The funding is made possible by a new program in the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and can support projects that construct wildlife crossings over and below busy roads, add fencing, acquire tracking and mapping tools, and more.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation received a $840,000 grant to develop a comprehensive statewide strategic plan to address the wide-ranging challenges and opportunities associated with the safe management and stewardship for wildlife crossings across the state.
The project will involve PennDOT, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Game Commission and others.
Click Here for the complete announcement.
Wildlife Corridor Study
On May 23, the House voted 129 to 72 to adopt the bipartisan House Resolution 87 (Dailey-D- Montgomery; Ortitay-R-Allegheny) to help protect Pennsylvania’s critical animal habitats and determine the location of wildlife corridors.
The Resolution requires the report to be completed within the next 18 months.
“From the Poconos to the Ohio River Valley, Pennsylvania is a natural wonderland for a diverse array of native wildlife species,” said Stephanie Wein, clean water & conservation advocate at PennEnvironment. “HR87 will help ensure that — from the monarch butterfly to elk and from black bear to our state bird, the ruffed grouse — these incredible animals can call Pennsylvania home, now and for future generations.”
“Wildlife corridors” is a broad term for a number of different strategies utilized to allow animals to safely move between habitats fragmented by infrastructure development. Wildlife corridors keep animal populations healthy by giving them more hunting, foraging, migration and mating options.
“Pennsylvania is home to a wonderful diversity of plants, trees and wildlife. HR 87 will help us look at how we can preserve that, as well as enhance our thriving outdoor recreation industry and provide for safer travel for people and animals around the Commonwealth,” said Rep. Daley.
The resolution will also help to identify key areas where Pennsylvania should construct wildlife crossings.
Every year, Pennsylvania is among the five worst states nationwide for wildlife-vehicle collisions: 166,000 animal collision claims were filed in Pennsylvania from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021.
Building wildlife crossings, including underpasses and over passes, will save people as well as animals.
NewsClips:
-- PittsburghUnionProgress.com: PA Gets $840,000 Federal Grant To Reduce Animal-Vehicle Crashes
-- PA Capital-Star: PA To Receive Grant Funding For Development Of Wildlife Corridors Plan
[Posted: December 6, 2023] PA Environment Digest
No comments :
Post a Comment