RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Roadside Revegetation of Forest Highways: New Applications for Native Plants JF Native Plants Journal JO NATIVE PLANTS JOURNAL FD University of Wisconsin Press SP 297 OP 305 DO 10.2979/NPJ.2005.6.3.297 VO 6 IS 3 A1 Thomas D Landis A1 Kim M Wilkinson A1 David E Steinfeld A1 Scott A Riley A1 George N Fekaris YR 2005 UL http://npj.uwpress.org/content/6/3/297.abstract AB Road revegetation with native plants is both a challenge and an opportunity. A new partnership between the Western Federal Lands Highway Division of the Federal Highway Administration and the USDA Forest Service is focusing on the use of native plants for forest highway road revegetation and road obliteration projects. This emphasis is leading to new applications for many native plant species, as well as development of new stock types, innovative equipment, and monitoring techniques. The process of road planning and development has become more holistic and comprehensive, allowing engineers and biologists to work in partnerships to bring about desired results. Unique challenges of road revegetation projects include harsh conditions, high visibility, and a lack of available information and techniques. Road revegetation offers unique opportunities, including long lead times that facilitate advanced seed procurement and nursery development of native plants, as well as allowing time to evaluate different installation techniques. Two projects highlighting some innovative road revegetation strategies and native stock types are discussed: one along a scenic section of a river on steep mountainous terrain, another on a well-traveled, visually sensitive road near a ski area. Strategies included developing and testing hydroseeding mixes and application techniques with native shrub, forb, and grass species; developing seeded mats for establishing native grasses on severe sites such as gabion walls; and overcoming obstacles to obtaining and increasing high-quality local native plant seed. Because little information is available on revegetating roads with native plants, a new manual is being created to help meet the challenges ahead.