Wildlife Corridors: Balancing Infrastructure and Nature
Idaho’s vast landscapes are known for diverse wildlife. Many animals that give Idaho its natural beauty have migration routes that cross the state. As human development expands, these natural pathways are disrupted, making balancing infrastructure growth with preserving wildlife corridors a growing concern.
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The Impact of Highways on Migration
Highways are essential for our connectivity but can pose challenges to wildlife. In Idaho, several instances highlight how roadways have interfered with animal movements:
- State Hwy 21 near Boise: Hwy 21 intersects mule deer and elk migration routes. Each year, 8,000 to 9,000 mule deer and 1,800 to 2,400 elk from the Boise River herds cross this busy road during their seasonal migrations. Increasing traffic endangers these animals and poses risks to motorists.
- U.S. Hwy 30 near Montpelier: This stretch of road cuts through a critical migration bottleneck known as Rocky Point. The area provides essential access to winter ranges for the Bear Lake Plateau mule deer herd, and disruptions can have cascading effects on the herd’s health and numbers.
These examples underscore the unintended consequences of infrastructure development on wildlife and emphasize the need for thoughtful planning and solutions.
Innovative Solutions: Wildlife Corridors
Several states have pioneered the construction of wildlife crossings, creating overpasses and underpasses to address wildlife migration challenges. These structures allow animals safe passage over or under highways, protecting wildlife and reducing vehicle collisions.
Wyoming has been a leader in implementing wildlife crossings. The Trappers’ Point project near Pinedale features overpasses that facilitate the migration of pronghorn and other species across Hwy 191. This area is part of a 150-mile migration corridor, and the overpasses have significantly reduced wildlife-vehicle collisions.
Idaho has embarked on similar projects, recognizing the success of neighboring states. Near Montpelier, plans are underway to build three wildlife underpasses on Hwy 30 at Rocky Point. These underpasses aim to safeguard the Bear Lake Plateau mule deer herd’s migration routes and enhance driver safety.
These projects exemplify how infrastructure design can coexist with nature, benefiting wildlife and travelers.
A Collaborative Path Forward
Balancing infrastructure development with wildlife migration routes is essential to preserving Idaho’s natural beauty and ensuring safe and efficient travel. Pathways Forward Idaho supports collaborative solutions. By collaborating with many organizations, including local conservation groups, we create solutions that benefit travelers and protect Idaho’s wildlife.
Local conservation organizations, like the Idaho Conservation League (ICL), advocate for wildlife-friendly infrastructure. They support the strategic placement of wildlife crossings to maintain healthy wildlife populations, facilitate safe migrations, and reduce vehicle collisions.
By exploring and advocating for well-planned alternative routes, we can alleviate congestion, enhance safety, and protect wildlife corridors.
Get involved today! Together, we can create solutions that benefit travelers and protect Idaho’s wildlife.