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 5
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A Win for Wildlife and Safer Roads Montana has long been defined by its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and open roads that connect us not just geographically, but culturally. But these values don’t just sustain themselves. They need help from us. The Montana Legislature and Governor Greg Gianforte recently made important investments toward keeping people safe and wildlife alive on Montana roads. House Bills (HB) 855 and 932 reaffirm Montana’s commitment to responsible stewardship of the state’s natural heritage while also prioritizing the safety of drivers on roads that crisscross the state. Passing these important bills is more than good governance—it’s common sense backed by data, local input, and the kind of long-term vision Montana needs. The average Montanan faces a 1-in-53
chance of hitting an animal each year, and from 2008 to 2020, more than 29,000 large-animal collisions cost the state an estimated $212 million annually. HB 855 lays the groundwork for smart investments in wildlife crossing infrastructure. The law establishes the Fish, Wildlife & Parks Wildlife Highway Crossings and Accommodations Account, a stand-alone fund to build wildlife crossings and a new state license plate that could generate $160,000 annually. From underpasses and overpasses to strategic fencing and signage, these tools are proven to significantly reduce wildlifevehicle collisions. HB 932 complements this effort by setting aside a share of marijuana tax revenue to support habitat and water conservation efforts, wildlife connectivity,
PROTECTING THE WILD HEART OF NORTH AMERICA
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and wildlife crossing projects across Montana. These laws strike a balance honoring Montana’s wild legacy while ensuring practical benefits for today’s residents, visitors, and future generations. Let this moment be a model of what’s possible when sound science, love for wildlife, and public safety come together. HB 855 and HB 932 are investments not just in infrastructure, but in keeping Montana a beacon of natural wonder. Together, these two bills create a powerful blueprint for making roads safer and more resilient while keeping Greater Yellowstone’s wildlife movement and migration corridors intact. Thank you for supporting these important conservation efforts! Supporters like you help make these wins possible.
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