Exciting News for North Carolina Wildlife: A $25 Million Investment In Wildlife Crossings and Road Safety
Road Crossings Secure Safe Passage for NC Wildlife
The Federal Highway Administration awarded $25 million to North Carolina for wildlife crossings, making roads safer for wildlife and people. This is the second year funds from the Wildlife Corridor Crossing Pilot Program have been allocated to states, which aims to reduce the over one million wildlife-vehicle collisions that occur annually in the United States. North Carolina received one of the largest project allocations, with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) receiving $25 million in funding specifically for crossing structures and fencing along US-64 through Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.
This project, which will establish multiple crossings and fencing in key areas, will have a profound impact on many wildlife species, most notably endangered Red Wolves, black bears, and white-tailed deer while also protecting drivers from collisions with wildlife on roadways. The planned crossings will connect important wildlife habitats and reduce dangerous collisions on one of the most trafficked highways in the state. Additionally, these efforts will support species on public lands, including the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, where Red Wolves and other at-risk species reside.
North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF) has long advocated for wildlife crossings and road safety measures to protect species like the Red Wolf, and we are thrilled to see this vision becoming a reality. “NCWF hails this news and applauds the collaboration between our state wildlife and transportation agencies and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for seeking creative and needed solutions to protect wildlife and motorists in one of the most unique ecosystems on the east coast,” said Tim Gestwicki, chief executive officer at NCWF. “This is a positive move for ensuring endangered Red Wolf recovery as well as protecting one of the densest black bear populations in the world.”
Funding the US-64 Crossings Project is an essential first step, to be followed by years of planning, collaboration, and efforts to ensure its implementation and efficacy. NCWF has worked diligently alongside partners to reduce wildlife mortality through the use of crossings and fencing, and fully supports the MOU between the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and NCDOT. This project ties together many partnering groups and initiatives, creating safer roads for both wildlife and people through an example of common sense conservation, supported by science.
Written by:
– Bates Whitaker, NCWF Communications & Marketing Manager
– Dr. Liz Rutledge, NCWF VP of Wildlife Resources