Help us pass the Wildlife Crossings Investment Act!
Did you know that Oregon has the highest likelihood of wildlife-vehicle collisions among West Coast states? In 2019, the state Oregon Department of Transportation recorded 6,100 such collisions, with many more likely going unreported.
“Wildlife crossings” are road crossing structures that provide safe passage for wildlife, like highway underpasses and overpasses. And they’re incredibly effective. Wildlife crossings in Central Oregon reduce the wildlife-vehicle collisions that are a major source of mule deer and other animal mortality that result in injury, property damage, and loss of life. The three recently completed underpasses for wildlife below Highway 97 south of Bend have decreased these collisions on that stretch of road by around 90%.
Right now, there is a bill that could support wildlife crossings across Oregon.
What does the bill do?
House Bill 4130, called the “Wildlife Crossing Investment Act,” appropriates funding from the Oregon Department of Transportation for wildlife corridor projects across the state. We strongly support this bill and submitted testimony earlier this month.
This bill recently passed the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources with a unanimous (10 - 0) vote in favor. The bill also has bipartisan sponsors and support in the House and Senate. That means, if it gets to the floor for a vote, it’s likely to pass!
But we need to get it there, and time is running out. This bill is sitting in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means for budget considerations. This committee has a lot on its plate and is deciding what to prioritize next.
Take Action
We need your help to get the Wildlife Crossings Investment Act over the finish line! Can you help us? By sending this quick email to the committee, you can let them know Central Oregonians see this bill as a priority.
Do you have an extra minute to write your own email?
Personalized emails to our elected representatives can make a huge difference during the legislative session. If you have a few minutes to craft your own email, here are a few resources to help you get started.
Check out this fact sheet on the efficacy of Wildlife Crossings.
Send your email to the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, including:
Rep.TawnaSanchez@oregonlegislature.gov, Sen.ElizabethSteinerHayward@oregonlegislature.gov, Sen.FredGirod@oregonlegislature.gov, Rep.DavidGomberg@oregonlegislature.gov, rep.gregsmith@oregonlegislature.gov, sen.kathleentaylor@oregonlegislature.gov, Rep.JeffReardon@oregonlegislature.gov
Thank you for taking action! The public process is so important in these major decisions that affect Oregon’s wildlife and our wellbeing.
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