Our Top 5 Stories of 2023

In 2023, Wildlands Network shared stories of wildlife’s most pressing challenges, their triumphs, and our approach to preserving their future. As we reflect on the year, we’re sharing the most-read stories from the 2023, which include trending topics like mapping, community support, habitat connectivity policy, and wildlife crossings. Discover which stories our readers found most impactful below. 

1 / Mapping the West: Connecting California

To support wildlife crossings and reduce the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions, Wildlands Network created the first-ever comprehensive map of wildlife crossings in California. This interactive map includes completed and ongoing crossings, structure details, priority barriers to wildlife movement, and more. Explore the map above. 

2 / All for One – The Ímuris Train Proposal / Todos a una - La propuesta del tren Ímuris 

A proposed rail line near the town of Ímuris threatens the homes of hundreds of families and three species endangered in Mexico. To help the community, we partnered with local landowners and other conservation groups in offering support and scientific expertise. Learn more above (English and Spanish versions available). 

3 / State Legislators Show Love for Wildlife Crossings and Habitat Connectivity During This Year’s State Legislative Sessions 

By February of last year, legislators had passed 15 state laws and 10+ state budget bills to support habitat connectivity projects. This legislative boom built on an exciting year for wildlife crossings, corridors, and connectivity legislation in 2022. Read the history and stay tuned for an update on policy in 2024 coming soon. 

4 / Mapping the East: Implementing the Eastern Wildway Vision 

Is it possible for humans and wildlife to co-exist in eastern North America? We believe it is. In 2019, we unveiled our Eastern Wildway vision of what co-existence could look like. This wildway is now being implemented on local levels in one of the U.S.’s most densely populated states: New York. See the details above. 

5 / Reconnecting Mountain Lions, Mule Deer, and More on Highway 395 

Between the Sierra Nevada mountains and low-elevation plains in Northern California lies a dangerous barrier to wildlife movement – Highway 395. With deer migration corridors and important mountain lion movement, the stretch of U.S. 395 through Lassen County is one of the top 10 worst deer collision hotspots in the state. We stepped in to lead the charge on wildlife crossings to reconnect essential habitats on either side of the highway. Read more about our exciting progress above.