Colorado’s rapid population growth affects wildlife by reducing habitat and bringing them in closer contact with humans. Vehicle collisions are a serious threat to wildlife, and many roadways cross through the migration routes used by big game. To help protect wildlife – and motorists – from vehicle collisions, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) have teamed up to study and provide safe crossings for Colorado wildlife.
State Highway CO 9 between Kremmling and Silverthorne is an example of a successful wildlife crossing zone. Used by mule deer, elk, moose, bear, and even smaller wildlife like rabbits and skunks, the zone provides wildlife with opportunities to cross over or under the highway. The system also includes 20 miles of wildlife fencing to guide the wildlife to the seven crossings, along with wildlife escape ramps. “This innovative solution to keeping wildlife off a busy road resulted in a 90 percent reduction in wildlife-vehicle collisions in the first year,” reports CPW. Visit their website for more on the project, including a map, videos, and a slideshow of animals using the over- and underpasses. Additional information can also be found on CDOT’s website.
In 2018, CDOT, CPW, and other partners formed the The Colorado Wildlife and Transportation Alliance to bring awareness to the need for wildlife crossings and other conservation measures. And, this summer, Governor Polis signed an Executive Order requiring CDOT and CPW to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding to “identify priority areas for the implementation of big game crossings over and under roadways in Colorado.” The Executive Order further directs each agency to continue to study the issue. CPW is required to produce two reports of recommendations, and CDOT must “incorporate consideration of big game migration into all levels of its planning process, to the greatest extent possible.” For additional information on wildlife crossings, see the following publications:
- Fencing with Wildlife in Mind (CPW)
- Identifying the Best Locations Along Highways to Provide Safe Crossing Opportunities for Wildlife (CDOT)
- Roads and Connectivity in Colorado: Animal-Vehicle Collisions, Wildlife Mitigation Structures, and Lynx-Roadway Interactions (CDOT)
- State Highway 9 Wildlife Crossings Monitoring Annual Report year 1, year 2, year 3 (CDOT)
- Western Slope Wildlife Prioritization Study (CDOT)
Latest posts by Amy Zimmer (see all)
- Protect Your Child from Lead Poisoning - December 5, 2019
- Time Machine Tuesday: Judge Ben Lindsey and the Juvenile Court - December 3, 2019
- Beware of Government Impersonation Scams - November 27, 2019