Specifications include, but are not limited to: examine before-and-after results of asphalt road surface temperatures and chloride use at planned vegetation clearing sites to evaluate whether vegetation management adjacent to roads has a direct effect on solar radiation and potential chloride use. Roadway surface temperature data will be collected before and after winter storms when vegetation is present, and before and after winter storms after vegetation or tree canopy has been removed. Using the findings from this study, investigators will create a guide with recommended vegetation management practices to highlight the benefits of reduced chlorides resulting from solar radiation. In their proposal, responders must submit a detailed work plan that describes: 1. System or methodology for identifying planned tree-cutting sites for before-and-after testing. 2. Data collection practices describing: a. Data points and variables to be collected. b. Methodology for collecting the data. c. Methods, devices, and equipment used to collect the data. 3. Testing processes will be used as indicators to determine the benefits of solar radiation and the corresponding reduction in chloride treatments.
