UNDERPASS TO PROTECT MIGRATING DEER
Source: http://gf.state.wy.us/
Published: Oct. 12, 2009
BAGGS - A new highway underpass has been installed on U.S. Highway 789 north of Baggs to assist migrating mule deer crossing the highway to winter range and to help protect motorists from colliding with big game animals.
Installation of the highway underpass is a joint project between the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT), Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI), the Wyoming Natural Resource Trust Fund and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
Green River wildlife management coordinator Mark Zornes says in addition to the new highway underpass, WYDOT has fenced some five miles of highway right-of-way, which will help reduce the number of deer killed on the highway between Dad and Baggs.
"We are losing a few hundred deer each year to vehicle mortality as a direct result of increased traffic associated with energy development in the region," said Zornes. "The vehicle traffic between the Creston Junction exit off Interstate 80 and Baggs on Highway 789 has increased and consequently large numbers of mule deer are getting killed as they migrate to winter ranges."
WYDOT has installed five miles of fencing and one 10 by 20 foot underpass and has also provided deer access to a large existing culvert around Five-Mile Point to facilitate mule deer migration.
"This project is a welcome sight to wildlife managers in the Baggs area," Zornes said. "Since this is a new project and the first deer fencing this herd has encountered, we expect a few more conflicts than experienced on a similar project in Nugget Canyon near Kemmerer last year. Fewer crossings occur in this new stretch of fence, but it is a great first effort to reduce deer-vehicle collisions."
Beginning Oct. 1, there will be a WGFD wildlife technician assigned to work this stretch of Hwy 789. The technician will be baiting mule deer to the underpass and culvert and dealing with potential deer-vehicle and fence conflicts. This effort will continue through May.
"This is a win-win situation for motorists and mule deer," Zornes said .
(Contact: Lucy Diggins (307) 875-3223)
(Contact: Lucy Diggins (307) 875-3223)
-WGFD-
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