THE SOURCE A S E M I - A N N U A L D O N O R U P D A T E S H O W C A S I N G H O W Y O U R G I F T S M A K E A D I F F E R E N C E | J U LY 2 0 2 2
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An overview of two historic moments during the 150th anniversary year of Yellowstone National Park.
CREATING SAFE PASSAGE FOR WILDLIFE IN WYOMING PHOTO: JOSH METTEN
Greater Yellowstone’s vast array of wildlife is something most of us find extraordinary, whether you live here or are a visitor. GYC is working to ensure animals such as elk, mule deer, pronghorn, bears, moose, and more are able to safely move across the landscape when traveling to and from seasonal ranges or simply in search of food or shelter. For decades, GYC has helped wildlife get to where they need to go by limiting barriers such as roads, fences, subdivisions, and other human developments. This work is necessary to sustain the region’s wildlife, yet data shows that highways in particular can threaten the viability of a herd. According to Wyoming Game and Fish, more than 6,000 ungulates die each year from collisions with vehicles on the state’s
highways and interstates. Luckily, there is a solution. Wildlife crossings create safe passage for animals and maintain migration corridors throughout Greater Yellowstone. These structures are proven to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions by up to 90 percent by funneling animals near their natural migration paths to a place where they can travel below or above roadways. Currently, Wyoming is leading the way with structures already built in Pinedale and Jackson. Now, ground has broken south of Grand Teton National Park on another exciting project between La Barge and Big Piney. On May 10, 2022, GYC joined the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) for a
PROTECTING THE WILD HEART OF NORTH AMERICA
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groundbreaking ceremony in celebration of the commencement of the Dry Piney Connectivity Project. The project is designed to reduce collisions on U.S. Highway 189 and will result in nine underpasses and associated wildlife funnel-fencing along a 19-mile stretch of roadway. GYC assisted in securing $18 million for the project by helping WYDOT win a $14.5 million BUILD grant and raising another $400,000 in funding through the Knobloch, Volgeneau, and National Fish and Wildlife Foundations. The project is scheduled to be completed by October 31, 2023. This effort illustrates the power of bringing people together who care about this region to raise the critical funds needed to sustain the region’s remarkable wildlife.
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