Vincent Ziols

Vincent Ziols, AICP

Status: Past

Served: 2018-2020

With: USFWS

Station: Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Complex

Years Served: 2018-2020

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Pre-Fellowship Education:

Master of Urban Planning and Policy, City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning from University of Illinois at Chicago
Bachelor of Science in Journalism from University of Dayton

Bio: Vince’s assignment as the transportation fellow with the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge (DRIWR) was to improve access to the DRIWR by utilizing alternative modes of transportation, such as bike and pedestrian access. He achieved this by creating a 5-year Transportation Status Report, reaching out to stakeholders throughout the region to support and regionally promote the public amenities of the refuge. Prior to the fellowship, his work consisted of placemaking initiatives in urban communities, creation of equitable transportation plans for the far south side of Chicago, assisting small businesses become more sustainable, research into reducing urban waste (especially reduction of food waste by compost systems), and organizing a network of stewards and community groups to care for and utilize urban wildlife habitats.

Current Position (2024): Facility Operations Specialist in the Transportation & Data Management Branch at USFWS Headquarters

Project Title: Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge

Description:

Fellow: Vince Ziols
Years Served: 2018-2020
Project Description: The DRIWR is an urban refuge located 20 miles south of Detroit. The refuge runs along the lower Detroit River and the western shoreline of Lake Erie. The refuge was established in 2001 with Canada, making it the first international refuge in North America. The refuge is 6,000 acres including islands, coastal wetlands, marshes, shoals, and waterfront lands.

The DRIWR is scheduled to open their visitor center, fishing pier, and trail connections in spring 2018. In preparation for opening the DRIWR to the public, several transportation studies have recently been completed including an urban transportation study and a Regional Alternative Transportation Evaluation (RATE) study. These studies provided potential preliminary transportation needs and solutions for the refuge.

TRB Poster 2019
Final Report 2019 Final Webinar 2019 ( PDF, Streaming)
TRB Poster 2020 Final Webinar 2020 ( PDF, Streaming)