While many wouldn’t think of Los Angeles’ US-101 freeway and associate wild life, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) can’t think of anything but. The eight-lane freeway presents a barrier for mammals indigenous to the Santa Monica Mountains, including mountain lions and bobcats, restricting the space in which they have to hunt and breed. The restricted space has lead to territorial fighting and significant inbreeding, putting the species at risk. Those animals who attempt to migrate are put in peril; since 2002, twelve mountain lions have been struck and killed by vehicles.
In response, the MRCA has announced a groundbreaking proposal prepared by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to evaluate and plan a dedicated wildlife passage across US-101 near Liberty Canyon Road in the City of Agoura Hills. The Project Study Report (PSR)—made possible through a grant from the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (SMMC)—is the the first step in constructing a safe and effective wildlife passage over the freeway.
The proposed project will be the largest wildlife overpass in the U.S., consisting of a 165-foot wide by 200-foot long bridge across the freeway with retaining walls on either end. Noise barriers will make crossing more effective by reducing traffic noise and vehicle light. Native, drought-tolerant vegetation which resembles the natural habitat will landscape the span of the bridge, enticing wildlife.
The release of the PSR is the first step in evaluating and designing the bridge. The second stage will consist of Caltrans preparing an environmental document—toward which the State Coastal Conservancy has already granted $1 million towards—and seeking out public input on the project.
“For over a decade, we have been working towards the goal of creating this wildlife passage in the Santa Monica Mountains,” said California State Assemblymember Richard Bloom. “Now, through a PSR that presents a viable, scientifically valid wildlife overcrossing, that goal is within sight. Public support has never been stronger; the ecological need has never been greater.”
The second phase of the study is expected to run through 2017 with the final project costing $4 million. The National Wildlife Federation and the Santa Monica Mountains Fund have established a fundraising initiative at www.savelacougars.org for engineering and construction expenses.
