Interstate 8 Peninsular Bighorn Sheep Crossing Project in Imperial County, California

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 24, 2023

Sacramento, California – The Wildlife Conservation Board has voted to approve a $5.8 million dollar grant to the University of California, Davis (U.C. Davis). The grant will fund the planning and design of a wildlife crossing aiming to provide safe passage for Peninsular bighorn sheep, mule deer, mountain lions, and other wildlife species across Interstate 8 (I-8) in Imperial County, California. This visionary initiative aims to create a safe crossing for wildlife to traverse I-8, enhancing public safety and connected landscapes.

I-8 bisects the Peninsular Mountain range, impeding important seasonal and daily movement of Federally Endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep and other wildlife species with its high rates of traffic. The project area includes a five-mile stretch of critical habitat in between the eastbound and westbound lanes of the Interstate where the In Ko Pah ewe group of sheep returns every year to have their lambs. The existing and increasing traffic on I-8 threatens the survival of these ewes and their new lambs and impedes seasonal migration for other Peninsular bighorn sheep.

Recognizing the urgency of protecting wildlife habitats and ensuring the safety of both wildlife and commuters, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, the California Chapter of the Wild Sheep Foundation, California Department of Fish & Wildlife, Caltrans, California State Parks, the U.C. Davis Road Ecology Center and Wildlands Network, partnered to advance efforts to connect habitats for a variety of wildlife. The collaborative effort promises to improve permeability and facilitate wildlife movement on the landscape.

“Several locations along I-8 in the project area have been identified as having high incidences of wildlife-vehicle collisions,” says Fraser Shilling, PhD, Director of the U.C. Davis Road Ecology Center. “Wildlife crossings and associated fencing could reduce the costly and dangerous occurrence of these collisions.”

The UC Davis Road Ecology Center proposes to investigate and plan for construction of an overcrossing and/or undercrossing structures and directional fencing to funnel wildlife to safe crossing locations. Project planners will utilize over a decade of movement data from GPS collared sheep, lambing locations and mortality data from within the project site, existing feasibility studies and the best available tools and science to choose a location that addresses the barrier impact of I-8.

The design, led by the U.C. Davis Road Ecology Center, in collaboration with private, local, state, and federal stakeholders and experts, will cater to the specific needs of bighorn sheep, pumas, and other wildlife, ensuring a functional and effective crossing. As the project progresses, the involved parties will engage with local stakeholders, transportation authorities, and wildlife experts, ensuring comprehensive community involvement and project success.

"This isn’t just about wanting to improve hunting grounds, since Peninsular bighorn sheep are a federally listed, endangered species.” Says Devin O'Dea, California Chapter Coordinator, for Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. “This is about restoring critical dispersal routes and movement pathways for a sub-species on the brink of extinction.”

This innovative solution will enable wildlife to safely navigate their preferred migratory routes, access essential resources, and adapt to changing environmental conditions, thus promoting biodiversity and ecological resilience.

“Constructing a wildlife crossing on I-8 is a crucial investment in preserving biodiversity and ensuring the survival of bighorn sheep, mule deer, and other iconic species,” said Mari Galloway, California Program Director for Wildlands Network. “To reconnect fragmented habitats and mitigate the risks of road collisions, project partners are contributing knowledge and expertise to advance wildlife crossing structures that will safeguard and connect ecosystems.”

Moreover, this collaborative project addresses the pressing issue of public safety along the busy highway. The dedicated wildlife crossing will significantly reduce the risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions in the project area, enhancing the protection of drivers and passengers while minimizing damage to vehicles and infrastructure.

Once completed, the wildlife crossing structures will be shovel-ready, pending funding for construction. Its success will not only alleviate one of CDFW’s priority barriers to movement for wildlife but will also provide resiliency for wildlife survival and movement in the face of a changing climate. For more information about the project, check out I8wildlifecrossing.org

About Backcountry Hunters & Anglers:

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers seeks to ensure North America’s outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education and work on behalf of wild public lands, waters, and wildlife. Through grassroots advocacy and hands-on habitat stewardship, BHA builds community and coalitions to improve ecosystem health, habitat connectivity and resilience for a variety of species in addition to advocating for access to public lands and waters for all.

About U.C. Davis Road Ecology Center:

The U.C. Davis Road Ecology Center is a research institution dedicated to studying the interactions between wildlife and transportation infrastructure. Their work focuses on understanding the impacts of roads and highways on wildlife movement, habitat fragmentation, and road-related threats to animal populations.

About Wildlands Network:

Wildlands Network is a renowned organization dedicated to reconnecting, restoring, and rewilding North America's landscapes to preserve biodiversity and support resilient ecosystems. With a focus on conservation science and advocacy, Wildlands Network champions a sustainable future for both wildlife and people.

For more information about the Wildlife Crossing Project, please contact:

Mari Galloway, California Program Director, Wildlands Network, (209) 373-9973, mari@wildlandsnetwork.org

Devin O’Dea, California Chapter Coordinator, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, (415) 246-5329, odea@backcountryhunters.org

Note for the editor: Please find images of Peninsular bighorn sheep and the proposed wildlife overpass for publication at https://i8wildlifecrossing.org/peninsular-bighorn-sheep/. (Higher resolution images available upon request). Interviews with project leaders and wildlife experts also available upon request.