Advocates Hail Oregon Legislation Promoting Road Safety Measures
🌲 Hey there! Here's some fantastic news for lovers of wildlife and safe roads alike. The Oregon legislature recently passed HB 2978, a bill designed to improve public safety and boost conservation efforts by focusing on wildlife crossings. These overpasses and underpasses have been proven to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions by up to 90%! ⚡🦌
"HB 2978 is a fantastic step towards creating a safer future for both humans and Oregon's wildlife," says Colin Reynolds, senior advisor to Defenders of Wildlife's Northwest program. "By prioritizing these crossings, we're not just reducing accidents, we're reconnecting habitats and ensuring the survival of our diverse wild species."
So, what does HB 2978 do, exactly? It enhances the Oregon Department of Transportation's (ODOT) wildlife-vehicle collision program and boosts collaboration with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. This collaborative approach will make our highways safer for everyone, from elk and deer to the numerous other species who call Oregon home. 🐙🐍
This bill continues the state's legacy of investing in wildlife crossing projects. It provides updated guidelines for incorporating these crossings into highway design, creates a training program, and even identifies priority project areas. It also establishes a special advisory group to bolster collaboration between ODOT, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and key stakeholders. 🤝🌲
Speaking of priority project areas, some structures have already proven their worth. Take the Lava Butte underpass near Bend, for example, which reduced wildlife-vehicle collisions by an astounding 85%! And here's the best part – each crossing yields annual benefits ranging from $250,000 to $443,000 per structure! 💰🐯
Now, while HB 2978 makes the construction of these life-saving crossings easier, it doesn't provide the necessary funding yet. That's where Oregonians step in, urging their state legislature to allocate annual funds through the transportation package. 🗳️🚗
With HB 2978 now on Governor Tina Kotek's desk, we're one step closer to an Oregon where humans and wildlife safely coexist. So, let's applaud Oregon for taking this action, and keep pushing for even more conservation! 👏🏆
Oh, by the way, did you know that Defenders of Wildlife has been preserving native animals and plants in their natural communities for over 75 years? With almost 2.1 million members, they're leading advocates for innovative solutions to ensure wildlife thrives for future generations. Check out their website or follow them on social media to join the cause! 🌱🐾👋
- Scientists and industry experts applaud HB 2978, recognizing its potential to revolutionize environmental-science research by reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions, thus providing a safer environment for both humans and wildlife.
- With benefits ranging from improved public safety to economic advantages in finance, transportation, and conservation, HB 2978 offers a promising model for other states to emulate, advocating for a future where humans and wildlife can coexist harmoniously.
