Oregon’s Wildlife Crossings Investment Act Could Make Humans and Wildlife Safer

Pew expresses support for funding bill to reduce roadway collisions

Speeches and Testimony Read time:
Projects: U.S. Public Lands and Rivers Conservation
Oregon's Act Could Make Humans and Wildlife Safer

On Feb. 2, 2022, The Pew Charitable Trusts submitted a statement in support of H.B. 4130-1, the Wildlife Crossings Investment Act, which is before the Oregon State Legislature. The bill would allocate $7 million to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to build wildlife roadway crossings. In 2019, ODOT recorded over 6,100 wildlife-vehicle collisions across the state, resulting in a loss of lives and money. 

In its comments, Pew noted that reducing these collisions would make Oregon’s roads safer for people and animals—a win for motorists, wildlife, and local communities.

A pair of elk crossing the Elkhorn Scenic Byway in Baker County, Oregon.
A pair of elk crossing the Elkhorn Scenic Byway in Baker County, Oregon.
Speeches & Testimony December 7, 2021

Oregon Should Use Federal Funds for Wildlife Crossings

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A pair of elk crossing the Elkhorn Scenic Byway in Baker County, Oregon.
Speeches & Testimony December 7, 2021

On Dec. 7, 2021, an expert from The Pew Charitable Trusts testified before the Oregon Transportation Commission and Department of Transportation on how the state should use the $1.2 billion in federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds allocated for Oregon’s transportation system.

Wildlife
Wildlife
Article October 15, 2020

Efforts to Help Wildlife Cross a Highway Are Working

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Wildlife
Article October 15, 2020

U.S. Highway 97 runs for nearly 670 miles through national forests, lava fields, and farmed valleys. The land is prime habitat for myriad species, including elk, mule deer, and pronghorn, that migrate between their summer and winter homes. That means that twice a year, hundreds of thousands of animals cross the busy road to reach their seasonal ranges.

Downloads Oregon’s Wildlife Crossings Investment Act Could Make Humans and Wildlife Safer (PDF)
Speeches and Testimony
Projects: U.S. Public Lands and Rivers Conservation
Topics: Infrastructure, Land Conservation & U.S. State Policy
Experts: Matt Skroch
Places: Oregon
Downloads Oregon’s Wildlife Crossings Investment Act Could Make Humans and Wildlife Safer (PDF)
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Matt Skroch
Matt Skroch Project Director
U.S. Conservation
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New Infrastructure Law is a Win for Drivers and Wildlife

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