Local residents are invited to attend a public presentation regarding a major safety and conservation initiative: the US 395 Wildlife Crossing Project. The event will take place on Thursday, May 21st, at 6:00p.m. at Jensen Hall.
The presentation will provide the community with an in-depth look at plans to build a wildlife crossing near Hallelujah Junction. Speakers for the evening include John Clerici of the Lassen County Transportation Commission and Mari Galloway, California Program Director for the Wildlands Network.
Why a Wildlife Crossing?
Highway 395 is a critical artery for North-South travel, but it also bisects essential migration routes for species that have been in decline for decades. Specifically, the highway cuts through sagebrush habitats to the east and the Sierra Nevada range to the west, creating a hazardous barrier for the Doyle and Loyalton mule deer herds.
Beyond mule deer, the project aims to reconnect habitats for bears, wolves, pronghorn and the gray fox.
Roadways are a leading cause of wildlife mortality and habitat fragmentation. By providing safe passage, these crossings can improve wildlife movement and have been shown to reduce dangerous wildlife-vehicle collisions by up to 100%.
Economic and Safety Benefits
The project isn’t just about conservation; it’s about public safety and fiscal responsibility. Properly designed wildlife crossings can provide net financial benefits that far exceed construction costs by reducing the high price of vehicle repairs, medical expenses, and emergency responses associated with highway collisions.
Project Status and Funding
In August 2023, the Wildlife Conservation Board awarded a $5,375,000 grant to the Lassen County Transportation Office to support the planning and design phases. This success was the result of a collaborative effort between the Lassen County Transportation Commission, Wildlands Network, U.C. Davis Road Ecology Center, and Dudek.
The project team is currently assessing potential sites for their ecological importance and engineering feasibility. According to the project timeline, the US 395 Wildlife Crossing Project is expected to be “shovel-ready” by 2028.
Join the Discussion
Community feedback is a vital part of the planning process. Residents are encouraged to attend the May 21st meeting to learn more about how this project will enhance safety for both motorists and wildlife in Lassen and Sierra Counties.
