Environmental stewardship and compensatory mitigation are key measures used by the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) to protect the environment. While both use similar techniques, there is a key difference: one is voluntary and one is required.

Environmental stewardship is a voluntary initiative that provides environmental protection and restoration beyond what the law requires.

Compensatory mitigation is required when a highway project will have unavoidable impacts on wetlands, streams, forests and other natural resources.

Our commitment at MDOT SHA is to exceed legal requirements and provide a healthy environment for generations to come. We integrate environmental protection into individual projects and into our long-term plans because we understand that the natural environment is more than individual living organisms; our environment is a collection of habitats critical to sustaining ecosystems.

Below is in-depth information about SHA’s major stewardship and mitigation programs.

Indirect and Cumulative Effects (ICE) Analysis

The National Environmental Policy Act requires MDOT SHA to examine each construction project’s ICE

Invasive Plant Control

… is included in MDOT SHA’s landscaping program in accordance with the Maryland Weed Control Law

Reforestation and Planting Programs

These programs “green” the roads and highways we administer for the people of Maryland. Additional information is at the following:

Partnership Planting Program

Tree Preservation Initiatives by County

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA)

NEPA includes an umbrella of laws that govern MDOT SHA planning and projects

Wetlands & Waterways

The MDOT SHA Mitigation Team restores streams and wetlands in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and throughout our State