Viewer appreciation of highway landscapes: The contribution of ecologically managed embankments in Quebec, Canada

Ecological management along highway corridors, involving a reduction in the frequency of the mowing of embankments, substantially changes their appearance. Plant colonies of varying heights, textures and colours are established. The effect of ecological management on aesthetic appreciation of motorway corridors is not well understood. It was studied along the Laurentian Autoroute in Quebec, Canada (A-15 North), by comparing sections managed under intensive and ecological management. A general characterization of the highway landscape was compared with the results of photographic inventories carried out by 38 regular users equipped with disposable cameras. A questionnaire was later sent to participants to evaluate the impact of the ecological management of embankment vegetation on the overall appreciation of the landscape. The results showed that blooming plant colonies were little noticed by the great majority of users. Elements of the natural setting did have aesthetic qualities, which were appreciated by users. The results also revealed that proximity with natural settings was greatly appreciated. Ecological management can thus facilitate the establishment of a pleasing connection between natural setting and user by replacing the lawns on the talus with indigenous vegetation. The results also suggest that user appreciation is not strongly linked to the highway embankment, but more likely to what the traveler is able to see. Ecological management of highway corridors has a role to play in the improvement of natural values and aesthetic appreciation, as long as embankment management is also linked to the landscape management of the surrounding landscape. This case study presents the opportunity to propose certain guidelines, which could inspire highway corridor management aimed at providing greater enjoyment by highway users.