Wildlife in Airport Environments: Preventing Animal–Aircraft Collisions through Science-Based Management

10: Managing Turfgrass to Reduce Wildlife Hazards at Airports

Multiple factors—including safety regulations, economic considerations, location, and attractiveness to wildlife recognized as hazardous to aviation —influence the choice of land cover at airports. The principal land cover at airports within North America has historically been turfgrass, usually coolseason perennial grass species native to Europe. However , recent research has determined that, from a wildlife perspective, not all turfgrasses are alike. Some grasses are more palatable to herbivorous hazardous wildlife (e.g., Canada geese [Branta canadensis]) than others, and thus are more likely to increase the potential for wildlife–aircraft collisions when planted near critical airport operating areas. How turfgrasses are managed (e.g., by mowing or herbicide use) can also influence the degree of use by wildlife. In this chapter we (1) review the role of vegetation in the airport environment , (2) review traditional and current methods of vegetation management on airfields, (3) discuss selection criteria for plant materials in reseeding efforts , and (4) provide recommendations for future research. Vegetation in the Airport Environment Airports are large, complex, anthropogenically influenced environments that contain buildings and structures, impervious surfaces (e.g., pavement), and vegetated areas. Vegetation can typically be found at airports in landside areas (e.g., manicured lawns near terminal buildings and roadways), within the air operations area along taxiways and runways, in larger safety areas (e.g., runway protection zones), and on airport property in outlying areas (i.e., adjacent to the airfield). Within the USA alone, airport properties include >330,000 ha of grassland, primarily composed of areas mown at least once annually, and representing ~39–50% of airport property (DeVault et al. 2012). Green, well-managed turfgrass represents a highly valued landscape within most societies (Ulrich 1986, Casler and Duncan 2003, Casler 2006). Turfgrass areas on the airfield and landside areas of airports add to the aesthetic—and ultimately the economic—value of the airport environment. This is particularly true when the airfield is the first part of an area seen by air travelers arriving in a new destination. An airport in a predominantly dry, desert environment might appear as an “oasis” with areas of green, growing vegetation. Managed turfgrass areas deter the amount of damage to aircraft associated with jet blast and foreign object debris, allow for the passage of aircraft straying from paved areas, and do not inhibit emergency vehicles from responding to aircraft safety incidents and accidents (Federal Aviation Administration 2011). Additionally , airfield vegetation should be relatively in- flammable, tolerant to vehicle traffic and to drought, require minimal maintenance for stand persistence, prevent soil erosion, and reduce stormwater runoff. Airfield vegetation, especially near runways and taxiways , should provide limited food resources for hazardous birds (e.g., seeds, insects), provide minimal hidBrian E. Washburn Thomas W. Seamans Managing Turfgrass to Reduce Wildlife Hazards at AirportsManaging Turfgrass at Airports 10 106 managing resources ing cover for hazardous wildlife (DeVault et al. 2011), and resist invasion by other plants that provide food and cover for wildlife (Austin-Smith and Lewis 1969, Washburn and Seamans 2004, Linnell et al. 2009; Fig. 10.1). Numerous wildlife species (both birds and mammals ) hazardous to aviation are associated with turfgrass areas at airports. In highly urbanized environments , airfields typically represent some of the largest areas of grassland habitats within those ecosystems (Kutschbach-Brohl et al. 2010, DeVault et al. 2012) and thus can be particularly attractive to hazardous birds that forage in or otherwise use open grassland habitats. Wildlife that pose a hazard to aviation use turfgrass plants and seeds directly as a food source (e.g., Canada geese, European starlings [Sturnus vulgaris ]), or indirectly by searching for prey items such as insects and small mammals that are often found in abundance within airfield grassland habitats (e.g., raptors, coyotes [Canis latrans]). Other hazardous species use the open, grassland areas at airfields because the habitat conditions are similar to what these species naturally prefer (e.g., eastern meadowlarks [Sturnella magna], killdeer [Charadrius vociferus]). Wildlife use of airfield grasslands can be seasonal (e.g., during migration periods) or throughout the year, depending on the hazardous wildlife species involved, the composition of the airfield vegetation, the geographic location of the airport, and other factors. Traditional and Current Turfgrass Management at Airfields Traditional methods of managing wildlife habitat in grassland ecosystems, such as discing, prescribed burning , and planting food plots, benefit wildlife by providing food, cover, water, loafing areas, or other resources (Bolen and Robinson 2002). In contrast, the focus of habitat...