A Commitment to Safe Passages
The WYldlife Fund Announces $25,000 Gift To Kaycee-Buffalo Wildlife Crossing Project.
New fund stands beside Game and Fish Commission to prioritize safe passages.
The WYldlife Fund has enthusiastically pledged $25,000 towards the I-25 Kaycee to Buffalo wildlife crossing project. Wildlife-vehicle collisions are common, especially with deer, elk, antelope, and moose and are an increasing trend over the last several decades in North America.
In announcing this gift, The WYldlife Fund President Mike Schmid expressed the Fund’s commitment to supporting Wyoming’s wildlife and promoting safety on roadways for all drivers.
“Wildlife crossings are an effective way to make a positive and direct impact on our wildlife across Wyoming,” Schmid said.
Statewide, over 6,000 animals like deer, pronghorn, elk, moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goats die each year from collisions. This number may even be larger due to underreported crashes.
“The funding toward wildlife crossings from Kaycee to Buffalo will save wildlife and make our roadways safer for all drivers. We know 15% of all Wyoming crashes are with wildlife and that there is an average cost of $11,600 in injury and property damage per collision,” Schmid said.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Commission have championed and created strategic partnerships to reduce collisions and keep wildlife and drivers on the go.
“The WYldlife Fund is the first of our many partners to step-up and answer the Commission’s newest challenge to reach our funding goal,” said Brian Nesvik, Wyoming Game and Fish Department director.
The I-25 Kaycee to Buffalo Project, mileposts 255-270, boasts the second highest rate of collisions with deer on a Wyoming interstate. The interstate currently limits the safe movement of mule deer seeking additional habitat. This shovel-ready project will utilize exclusionary fencing to funnel wildlife to six existing crossing structures, such as underpasses, bridges and culverts. This project will also add deer ramps, gates, and cattle guards, as needed. The total project cost is estimated to be $2 million.
The WYldlife Fund is a 501c3 who unites peoples to advance Wyoming wildlife habitat, research, and education. The newly established Fund is a home for all lovers of wildlife and exists to inject funds on the ground to advance critical wildlife projects.
