Wildlife Connectivity Report Reveals California’s Bold Approach to Reconnect Animal Habitats Along State Highway System

Published: Oct 07, 2024

District: Headquarters
Contact: Edward Barrera

Caltrans & Department of Fish and Wildlife Working Together to Alleviate Migration Barriers for California Wildlife

Sacramento - Wildlife making their habitat in the Golden State's biodiverse environment are getting a helping hand from Caltrans and the Calfornia Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). California is implementing a strategy to address wildlife connectivity barriers across the state's vast transportation network. The effort aligns with Governor Gavin Newsom's vision to lead the world in protecting and restoring biodiversity.

"Caltrans is seeking opportunities to better integrate our highway system with the State's diverse natural environment. Commitment to this effort honors our goal to provide a world class transportation system that serves all people and respects the environment."

Caltrans Director Tony Tavares.

Caltrans developed the Wildlife Connectivity Report, which identified more than 140 locations across the state with opportunities to improve wildlife connectivity. Species such as the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog, the desert big horn sheep and the San Joaquin kit fox are often barred or restricted from their natural migration patterns because roads and fences interrupt their surroundings.

"Habitat connectivity is one of the most critical issues we're confronting in the 21st century to maintain California's biodiversity and healthy fish and wildlife populations,. We have to find ways for fish and wildlife to move safely across the landscape - to prevent inbreeding and increase genetic diversity, to escape poor habitat burned by wildfire or parched by a warming climate, to prevent vehicle collisions on busy roadways. That's why we are excited to partner with Caltrans to help provide solutions and create the opportunity for wildlife to move safely."

CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham.

Numerous proposed projects are designed to remediate fish and wildlife barriers and help approximately 180 native, endangered or threatened animal species to move more freely and have better access to their natural habitats. Caltrans is looking to construct dozens of migration corridors adjacent to state highways and interstates. They include a new bridge overcrossing along State Route 97 in Siskiyou County, a new bridge on Interstate 15 in San Bernadino County and an enlarged culvert underneath Interstate 10 in Los Angeles County. The highly touted Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over U.S. 101 in Southern California is expected to be completed in 2026.

For more information on the state's efforts to improve wildlife connectivity, view the Fish and Wildlife Connectivity page or visit the Terrestrial Habitat Connectivity page.