GOOD NEWS FOR CREATURES CROSSING ROADS

In November of 2021, the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill was passed. Of the many sections of the bill, there is one that is of great interest to Earth Stewards. This is the set aside of $350 million for the construction of animal crossings in different parts of the United States. This is a five- year plan that encourages state agencies, native tribes and others to put forth competitive plans for constructing animal crossings within their state. Although it sounds very large, this funding must cover more than 4 million miles of road networks in the US. What are these crossings and why are they needed?

Ecologists have long worried about creatures who were affected by roads and highways that have cutoff migration routes and grazing opportunities or deprived creatures of space to move around and find mates. Some states more than others have built bridges over roads, tunnels under roads or fences along roads directing “animal traffic”. In 2018, there were no more than 1000 of these animal crossings in the whole country. Now, thanks to the newly passed bill, there will be more animal crossings created. Besides more territory, animals will have less inbreeding and ability to move in case of fires, floods and droughts. Humans will also be protected by these animal crossings. Collisions with animals can be costly for both animals and humans. It is estimated that it costs more than $8 billion every year in dealing with these preventable accidents--let alone the costs to families in suffering and loss and in the reduction of species of animals. It appears that the states will need to step up and maintain these animal crossings after being built. These crossings need to be built to resemble “safety” to animals. This means that the animal crossings need to be sturdy, have the look and feel of the natural world of grass, boulders, shrubs, etc. Such an area will need monitoring and some maintenance to remain open and usable--even if they look wild.

Thus, conservation agencies must keep an eye on the continued safety of these animal crossings. The US has some catching up to do. For instance, the Netherlands has over 600 animal crossings for only 80,000 miles of roads. Of course, providing a safe crossing to unsafe or poor habitats does little to help protect the healthy ecology of the creatures we want to protect. It is hoped that states will coordinate habitat conservancy along with the building of these crossings. These new animal crossings are a big step in the right direction.

EARTH STEWARD ACTION: Look around your area. Do you see places where animal crossings might help? Write your congressperson concerning your thoughts.

SOURCES: www.msn.com/en-us/news/infrastructure-bill-aims-to-cut-vehicle-animal-collisions-wth-350-million-for-wildlife-bridges , https://www,vox.com/down-to-earth-2021/11/12/22774958/animal-wildlife-crossings-bridges-infrastructure