HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania officials are launching a multi-agency effort to identify wildlife corridors across the state, a step aimed at reducing dangerous animal-vehicle collisions and improving habitat connectivity for wildlife.
What This Means for You
- State agencies will work together to identify key wildlife corridors across Pennsylvania.
- Wildlife crossings could help reduce collisions between animals and vehicles.
- The effort stems from a bipartisan legislative directive to study habitat fragmentation.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced Monday that it will convene an interagency working group to identify priority wildlife corridors throughout the Commonwealth.
Wildlife corridors are routes that allow animals to safely move across roads, rail lines, and other infrastructure to reach food sources, migrate, or find mates. These corridors often include wildlife crossings—structures such as bridges, tunnels, or specially designed culverts that allow animals to cross roads safely.
Officials say these measures can help prevent collisions between vehicles and wildlife, a frequent safety concern for drivers. Pennsylvania ranks among the states with the highest rates of wildlife-vehicle accidents.
State Agencies to Coordinate Plan
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said the new working group will bring together several state agencies to develop a statewide habitat connectivity plan.
The effort will include collaboration among the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, along with local governments and private landowners.
The goal is to identify areas where roads and development have fragmented wildlife habitat and determine where crossings or other infrastructure could improve connectivity.
Officials say the plan will consider a wide range of species, including large mammals as well as aquatic wildlife.
For example, fish, turtles, and amphibians can benefit from culvert-style crossings—structures placed under roadways that allow water and animals to pass through while maintaining stream flow.
Legislative Study Prompted Effort
The working group stems from bipartisan House Resolution 87, adopted in 2023, which directed the state to study how to address habitat fragmentation and wildlife-vehicle collisions.
The study’s findings were released in 2024 and recommended that multiple agencies coordinate efforts to address the issue statewide.
Secretary Dunn said the initiative will take a broad ecosystem approach when identifying priority areas.
Conservation Groups Respond
Several conservation organizations welcomed the announcement.
Stephanie Wein, clean water and conservation advocate for the PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center, said a statewide wildlife corridor strategy could improve safety for drivers while protecting native species.
“Not only will a statewide plan help reduce dangerous, costly animal-vehicle collisions, it will help improve habitat for vulnerable and declining species, reconnect our waterways, and improve the health of ecosystems across the commonwealth,” Wein said.
Amy Wolfe, Northeast regional director for Trout Unlimited, said reconnecting streams can also improve watershed health.
“Trout and other stream critters need room to roam for feeding, spawning, seeking thermal refuge, and ensuring genetic diversity,” Wolfe said, noting that replacing undersized culverts can also help communities manage flood risks.
Jim Kauffman, Pennsylvania field representative for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, said identifying wildlife corridors can help address barriers created by roads and development.
“Habitat connectivity is imperative, and implementing practices that facilitate movement throughout our increasingly urbanized landscape will be incredibly valuable,” Kauffman said.
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