HOT CROSS FUNDS

This year, CalTrans announced it has moved into the Project Approval and Environmental Document (PA & ED) phase of the proposed Mammoth Lakes Wildlife Crossing Project. The project aims to construct multiple wildlife crossings on Highway 395 in Mono County. The price tag: A whopping $65 million.

In 2020, CalTrans successfully obtained a $3.17 million grant from the Wildlife Conservation Board to advance the project, and beginning in March 2023, began fieldwork engaging in public outreach, finalization of the environmental documents, and completion of the project report.

According to the Eastern Sierra Land Trust, between 2016 and 2019, there were 226 deer-vehicle collisions reported within the approximate 15-mile long project area between Crowley and Mammoth. This stretch has been identified as the worst wildlife-vehicle collision hotspot within Mono County, Inyo County, and Eastern Kern County. Black bears rank second in frequency of animal-vehicle collisions in the region. 

The idea for a crossing structure along U.S. 395 dates back to the late 1950s when fencing was installed to channel deer towards the existing undercrossing linked to Mammoth Creek. However, by 1972, it became evident that these efforts were largely ineffective. In 2016, after years of promotion by local individuals and agencies, CalTrans was able to complete a Feasibility Study Report, leading to the project’s current status.

The Mammoth Lakes Wildlife Crossing Project has five proposed design concepts. The most expansive/expensive of the five proposals would include two overcrossings, two undercrossings, and a fifth crossing either below or above the highway. This option would also enhance an existing undercrossing on the 395, and provide for the installation of 18 miles of wildlife fencing. The total cost of this concept is estimated at $65 million, with no funding secured besides the $3.17 million for the current phase. 

So … how do you raise $65 million? 

Perhaps take a page out of the Agoura Hills playbook, where construction is underway on the $90 million Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing project. 

Planned as the largest animal crossing bridge in the world, the bridge will span the 10 lanes of the 101 freeway to provide mountain lions and other animals connectivity between mountain ranges. 60% of the $90 million is being covered by private donations, with the rest coming from public funds allocated for conservation purposes. The span is named after the foundation which donated $25 million. 

The project is divided in two phases, with the first being set for completion in 2024, and the second in 2025. The most visible aspect of construction currently is the installation of ten massive bridge columns.

I toured the construction last weekend with The Cougar Conservancy, a non-profit working to promote education of the bridge and its construction. It is hard to imagine how construction will affect traffic on the highway in the coming year.

So … if $90 million can be scrounged up for the cougars of Santa Monica, surely $65 million will be no problem for the mule deer of the Eastern Sierra. 

Time to play some Powerball.