Cost-effective strategies were developed and identified to CDOT Highway Maintenance Managers to reduce rest area operational costs while conserving finite natural resources. Initial cost analysis indicates that reduced operational costs can be realized by implementing water conservation practices (waterless urinals, water harvesting, irrigation, energy conservation and alternative energy practices, and re-use and recycling of solid waste and landscaping transition toward xeriscape practices).
The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a magnesium chloride-based deicer, a sodium chloride-based deicer, and the major salts contained in these deicers on seed germination and seedling growth and development of fifteen species of grasses and forbs native to Colorado. Seven of the fifteen species performed well at the low and medium concentrations of the salts and solutions; these are plants that can likely germinate in roadside areas.
