There are 1,000 animal vehicle collisions (AVCs) a year in the Deschutes County area on state highways and feeder roads that bisect ancient migratory routes for mule deer and for other wildlife. At an average cost of $6500 per collision, total costs to the public total $6,500,000 yearly when there are no human fatalities or litigation. The most effective solutions are wildlife crossings that reduce AVCs by 80-90 per cent, thus paying for themselves. Incorporating crossings and other enhancement measures in transportation construction projects is accepted practice. Most western states have dozens of crossings and are constructing more. They make transportation routes safer for humans and for wildlife, they protect the environment, and they save taxpayers millions of dollars a year.
We, the undersigned, respectfully ask the Oregon Department of Transportation to make habitat connectivity for wildlife a priority in all maintenance and new transportation construction projects.
Updates
November 15, 2018
I have been reading through your comments about the risks on our roads and it is clear that many people feel this same connection to our local wildlife. It is truly humbling to see so many of you speaking up for these animals when I was merely hoping for a few neighbors to take notice.
Reached 100 supporters
November 15, 2018
42 Comments
Wildlife Over passes exist and are effective in Utah, Canada and locations where their effectiveness is proven. The cost is worth every penny spent. We are "on board".......give critters a way to navigate the human traffic corridors.
Wildlife crossings can save human lives and protect wildlife populations. They make good sense, and they ought to be a part of any road planning through areas populated with terrestrial wildlife species.
Too many deer (and elk) have been killed on Highway 97. The Maury unit has lost over 50% of its mule deer in the last 50 years. With ever more traffic on hwy 97 a couple of wildlife crossings near Sunriver and Chemult are an absolute necessity if we do not want to see mule deer on the Endangered Species list in Central Oregon
Super important. For safety of animals AND humans. How many car wrecks have been caused from hitting or trying to avoid hitting an animal on the road? Roads bisect their paths to water, food and shelter. Its the least we can do as decent beings to respect their needs.
This simply makes sense. The initial cost would be saved tenfold in fewer crashes each year. Please consider this a priority!
Please prioritize wildlife connectivity and planning in future projects. Prioritize safe crossings in known hot spots. ODOT should budget for wildlife connectivity and safety.
As Deschutes county grows, it's vital to make sure people watch out for wildlife by slowing down in migration areas and visible warning signs.
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There are 1,000 animal vehicle collisions (AVCs) a year in the Deschutes County area on state highways and feeder roads that bisect ancient migratory routes for mule deer and for other wildlife. At an average cost of $6500 per collision, total costs to the public total $6,500,000 yearly when there are no human fatalities or litigation. The most effective solutions are wildlife crossings that reduce AVCs by 80-90 per cent, thus paying for themselves. Incorporating crossings and other enhancement measures in transportation construction projects is accepted practice. Most western states have dozens of crossings and are constructing more. They make transportation routes safer for humans and for wildlife, they protect the environment, and they save taxpayers millions of dollars a year.
We, the undersigned, respectfully ask the Oregon Department of Transportation to make habitat connectivity for wildlife a priority in all maintenance and new transportation construction projects.
Updates
November 15, 2018
I have been reading through your comments about the risks on our roads and it is clear that many people feel this same connection to our local wildlife. It is truly humbling to see so many of you speaking up for these animals when I was merely hoping for a few neighbors to take notice.
Reached 100 supporters
November 15, 2018
42 Comments
We need to do what is necessary to enhance biodiversity, and since fragmentation of wildlife habitat is one of the major causes of species extinction, it is vitally important to provide wildlife corridors for all species. Roads are essentially "rivers of death" and so we need to support and develop ways to allow wildlife to "cross the river" safely!
Wildlife Over passes exist and are effective in Utah, Canada and locations where their effectiveness is proven. The cost is worth every penny spent. We are "on board".......give critters a way to navigate the human traffic corridors.
Wildlife crossings can save human lives and protect wildlife populations. They make good sense, and they ought to be a part of any road planning through areas populated with terrestrial wildlife species.
Too many deer (and elk) have been killed on Highway 97. The Maury unit has lost over 50% of its mule deer in the last 50 years. With ever more traffic on hwy 97 a couple of wildlife crossings near Sunriver and Chemult are an absolute necessity if we do not want to see mule deer on the Endangered Species list in Central Oregon
Super important. For safety of animals AND humans. How many car wrecks have been caused from hitting or trying to avoid hitting an animal on the road? Roads bisect their paths to water, food and shelter. Its the least we can do as decent beings to respect their needs.
This simply makes sense. The initial cost would be saved tenfold in fewer crashes each year. Please consider this a priority!
Please prioritize wildlife connectivity and planning in future projects. Prioritize safe crossings in known hot spots. ODOT should budget for wildlife connectivity and safety.
As Deschutes county grows, it's vital to make sure people watch out for wildlife by slowing down in migration areas and visible warning signs.
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We need to do what is necessary to enhance biodiversity, and since fragmentation of wildlife habitat is one of the major causes of species extinction, it is vitally important to provide wildlife corridors for all species. Roads are essentially "rivers of death" and so we need to support and develop ways to allow wildlife to "cross the river" safely!