Transportation Agency and Landowner Perspectives on Snow Fence Programs

Abstract

Two surveys helped gather information on the state transportation agency’s snow fence programs and private landowner’s perspectives on snow fences. The first survey collected responses from state transportation agencies in the Midwest of the United States and the landowner survey was distributed to Illinois landowners via the online publication Farm Week. The agency survey showed that the vast majority of respondents planned to expand or maintain their snow fence programs and relied on the feedback and experience of road maintenance personnel to identify snow drifting problem segments. Key concerns identified by the landowner survey include the implementation and maintenance of snow fences by state agencies, proper and timely compensation, making long-term commitments with the state, and soil moisture in the snow storage area. It also showed that the number of acres and unit price of crops were the most important factors to include in a payment structure. Landowners’ participation in snow fence programs could be encouraged by providing more flexible contracts, offering adjustable payment structures, adding incentives to engage landowners in installation and maintenance, and providing an awareness program.