Targhee Pass Reconstruction Plans Could Include Wildlife Protection

Fencing and wildlife underpasses in northwestern Wyoming have proven effective measures to reduce wildlife collisions. This week, the Idaho Transportation Department’s is conducting a public meeting in Island Park in part to discuss the opportunity provided by needed reconstruction of US 20 over Targhee Pass to include measures toreduce wildlife-vehicle collisions there.Targhee Pass straddles the Idaho/Montana state line outside West Yellowstone. At this time, pavement condition there is beyond routine repair and requires reconstruction, as well as upgrades to meet current design safety standards. ITD’s preferred alternative includes options that would also partially support objectives of the State Wildlife Action Plan and recommendations of the Grizzly Bear Conservation Strategy to reduce mortality. Fremont County Commissioners have indicated that they would support animal-detection systems for reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions, while theGreater Yellowstone Coalition would prefer the Wyoming-style overpasses and fencing. The state study will be presented in a public meeting Thursday from 4-7 pm in the Island Park EMS Building,

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