Background: Last week, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission met in Dubois, and focused on wildlife conservation and public safety. The Commission approved an additional $500,000 for the “Wind River to Grand Tetons – Connecting Wildlife on the Togwotee Trail Dubois” project on U.S. Highway 26. This funding will be used to construct new wildlife crossings and improve existing ones.
What Are Wildlife Crossings? Wildlife crossings are structures that allow animals to safely cross human-made barriers like highways. They can be overpasses, underpasses, or tunnels, specifically designed to help prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions. These structures are crucial for maintaining habitat connectivity and ensuring the safety of both animals and drivers.
Details of the Project: The Togwotee Trail Dubois project is a collaborative effort involving the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone Tribes and other partners. The project includes the construction of three new underpasses, one overpass, and the improvement of three existing underpasses along U.S. Highway 26. This area is vital for several species, including mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, white-tailed deer, moose, and pronghorn.
Why This Matters: Mule deer, in particular, migrate through Dubois and cross U.S. Highway 26 multiple times. About 5,000 mule deer winter in the Upper Wind River Valley, crossing the highway daily for food and water. Other species such as elk, moose, white-tailed deer, and pronghorn also inhabit the area year-round. Bighorn sheep frequently cross the highway near Red Creek, often seen foraging or licking road salt along the right-of-way.
Impact of the Project: Once completed, the wildlife crossings are expected to significantly reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, particularly with mule deer. Estimates suggest an 80-90% reduction in such incidents, which translates to an average savings of over $800,000 annually in vehicle damage and human injury costs. This project not only protects wildlife but also enhances road safety for drivers.
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