HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania’s wildlife could soon find it easier to survive and thrive, thanks to new recommendations from a state report. The report, titled The Current Status of Conservation Connectivity in Pennsylvania, offers a comprehensive plan to preserve and reconnect habitats across the state.
A Vision for Wildlife Preservation
The report suggests utilizing forested areas and undeveloped corridors, as well as constructing road-crossing structures. These measures aim to help animals move safely between fragmented habitats. Roads, buildings, and other infrastructure currently limit their movements, endangering their lives and reducing their ability to hunt, forage, and mate.
“From the bobcat and black bear to the millions of songbirds that cross the Keystone State every year, Pennsylvania is blessed to be home to incredible native species,” said Stephanie Wein, clean water & conservation advocate at PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center. “This report lays out clear next steps our leaders in Harrisburg can take to protect our wildlife for generations to come. Now, they need to act on this commonsense plan.”
Legislative Backing
House Resolution 87, passed with bipartisan support, required the creation of this report. Sponsored by state Reps. Mary Jo Daley and Jason Ortitay, the resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study the current status, management, and benefits of conservation corridors in Pennsylvania.
“Pennsylvania is one of five states where you’re most likely to be involved in a vehicle collision with wildlife,” said Alexandra Kozak, Pennsylvania field manager for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “Establishing wildlife corridors and crossing structures at roadways, such as highway overpasses and underpasses, will help reduce collisions while improving habitat connectivity.”
Key Recommendations
The report offers several key recommendations:
- Executive Action: The Governor should form an interagency commission to work with federal and non-governmental partners. This group will identify high-priority areas for habitat reconnection and set goals for their protection.
- Legislative Measures: The General Assembly should require PennDOT to provide regular updates on wildlife crossing projects. They should also increase the funding available to the state Game Commission for land conservation. Additionally, agencies and insurance contractors in Pennsylvania should report and track animal-vehicle collisions.
Sally Sims, cofounder of Pennsylvania Habitat Connectivity, added, “By implementing LBFC’s recommended action for the Governor to convene a wildlife corridor working group, Pennsylvania can continue the important work already begun by its natural resource agencies and commissions as well as non-governmental partners to prioritize, protect, and enhance terrestrial and aquatic wildlife corridors to safeguard the Commonwealth’s natural heritage for decades to come.”
Pennsylvania’s Path to Conservation Success
The next steps involve creating and executing a statewide habitat connectivity plan. This plan aims to improve the health of animal populations by providing them with larger areas to thrive. It will also address the issue of animal-vehicle collisions, a significant problem in Pennsylvania.
As Pennsylvania moves forward with these recommendations, the state could become a model for wildlife conservation. The report’s suggestions offer a path to a more interconnected and sustainable natural landscape, benefiting both animals and humans alike.
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