Op-Ed by Caitlin Alyse Baiduc – Humane Action Pennsylvania, Eastern PA Coordinator
According to a 2021 report released by State Farm® (source), Pennsylvania ranks first in the nation for the number of vehicular animal collisions per year, with over 166,000 animal collision claims filed between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021. That equates to, on average, 455 animals per day or 19 animals per hour. While deer comprise the majority of casualties, many other species also fall victim, including raccoons, opossums, rodents, cats, dogs, and even farm animals.
Another jarring statistic sheds further light on just how dangerous PA roads can be – for humans and animals alike. Pennsylvania drivers have a 1 in 54 chance of colliding with an animal while driving, while the national average is 1 in 109 (source).
These deadly human-animal collisions are a byproduct of wildlife habitat loss and rifts in the natural landscape. As Pennsylvania’s human population continues to grow – indeed 2020 census data show a 2.4% population increase (2010-2020) to more than 13,000,000 PA residents – we are putting more pressure on the natural environment.
However, there is hope on the horizon with the passing of PA House Resolution 87: Conservation Corridors (previously introduced as HR74 in 2021-2022). This bipartisan resolution, led by PA Reps Mary Jo Daley and Jason Ortitay, directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) to conduct a study of conservation corridors in Pennsylvania. A conservation corridor is defined as “habitat linkage that joins two or more areas of wildlife habitat, thus encouraging the safe passage of wild animals (including land and aquatic species) and plants from one area to another”. By connecting fragmented habitats, wildlife conservation corridors can play a key role in preserving biodiversity and mitigating the impacts of human activities on wildlife populations.
Habitat fragmentation caused by human activities such as urban development, infrastructure expansion, and agriculture has resulted in isolated pockets of natural areas in Pennsylvania. This fragmentation threatens the survival and well-being of various species, disrupting ecological processes and reducing genetic diversity. Wildlife corridors offer a lifeline for countless species. They enable animals to move between different areas, ensuring access to food, mates, and suitable habitats. By facilitating these movements, wildlife corridors support the natural dispersal of species, preventing genetic isolation and promoting healthier populations.
Wildlife corridors can take a variety of forms: from road over- or under-passes that reduce deadly wildlife-vehicle encounters to “fish ladders” that enable fish to navigate upstream of dammed drivers to woodland strips that connect fragmented woodlands, thus facilitating woodland species’ safe passage. While they may take on different forms, the goal is the same: allow species to roam and migrate more safely and reduce conflict or hazardous encounters between humans and wildlife species.
In keeping with the approach followed by other states, HR87 is an evaluation step, and authorizes the LBFC to evaluate the current status, management, and benefits of conservation corridors in PA. Important to note, the study can be completed with the existing LBFC budget, meaning there is no additional taxpayer burden. Further, the study’s outcome will be non-regulatory – i.e., private landowners will not be required to do anything differently.
Investing in wildlife corridors can yield significant economic and societal benefits. Conservation efforts focused on preserving and restoring habitats attract nature-based tourism, creating jobs, and boosting local economies. Wildlife corridors also enhance the quality of life for residents, providing opportunities for recreational activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife photography. Furthermore, these corridors contribute to improving air and water quality, reducing the risks of flooding, and maintaining natural landscapes that enhance the aesthetics and cultural heritage of the region. The federal government has taken note: in 2022, the bi-partisan hard infrastructure law passed, which included $350 million dedicated to reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions.
With the passing of House Resolution 87, Pennsylvania has taken the first step toward harnessing the economic and societal advantages of wildlife corridors while safeguarding its natural heritage for future generations. Hopefully, Pennsylvania will follow in the footsteps of Virginia (source), New Jersey (source), and Florida (source) to enact plans or legislation to bolster wildlife protections through the development of additional wildlife corridors in the state of PA. It will be exciting to watch for future developments on this front.
Caitlin Alyse Baiduc, MS
Humane Action Pennsylvania, Eastern PA Coordinator
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