000, the Authority started installing bluebird houses at appropriate locations along its right-of-way. In some areas, bluebird houses are used to delineate the locations of wildflower plantings. The Authority initiated this program to help in the resurgence of New York's Bluebird population.

Falcon Program

Since the late 1980s, the Thruway Authority has had falcon-nesting boxes located on the main trusses of four major bridges along the Thruway System. These bridges include the Castleton Bridge spanning the Hudson River south of Albany; the North/South Grand Island Bridges spanning the Niagara River near Niagara Falls, and two on the Governor Malcolm E. Wilson Tappan Zee Bridge carrying the Thruway's mainline across the Hudson River, about 13 miles north of New York City.

The bridges provide the falcons with a high perch, while the falcons are very effective at keeping pigeons away from the bridge. Pigeon droppings are detrimental to the paint, and consequently, the steel on bridges. Since the program's inception, the number of pigeons nesting on bridges has dramatically decreased.

Invasive Species

According to the Federal Highway Administration, “Each year approximately $23 billion nationwide is lost to invasive plant impacts to agriculture, industry, recreation, and the environment. An estimated 4,600 acres of land are invaded daily by invasive plants.”

The control of invasive species is of paramount concern in New York. In 2003, then Governor George E. Pataki signed into law the NYS Invasive Species Task Force. The seventeen member Task Force was charged with developing an assessment for presentation to then Governor Pataki. The Task Force held their first meeting in May of 2004. The Task force delivered their recommendation in a report to the Governor in November 2005. For more information on the Task Force and a copy of the Final Report visit: http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/habitat/istf/istf.html

The Authority/Corporation has conducted preliminary inventories of purple loosestrife along Authority right-of-way, and developed guidance related to control of invasive species and continues to develop methods for control. In fall 2004, the Authority initiated an effort with their maintenance employees to identify and inventory 4 critical invasive species along it’s highway rights of way. The species inventoried include; Purple loosestrife, giant hog weed, phragmites and Japanese knotweed. The Canal Corporation undertook a similar effort and is inventorying Water Chestnuts and Zebra Mussels in addition. The inventory is currently underway and once completed, it will be entered into a database for use in GIS (geographic information systems). The inventory will assist the NYSTA/CC in developing future management activities related to invasive species.

In addition, the Authority is working with the NYSDOT to identify potential for coordinating resources related to the management and monitoring of invasive species.

Living Snow Fence Program

The Thruway Authority’s Buffalo Division, in collaboration with the State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, completed the first installation of its Living Snow Fence Program in July 2006.  Under this program, two living snow fences were planted within the right-of-way along I-190 at the Staley and Long Road Exits (18A & 20) in the Town of Grand Island, Erie County.

Prior to installation, the Buffalo Division conducted an assessment for problematic locations for the blowing and drifting of snow, which causes reduced visibility, icing of the roadway, and increased snow removal efforts.  Living snow fences consist of densely planted willow species that are specifically designed to control blowing snow.  The living snow fences will trap some of the snow behind the line of willows and the rest of the blowing snow will be deposited before reaching the highway’s surface. 

The Niagara Maintenance Section, with assistance from the Division’s Environmental Specialist, will conduct necessary maintenance activities and monitor the progress of the willow shrubs throughout the 2007 growing season.  It is anticipated that the living snow fences will be fully functional by the winter of 2009.

SHORELINE STABILIZATION PROJECT

The Black Rock Canal/Lake Erie revetment project was identified as an excellent opportunity for environmental stewardship to protect 300 feet of eroding shoreline from the forces of wave action and ice scouring. This project is located in close proximity to a stormwater drainage outfall from the I-190 in the City of Buffalo.

The project involved the stabilization of 300 feet of eroded shoreline with the placement of heavy stone fill or rip-rap. The shoreleine stabilization will prevent further erosion, thus protecting and facilitating the natural restoration of valuble spawning and nursery habitat for a variety of warm water fish species and aquatic invertebrates. The project was a joint venture between the New York State Thruway Authority Buffalo Division and the State University of New York, College a Buffalo, and was completed in September of 2006.

Wildflowers

The New York State Thruway Authority's Wildflower Program was implemented in 2000 to improve the visual aesthetics of the Thruway System, save on maintenance costs by reducing the amount of grass to mow, and make travel along the roadway more enjoyable. Traditionally, only grass had been planted and maintained along the 641 mile Thruway System. The Wildflower Program selected a variety of locations in the Thruway medial across the system. Different wildflower species were planted in each location and monitored for a variety of factors including growth rate, weed growth and aesthetic value.