California is embarking on a bold new initiative to reconnect its fragmented landscapes and protect its rich biodiversity. The
California Wildlife Reconnected
initiative, launched in August 2024, aims to expand the success of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, a landmark project under construction that will become the world’s largest wildlife crossing when completed in 2026.This initiative, a collaborative effort spearheaded by Governor Gavin Newsom, the California Natural Resources Agency, Caltrans, The Wildlife Crossing Fund, and the National Wildlife Federation, aims to bridge the gaps that have long divided California’s wildlife habitats. Roads and other infrastructure often act as barriers, isolating populations and hindering natural movement patterns.
The initiative has already gained significant momentum. A road trip, Wildlife Crossings Across America, kicked off in August 2024 and is traveling across California, covering nearly 2,000 miles and including over two dozen stops. The tour is highlighting existing and proposed wildlife crossing projects, engaging with local communities and organizations, and raising awareness about the importance of wildlife connectivity.
“California’s unmatched natural beauty and biodiversity are at the heart of who we are as a state,” said Governor Newsom. “With the launch of California Wildlife Reconnected, we’re taking bold steps to bridge the gaps that have long divided our landscapes.” He emphasized the vital role of wildlife crossings in achieving California’s 30×30 commitment to conserve 30 percent of the state’s lands and coastal waters by 2030.
California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot highlighted the win-win nature of wildlife crossings, stating, “They reduce traffic accidents and enable animals to move safely across their habitat. As climate change stresses our ecosystems, habitat connectivity has never been more important.”
Caltrans Director Tony Tavares emphasized the agency’s commitment to striking a balance between transportation needs and wildlife conservation. “The state highway connects us to various natural phenomena, such as the Sierra Nevada, the high desert, the coastal redwoods, and the Pacific Ocean,” he said. “However, it can also create barriers for native species that live within those same places.” He highlighted Caltrans’ existing efforts to create wildlife under-crossings and over-structures and their dedication to researching and improving passageways for animals throughout the state.
The initiative enjoys broad support from a diverse group of organizations, including ARC Solutions, The Nature Conservancy, Planning and Conservation League, Rock Design Associates, Wildlife Conservation Network, Wildlands Network, Fearless Advocacy, and Pathways for Wildlife.
The Wildlife Crossing Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising $500 million for wildlife crossings and connectivity projects, is playing a critical role in securing financial support for California Wildlife Reconnected. Philanthropist Wallis Annenberg has pledged a $10 million matching grant, with $2.2 million already raised from Joan Randall, the Donald Slavik Family Foundation, and the Wildlife Conservation Network.
The road trip team is led by Beth Pratt, California Regional Executive Director for the National Wildlife Federation and founder of The Wildlife Crossing Fund, and includes wildlife photojournalist and National Geographic Explorer Steve Winter, environmental journalist and author Sharon Guynup, and ARC’s Renee Callahan and Marta Brocki.
The tour is showcasing a range of projects, from those focused on protecting the endangered monarch butterfly to those addressing threatened mule deer migration routes and reducing the number of newts killed on San Jose roadways.
The first stage of the Wildlife Crossings Across America tour took place in September 2023, highlighting the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing and connectivity projects in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, New Orleans, and Florida. The tour will culminate at the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in Agoura Hills, a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in advancing connectivity projects.
With the launch of California Wildlife Reconnected, the state has taken a significant step towards ensuring the long-term health and resilience of its ecosystems, demonstrating its commitment to conserving its natural heritage for future generations.
