Wildlands Network Creates the First Comprehensive Map of Wildlife Crossings Across California
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (August 16, 2023) – Today, Wildlands Network unveiled an interactive map of wildlife crossings across California, presenting the first-ever comprehensive database of crossings across the State. Developed in collaboration with the California Department of Transportation and other road ecology partners, this tool will enhance efforts to reconnect vital wildlife habitats.
Key features of the map include the following:
Comprehensive coverage of both completed and ongoing wildlife crossing locations to date.
Details on each structure, including their project status, year built, crossing type (e.g. bridge, underpass, culvert, etc.) and supporting documentation, when available.
Highlighted road segments that identify California Department of Fish & Wildlife’s priority barriers to wildlife movement.
Interactive interface allowing users to navigate, zoom in, and toggle between project and barrier status.
California is home to a diversity of wildlife, including mountain lions like Los Angeles’s famous P-22, mule deer, coyotes, black bears, bobcats, bighorn sheep, wolves, porcupines, and many more. However, urbanization and road networks fragment wildlife habitat and often lead to high numbers of wildlife-vehicle collisions in the State. For animal and motorist safety, California has dedicated millions in state funds to wildlife crossings in recent years and will begin to require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife crossings in their ongoing projects through passage of the Safe Roads and Wildlife Protection Act (AB 2344). However, until now, there has not been a consolidated map of crossings’ data for public use.
Recognizing the need for a landscape-level perspective to facilitate wildlife movement, Wildlands Network integrated data and geographic information system (GIS) technology into one tool for a wide range of users including wildlife experts, researchers, government officials, elected representatives, donors, and the public.
“This map offers users the ability to explore and understand the extensive network of crossings in California,” says Katie Davis, Executive Director of Wildlands Network. “It can guide future research, connect donors with ongoing crossing projects, aid decision-making for wildlife management, and facilitate the construction of future crossings.”
The map features the ongoing Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, the largest wildlife crossing project in the world, and new crossing projects along Highway 395 in Lassen County and Mono County in which Wildlands Network is actively involved.
“Wildlife crossings work and are needed to address our biodiversity crisis. Demonstrated by the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, California is ushering in a new era of wildlife crossings,” says Beth Pratt, California Regional Executive Director at The National Wildlife Federation.“ Wildlands Network does incredible work in advancing crossing projects across the state, and this new interactive map is an excellent tool to show us where we need to build more.”
This project was made possible with support from the Wildlife Conservation Network.
About
Since 1991, Wildlands Network has been committed to reconnecting, restoring, and rewilding North America for the benefit of all species. Our work is grounded in science, driven by fieldwork, and furthered through strategic policy and partnerships.
