Howard E. Woodin Environmental Studies Colloquium Series

“Highways and Habitats – Road Ecology and Habitat Connectivity in Vermont” by Chris Slesar, Environmental Resources Coordinator, Vermont Agency of Transportation.

Vermont is recognized internationally as a leader in terms of road ecology and habitat connectivity. This presentation will give an overview of some of the core concepts, principles, initiatives, and projects that have been undertaken in Vermont. It will focus on the proactive and collaborative relationship between the Vermont Agency of Transportation and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, as well as some of the regional and international efforts that these two state agencies are engaged with.

Chris Slesar is the Environmental Resources Coordinator at the Vermont Agency of Transportation. He has been with VTrans for 22 years and has been actively involved in undertaking programmatic initiatives and projects that incorporate habitat connectivity in projects. Chris was the Municipal Project Manager for the Monkton Amphibian Crossings and is a member of the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Scientific Advisory Group. Chris lives in an emptyish nest in Monkton with his wife, two dogs, and cat.