Corridors

Illinois roadsides represent thousands of acres of potential habitat for native plants and wildlife.

Through our partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the Biological Surveys and Assessment Program (BSAP) conducts comprehensive biological surveys across Illinois’ transportation corridors.

One of our primary roles is to identify and document threatened and endangered species, helping IDOT meet environmental compliance requirements and balance infrastructure development with natural resource conservation.

Our work spans terrestrial, aquatic, and semi-aquatic environments adjacent to highways and infrastructure projects. From prairies and wetlands to stream crossings and culverts, BSAP biologists assess habitats and species to provide data to avoid, minimize, or mitigate environmental effects during project development, design, and construction.

Our partnership with IDOT also extends to collaborative conservation projects. Recently, BSAP co-wrote a joint grant proposal with IDOT focused on pollinator-friendly roadside management.