Located at the transition zone between the Sierras to the West and desert landscapes to the East, Highway 395 sits amongst a network of invisible, but established, migration routes for mule deer, pronghorn, and elk. Increasing development and traffic on roadways threaten to sever these corridors, resulting in an increase in wildlife conflict and collisions with vehicles.
Wildlands Network, in coordination with CDFW and Caltrans, contracted with co-principals Tanya Diamond and Ahiga Sandoval of Pathways for Wildlife, to conduct a yearlong camera study of the section of Hwy 395 extending from Reno, NV to Susanville, CA. The study seeks to identify where animals cross the highway and areas of highest connectivity concern. Supported by a range of non-governmental organizations, tribes, community members, California and Nevada state agencies, and federal government agencies, project partners are collaborating to connect landscapes through identifying appropriate road enhancements, restoring and conserving habitats in winter range and migration corridors, and securing public and private grant funding to implement wildlife passage features.
Join Wildlands Network, Caltrans, and Pathways for Wildlife to learn how project partners are connecting landscapes and working to make Highway 395 safer for motorists and wildlife.