California is taking bold steps to reconnect its wildlife habitats and protect its biodiversity through a new initiative called
California Wildlife Reconnected
. This public-private partnership, launched by Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Natural Resources Agency, aims to build more wildlife crossings across the state, effectively bridging the gaps that have long fragmented landscapes.The initiative draws inspiration from the transformative success of the
Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing
, a groundbreaking project that broke ground in 2022 and is set to be the world’s largest wildlife crossing upon completion in 2026. This project demonstrated the potential of public-private partnerships to bring connectivity infrastructure projects to fruition.California Wildlife Reconnected seeks to scale this model to create a network of wildlife crossings, facilitating safe animal movement across the state. The initiative is supported by a diverse coalition of partners including Caltrans, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Wildlife Crossing Fund. These partners are committed to securing funding and leveraging public conservation dollars to make this vision a reality.
The initiative emphasizes the significance of wildlife crossings as essential for protecting California’s rich biodiversity. As climate change intensifies, habitat connectivity becomes increasingly vital for the survival of various species. Wildlife crossings not only protect animals from vehicle collisions but also play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
To raise awareness and promote the initiative, the National Wildlife Federation’s #SaveLACougars Campaign, Big Cat Voices, ARC Solutions, and The Wildlife Crossing Fund embarked on a second stage of their Wildlife Crossings Across America tour, spanning over 2,000 miles across California. This tour highlights the need for wildlife crossings and promotes the importance of connectivity projects nationwide.
The tour kicked off on August 19th, 2024, at the California and Nevada border with a visit to a proposed wildlife crossing along Highway 395 near Honey Lake. The team will travel across California, making stops at various connectivity projects and engaging with local communities. The tour will culminate at the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, showcasing the project’s progress and its role as a model for future wildlife crossings.
A collaborative effort to protect California’s wildlife:
The California Wildlife Reconnected initiative brings together a diverse group of experts, including NGOs, practitioners, and agencies. This collaborative approach is key to achieving the ambitious goals of the initiative, fostering a shared commitment to protecting California’s wildlife.
Philanthropic support fuels the initiative:
The Wildlife Crossing Fund, a non-profit dedicated to raising funds for wildlife crossings and connectivity projects, plays a crucial role in securing financial support for California Wildlife Reconnected. The fund has secured a $10 million matching grant from Wallis Annenberg, and additional investments from Joan Randall, the Donald Slavik Family Foundation, and the Wildlife Conservation Network are helping to bridge the funding gap.
The road ahead:
California Wildlife Reconnected represents a significant step towards ensuring the long-term survival of California’s wildlife. The initiative’s focus on public-private partnerships, collaborative efforts, and strong financial backing signals a commitment to building a brighter future for wildlife and people. The journey to reconnect California’s wildlife is ongoing, and with continued support, the initiative has the potential to transform how we manage our landscapes and protect the rich biodiversity that calls California home.
