The creation of a wildlife crossing over U.S. Highway 160 is a reminder of just how much Colorado is committed to protecting both signature migratory animals and drivers.
This falls in line with Gov. Jared Polis’ new Big Game Policy Report, which was released this fall and focuses heavily on wildlife corridors. “Coexistence with wildlife is not just a matter of public safety,” the governor said, “it’s also a moral issue, as stewards of Colorado.”
What’s gratifying is that these projects work. In 2016, the Highway 9 Project between Silverthorne and Kremling led to a 90% reduction in animal-vehicle collisions. This project, which created safe passage for not only mule deer, but also moose, bear, bighorn sheep and mountain lions, displayed the effectiveness of these solutions, and served as an example for both the rest of Colorado and the western United States.
This Highway 160 project is the next project that will lead to the connection of migratory animals and disparate populations. I look forward to its completion, along with further projects in Southwest Colorado.
Mitchell Ukropina
Denver
